Pipeline Safety: An On-The-Ground Look At Safeguarding the Public


Sissonville ntsbWASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced that the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a field hearing on “Pipeline Safety: An On-the-Ground Look at Safeguarding the Public.” This hearing will examine the state of the nation’s pipeline infrastructure in the wake of the Sissonville, W.Va. explosion and evaluate the Department of Transportation’s implementation of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (H.R. 2845), which became law last January and was largely based on legislation Rockefeller cosponsored. This forum will also provide an opportunity to review the findings of a Government Accountability Office study, expected on January 23, about the ability of transmission pipeline facility operators to respond to a hazardous liquid or gas release.

“This will be the fourth Commerce Committee hearing on the serious issue of pipeline safety in nearly three years,” said Rockefeller. “Passing comprehensive pipeline safety legislation last year was a good step, but I did push for even stronger provisions in that bill – and we must assess where implementation of that law stands, and whether future actions are needed.”

Please note the hearing will be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website.  Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to automatically begin streaming the webcast.


IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE PRESS:

Because of security restrictions at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse, all reporters must RSVP with Senator Rockefeller’s press office at 304-347-5504. No credentials will be issued, but a list will be provided to the U.S. Marshal’s Service so you may attend the hearing unimpeded. You will be allowed to bring a cell phone, laptop, camera and other equipment necessary to report, but only if you have provided your name and media affiliation beforehand.

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Majority Statement

  • Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

    Chairman
    U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Opening Remarks

Testimony

  • The Honorable Deborah Hersman

    Chairman
    National Transportation Safety Board
  • The Honorable Cynthia Quarterman

    Administrator
    Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
    Download Testimony (101.47 KB)
  • Ms. Susan Fleming

    Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues
    United States Government Accountability Office
    Download Testimony (226.68 KB)
  • Mr. Jimmy Staton

    Executive Vice President and Group CEO
    NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage
  • Mr. Rick Kessler

    President of the Board
    The Pipeline Safety Trust
    Download Testimony (228.72 KB)