Despite the objections of environmental groups, the Senate passed legislation that its supporters say will tighten pipeline safety. The measure, which was approved on Feb. 8 by a 98-0 vote, is similar to a pipeline bill the Senate passed last year. That legislation failed to pass in the House.
Driving the Senate bill were two fatal pipeline accidents, one in June 1999 in Bellingham, Wash., which killed three, and the other last August in Carlsbad, N.M., which claimed 12 lives.