Congress Clears Pipeline Safety Bills, With New Construction Notification
As Congress heads for adjournment, the House and Senate have approved legislation aimed at tightening safety of pipelines, including new accident-notification requirements for construction firms that damage underground pipelines.
Pipeline safety was thrust into the spotlight earlier this year after one BP Alaska distribution pipeline had a 200,000-gallon spill and another had leaks and corrosion.
The Senate passed the measure Dec. 7, a day after the House approved it. The bill now goes to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign it.