18 December 2023
Pipeline expansion outpaces US safety agency’s capacity
Rapid growth in the pipeline industry has outstripped the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's ability to ensure system safety.
Jacob Fischler reports for West Virginia Watch
In short:
- The U.S. has seen significant growth in pipeline miles for natural gas and oil, but safety oversight hasn't kept pace.
- Funding for the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration hasn't increased despite the expanded network.
- The need for more safety inspectors is urgent as pipeline expansion continues.
Key quote:
“PHMSA’s oversight responsibilities continue to grow, both in terms of the types of facilities we regulate, as well as the number of facilities we regulate,”
— Tristan Brown, PHMSA Deputy Administrator.
Why this matters:
Pipeline safety directly impacts public health and environmental integrity. The lag in regulatory oversight amidst rapid pipeline expansion poses significant risks to communities and ecosystems. Regulatory inconsistency can lead to public health catastrophes.
