"[The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration] is endangering people by refusing to act. How many more explosions are enough?" — Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA)
Pipeline safety regulations are important. Leaks and spills can pollute our drinking water, poison animals, foul our environment, and even kill people unlucky enough to be near a faulty pipeline when trouble strikes.
According to Politico:
"Last year, more than 700 pipeline failures killed 19 people, injured 97 and caused more than $300 million in damage. Two of the past five years have been the worst for combined pipeline-related deaths and injuries since 2000."
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration oversees 2.6 million miles of pipelines transporting oil, gas, and other dangerous materials. But the agency lacks staffing, resources, and the will to enforce life-saving pipeline safety regulations, according to Members of Congress and internal sources interviewed by Politico.
This agency's failures risk the lives, health, and safety of millions of people around the US. Tell President Obama to appoint an independent commission charged with reforming and restructuring the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for the public good.
Dear President Obama,
I am deeply concerned with the effectiveness of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and ask that you appoint an independent commission charged with reforming and restructuring this troubled agency. According to an investigation by Politico:
"Last year, more than 700 pipeline failures killed 19 people, injured 97 and caused more than $300 million in damage. Two of the past five years have been the worst for combined pipeline-related deaths and injuries since 2000."
Numerous reports point to a staff that is understaffed, under-resourced, and driven more by industry interests than by safety and environmental concerns.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
