Opening Statement for Congressman Michael C. Burgess

April 27, 2006

Pipeline Safety Hearing

Thank you, Mr. Chairman for holding this important hearing.

When our constituents think of the movement of products and goods across the country -- most of them think about large trucks on the highway carrying everything from ice cream to new cars.

Some think of the railroads and others think about the barges that traverse the Mississippi. But few think of the interstate transmission pipelines that transport huge volumes of crude oil, refined products including gasoline and natural gas; until something goes wrong.

In 2000, three people died in a natural gas distribution pipeline explosion in Garland, Texas, which is just east of my congressional district.

Although this particular pipeline does not fall under federal jurisdiction, it shows just how high the stakes can be and why it is so critical that we have a robust federal pipeline safety program.

Fortunately, these types of accidents do not occur frequently. Oil pipelines reported an average of 1.4 deaths per year from 2000 to 2004; gas pipelines reported an average of 17.0 deaths per year during the same period.

Congress last updated the federal pipeline safety law in 2002. Among other things, the bill required operators of regulated gas pipelines in densely populated areas to conduct risk analysis and periodic inspections, and to strengthen public education regarding pipeline safety.

One of the best ways that we can reduce the risk of harm to the general public is through education. The Danielle Dawn Smalley Foundation, in Chairman Hall's district, is a non-profit organization that conducts these types of education programs for the general public as well as for first responders, including the City of Fort Worth Fire Department which will participate in the program later this year.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, while the risk of harm from a pipeline accident is far less than driving on I-35 West, we should always strive to do better.

I am looking forward to hearing from our witnesses today about how they view the changes made in 2002 as well as their suggestions for us as we move forward with reauthorization during the 109th Congress.