API welcomes new pipeline safety legislation
Washington, June 22, 2016 – The American Petroleum Institute welcomed new pipeline safety legislation signed into law by President Obama today. S. 2276, the PIPES Act, gives Congress and pipeline operators transparency into the regulatory process and sets timelines for feedback to operators on pipeline inspections.
“Maintaining America’s status as the world’s leading oil and natural gas producer requires energy infrastructure,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Pipelines are one of the safest, most efficient ways to transport the energy families and businesses need. This legislation supports industry’s progress toward our goal of zero incidents and gives pipeline operators regulatory certainty for the next three years.
“Pipelines not only deliver the energy Americans need but they also deliver the clean-burning natural gas that has helped drive carbon emissions to 20-year lows and provide a critical link to connect our abundant oil and natural gas resources to refineries, chemical plants, business and consumers.
“Eighty-two percent of American voters support building energy infrastructure. Policymakers should recognize that energy infrastructure is not a partisan issue; it’s a jobs and energy security issue.”
Natural gas and liquids interstate pipelines deliver 99.999 percent of product without incident, but pipeline operators recognize more can be done to ensure that the U.S. continues to have the safest, most robust pipeline network in the world. Operators continue to spend billions of dollars every year to evaluate, inspect, and maintain pipelines, and API has released several new standards geared toward continuous pipeline safety improvement.
New polling shows 82 percent of American voters support increased energy infrastructure, including strong majorities of Republicans (88 percent) Independents (88 percent) and Democrats (74 percent).
API thanked House and Senate leaders, and the White House, for approving a bill that will enhance our energy infrastructure so Americans can continue to enjoy reliable, affordable fuels.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.