Oklahoma urges Congress to increase PHMSA pipeline safety funding

(UI) — The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) is urging Congress to fully fund federal grants that support state pipeline safety programs as lawmakers consider appropriations for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and reauthorization of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act.

In a letter to leaders of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the commission called for increased funding that would allow PHMSA to reimburse state pipeline safety programs for up to approximately 78.5% of eligible costs, as authorized under federal law.

The OCC also asked Congress to preserve provisions that prevent pipeline safety grants from being tied to responsibilities outside a state's pipeline safety authority.

"State pipeline safety programs are the backbone of the nation's pipeline safety system," said OCC Chairman Kim David. "As Congress continues to expand the responsibilities placed on state programs, it is essential that federal funding keeps pace so states have the resources necessary to protect the public."

The OCC's Pipeline Safety Department administers Oklahoma's intrastate pipeline safety program under PHMSA certification. According to the commission, the department oversees more than 258 intrastate gathering, transmission, underground natural gas storage and distribution operators, along with 33 intrastate hazardous liquid operators, covering more than 64,600 miles of pipeline statewide.

The commission said continued federal support is critical to maintaining inspections, regulatory oversight, enforcement and emergency response activities that help protect public safety and pipeline infrastructure.

Related News

From Archive

• Most Read
• Most Commented