San Bruno Explosion Shows Need for Stricter Pipeline Laws

September 22, 2010

San Bruno explosion victims are busy trying to get their lives back in order so they may begin the healing process. Meanwhile, lawmakers, industry leaders and federal officials are discussing what changes need to be made to laws governing gas pipelines. Legislators are trying to answer the calls for stricter regulations, as more California families fear a similar tragedy could await them.

The San Bruno pipeline explosion comes in a year where British Petroleum's oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, exploded - killing 11 people and creating an unprecedented ecological disaster. Earlier this month, an oil rig off the coast of Louisiana exploded, but luckily everyone aboard escaped death. While these accidents demonstrate a need for stricter regulations in offshore drilling, most people didn't know that grounded pipelines also present a deadly danger until San Bruno's explosion occurred.

The horrific event in San Bruno brought national attention to other oil leaks, as well. Enbridge Inc.'s pipeline ruptured in early July, sending as much as 1 million gallons of oil into Michigan's Kalamazoo River. Enbridge discovered another leak in September, this time in Romeoville, Illinois.

The Newly Proposed Pipeline Laws

In the wake of these alarming episodes, it is clear that we need tougher regulations for America's pipelines. A tougher regulatory system is crucial as America's pipelines age. Experts state that the life of a steel pipe is approximately 50 years; thousands of pipelines throughout the country are older than that. The San Bruno pipeline was in that category.

President Obama has proposed legislation to begin addressing the problem. The bill, named the "Strengthening Pipeline Safety and Enforcement Act of 2010," seeks to increase public safety through a variety of ways:
- Increasing the potential fine for violators to $2.5 million, currently at $1 million
- Employing 40 additional pipeline inspectors
- Permitting the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to study the nation's pipelines, especially those that are not currently under close regulation
- Determining whether it is appropriate to enforce the nation's strictest pipeline safety protocol for all American pipelines, not just those near urban areas or bodies of water

Congresswoman Jackie Speier, who represents the Bay Area, has also been busy writing bills to tackle the problem. She wants automatic shutoff valves to be mandatory for pipelines in heavily-populated areas. Lawmakers on the state level are busy proposing similar laws, as well.

Sadly, the San Bruno incident may not end up being an isolated incident. The nation's pipelines are rapidly deteriorating and new legislation takes precious time to implement. Even when new laws are in place they may fall short of their goal.

George W. Bush signed the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, after pipelines exploded in New Mexico and Washington. The act was never able to achieve its vision because of a lack of resources. Here we are eight years later, with the same risk still threatening our families. Fortunately, we aren't completely powerless against the problem -there are several important actions Americans can take.

What Can Citizens Do?

Anyone who smells natural gas should immediately contact the gas company. If multiple households detect the odor, then each should call. Take the smell seriously, as a threat, and demand that the company send someone to investigate immediately. It's better to be safe than sorry; if you feel your family is at risk, then leave the area.

Americans should also demand action by elected officials. Ensure that your state representative, congressperson, or local official is taking action to make your area's pipelines safer and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do the same.

The last thing people can do is hold the responsible people accountable. We place a lot of faith in gas companies such as Pacific Gas & Electric. If they don't responsibly maintain their pipelines, then we suffer from their negligence. If your land has been contaminated by oil, or a tragic rupture destroys your property, you need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A reputable lawyer will vigorously work to hold culpable parties responsible for your losses so that you can focus on getting your life back in order.

Article provided by Galine, Frye & Fitting
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