Washington, D.C. - Today Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) praised the Energy and Commerce Committee for moving forward with pipeline safety and looks forward to making necessary improvements so that the U.S. House of Representatives can vote on a strong pipeline safety bill this year.

“Today’s bill has a number of improvements but falls short when it comes to meeting other needs for Washington state,” Larsen said.  “I am hopeful that we can take the best from both bills so we can send a strong pipeline safety bill to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.” 

Larsen explained, “I am pleased to note that today’s bill increases fines; improves operator qualification standards; provides better protection for the environment; and authorizes more funding for pipeline safety.  Unfortunately, it does not include a community right to know provision and it does not ensure state authority.”

“The U.S. House has sat on this issue for far too long.  We must move forward.  I am confident that we are doing just that,” Larsen added.

Larsen sits on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees the Office of Pipeline Safety.