WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller today said witnesses appearing before his upcoming Commerce Committee Field Hearing will provide important information on the state of pipeline safety in the United States.

Sue Bonham, a resident of Sissonville, West Virginia whose home was damaged during a natural gas transmission pipeline explosion in December, will open testimony. She’ll be followed by five witnesses that include:  

• The Honorable Deborah Hersman, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) 

• The Honorable Cynthia Quarterman, Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) 

• Ms. Susan Fleming, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, United States Government Accountability Office

• Mr. Jimmy Staton, Executive Vice President and Group CEO, NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage 

• Mr. Rick Kessler, President of the Board, The Pipeline Safety Trust

“I’m looking forward to hearing from all of our witnesses next week,” Rockefeller said. “Our policy decisions and industry practices should always be driven by the real life implications of our work. One witness, Sue Bonham of Sissonville, will share her personal experiences that underscore the importance for all of us to continue our efforts to work toward improved safety across the board.”

Who/What:               With the backdrop of a December 11 transmission pipeline explosion in Sissonville, Senator Jay Rockefeller is convening a field hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to review the current status of pipeline safety in the United States. Rockefeller, who chairs the Committee, will look at the Department of Transportation’s implementation of the Pipeline Safety,
Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011, which became law last January and was largely based on legislation Rockefeller cosponsored. This forum will also provide an opportunity to review the findings, expected on January 23, of a Government Accountability Office study about the ability of transmission pipeline facility operators to respond to a hazardous liquid or gas release. Full witness list is forthcoming.

When:                         Monday, January 28, 12:00 p.m.

Where:                       The Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse
                                  300 Virginia Street East
                                  Charleston, WV

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE PRESS:

Because of security restrictions at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse, all reporters must RSVP with Senator Rockefeller’s press office. No credentials will be issued, but a list will be provided to the U.S. Marshal’s Service so you may attend the hearing unimpeded. You will be allowed to bring a cell phone, laptop, camera and other equipment necessary to report, but only if you have provided your name and media affiliation beforehand.