A growing network of pipelines faces scrutiny as inadequate regulatory oversight leaves safety in the hands of companies, risking both public and environmental safety.
Mike Soraghan reports for Politico.
In short:
- Despite inspectors flagging unstable construction conditions, the Revolution ethane pipeline continued until a landslide caused an explosion in Pennsylvania in 2018.
- Federal oversight agencies rely heavily on company-funded private inspectors, whose warnings are often disregarded or downplayed.
- Expansion in oil, gas, and carbon dioxide pipelines continues with insufficient regulatory resources to ensure proper safety standards.
Key quote:
"No industry is going to police itself very well. We need an independent regulator to be the one that does that."
— Bill Caram, executive director of the Pipeline Safety Trust
Why this matters:
The pipeline industry's self-regulation risks health and environmental safety, as insufficient oversight can lead to explosions, leaks, and toxic emissions. Read more: How Native tribes, hell-raisers and lawyers have combined to battle pipeline projects.
