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From: Carl Weimer <carlw@...>
Subject: Pipeline Policy from the National Governor's Association

Thought people might be interested in this new policy passed by the
National Governor's Association at their national meeting held in late
February. I believe we have Washington's Governor Locke to thank for this.

Carl



Improved Pipeline Safety

New Policy. Urges Congress to amend federal laws relating to natural gas
pipeline safety, authorizing states to establish safety standards for
interstate pipelines that do not conflict with, but may exceed, federal
standards. Asks Congress to direct the U.S. Department of Transportation's
Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) strengthen its rules on pipeline operation,
maintenance, and public reporting of spills and leaks as well as to reverse
its policy of declining to grant any additional states "agent" status for
interstate pipelines. Calls for increased funding for OPS to work in
partnership with states and for technology research and development.