Fourteen AGs Sent Comments to PHMSA Calling for Improved Safety Procedures for Gas Distribution Pipelines

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in submitting comments on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) proposed updates to safety regulations for gas distribution and other pipelines. In their comments, the AGs emphasized the importance of protecting communities from decades-old pipelines at risk of gas leaks and explosions—such as the explosion that occurred in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley in 2018. The comments explained how PHMSA’s proposed updates would better prepare pipeline operators, public safety officials, and the public for potential explosions or leaks. The coalition also urged the agency to adopt a system that would provide better risk evaluation and management.

• Documents: Comments
• Document Type: Comment Letters
• States: Arizona Connecticut Delaware Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota New Jersey New York Oregon Pennsylvania Vermont Washington, D.C. Wisconsin
• Agencies: Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• Issues: Clean Air & Climate Climate Environmental Justice Fossil Fuels Greenhouse Gas Emissions Oil and Gas Pipelines Public Health Public Lands & Wildlife
• Era: Biden Administration
• Action Type: Rulemaking & Other Federal Administrative Proceedings