Statement By Reps. Dingell, Markey, and Pallone on Pipeline Safety Legislation Approved by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, along with Committee Members Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), issued the following statement regarding the unanimous passage of H.R. 3609, the "Pipeline Infrastructure Protection to Enhance Security and Safety Act," by the Committee on Energy and Commerce:

"Today’s action by the Committee on Energy and Commerce represents the first time in more than 7 years that the House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward improving pipeline safety law and increasing the protection of our families and the environment.

"H.R. 3609 is a carefully crafted compromise that passed with the unanimous bipartisan support of the Committee. This legislation represents the agreement of a wide range of parties: Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, and all stakeholders -- including industry, environmental groups, and labor unions. It is the only pipeline safety legislation currently pending in the House that all of these stakeholders agree should move forward. We urge that the House move swiftly to take up and pass our bipartisan, consensus legislation."

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[Editor’s Note] Reporters interested in obtaining additional information on the legislation should contact Courtney Johnson at 202-225-3641.