Safeguarding our Natural Gas Pipelines

I wanted so share with you an important decision we made at the Railroad Commission this week.

During this week’s conference I proposed new mandatory stringent initiatives to enhance natural gas pipeline safety. My three-part proposal consisted of:

1. Increasing the frequency of natural gas leak inspections
2. Shortening the time utilities have to repair leaks
3. Removing and replacing “compression” couplings”

These initiatives are important preventive steps to reduce natural gas leaks and to repair them as quickly as possible when they are found. Frequent and thorough inspections are the best way to ensure Texans are safe and for gas distribution companies to make certain their infrastructure is sound and able to safely deliver natural gas to their customers.

Senator Chris Harris (R-Arlington) called our decision “a great step forward in the effort to protect Texas citizens”. Senator Kim Brimer (R-Ft. Worth) said he was encouraged by the Commission’s actions. And Texans for Public Justice said we are “doing the right thing.”

In October of 2006 and January of 2007 certain compression couplings were involved in two explosions. The Commission began investigations immediately after both incidents to determine their cause.

Texas having experienced two incidents within a six-month period a more general thorough analysis into the suitability of compression couplings was begun in March of 2007. This analysis will be completed soon.

The Railroad Commission has set the standard for pipeline safety in the U.S. for decades. In 2000 we directed Texas natural gas utilities to remove all Poly 1 pipe in their systems after finding evidence of substantial material failures.

In 2001 we adopted the first pipeline safety integrity management program in the country. Earlier in 2007 the Commission successfully urged the Texas legislature to make enhancements to our third party damage protection program.

The leading cause of Texas pipeline accidents – nearly seventy-five percent—are the result of third party damage rather than pipeline corrosion design or material failure.
 
This latest directive ensures that we continue this high threshold of safety for Texas citizens.

I would like to hear your thoughts on our decision. Please email me at Michael@WilliamsForTexas.com and let me know what you think.