New pipelines spotlight flawed safety oversight

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.