Senator Boxer: Senate Hearing on Pipeline Safety   

Tuesday, October 18, 2011  

Dear Friend:

Today I helped lead a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing on the need to strengthen pipeline safety after last year’s San Bruno natural gas pipeline explosion, which killed eight people, injured 52 others, destroyed 38 homes and damaged another 70 homes.

To read my opening statement from today’s hearing, please click here. To watch video of the hearing, click here.

Sadly, the tragedy in San Bruno was entirely preventable. And although the San Bruno accident was particularly severe, it was not at all unusual.  According to the Department of Transportation, there have been an average of 42 serious gas pipeline incidents per year over the past decade, resulting in an average of 14 deaths, 16 injuries, and over $32 million in property damage each year.

We should honor all those who have lost their lives or were injured in these pipeline incidents by strengthening safety rules so we can protect other communities from suffering similar tragedies.

Sincerely,