Federal Rulemakers Consider Tougher Pipeline Regulations
Recently, it seems like broken oil and natural gas pipelines are everywhere. Explosions of natural gas pipelines left neighborhoods decimated and their inhabitants nursing severe injuries in California and Pennsylvania. Broken oil pipelines have sent thousands of gallons of crude into rivers in Montana and Michigan, causing injuries from hazardous chemical exposure and lung damage from inhalation.
In the wake of these disasters, Congressional members from both parties have banded together to set stricter rules for pipeline use and maintenance. Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have said they will work together to decrease pipeline risks and create ways for injured workers and community members to seek compensation.
One new bill, introduced by Michigan representatives John Dingell (D) and Fred Upton (R), would require oil and gas companies to replace aging cast-iron pipes with stronger materials, use special care when running a pipeline near or under a body of water, and use up-to-date technology to detect leaks or weak spots that might result in leaks. Some oil and gas company representatives, however, are opposing the bill, saying that it would be too complicated and costly to update aging pipelines or monitor entire networks for possible leaks.
Oil and gas lines that aren’t maintained properly may break, causing leaks or explosions that can result in serious personal injury or even death. Severe burns may be caused by an explosion, and lung and other organ damage may be caused by exposure to toxic fumes from oil or gas, or from other materials burned after a pipeline leak ignites.
If you’ve been injured in a chemical spill or leak, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Missouri chemical inhalation attorneys at Page Law. We will help you hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. For a free consultation, call Page Law at 314-322-8515 today.
