Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 13, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Statement by Gov. Gary Locke on U.S. Senate's passing of pipeline safety legislation

"I was pleased by the Senate's action last week in adopting a bill to strengthen pipeline safety. While the bill does not contain every provision we originally sought, it moves us further along the road to stronger regulation and oversight of petroleum and natural gas pipelines. However, in order to translate the Senate's vote into reality, the House too must adopt a strong pipeline safety measure and the President must sign it.

"To help us avoid further tragedies like those in Bellingham last year, and in New Mexico last month, I am urging members of Washington's House delegation to press their leaders to take up and vote for stronger pipeline safety legislation. I'm encouraged by the unified position of the delegation to pass legislation before congress adjourns.

"The Senate has created for us a window of opportunity that we must seize in the interest of protecting our communities surrounding some 20,000 miles of pipeline in Washington State."

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive