Pipeline Safety Legislation Following San Bruno Explosion Could Hit Snag
SAN BRUNO (KCBS) -- Republicans are taking control of Congress when the next session convenes in January, which could mean legislation mandating remote gas pipeline shutoff valves will be delayed or possibly doomed.
The legislation was authored by Bay Area Congresswoman Jackie Speier, who said she had been granted a hearing, but her fellow Democratic leader on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Minnesota's Jim Oberstar, was voted out of office. His replacement will be a Republican.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
Speier said she worries there will be an anti-regulatory mood in Congress, but she still strongly believes in the bill.
"I'm going to err on the side of believing the loss of life holds more sway," Speier said.
The legislation followed the explosion in September that killed eight people and leveled parts of a San Bruno neighborhood. Surprisingly, PG&E has come out in favor of Speier's bill.
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