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senator ratty rviurray - r ipeime sarety rage z or ,s Transportation to allow them to inspect interstate pipelines. This bill would allow those agreements to also grant states the power to "participate in special investigations involving incidents or new construction" and to "assume additional inspection or investigatory duties." Invests in New Technology to Improve Pipeline Safety- • The bill recognizes the need for Research and Development for new inspection devices and practices. • Authorizes a coordinated research program to develop materials and inspection techniques and authorizes the expenditure of up $3 million a year for such purposes. • Requires the Secretary of Transportation to set -up a Pipeline Integrity Technical Advisory Conunittee. The Committee will have an ongoing role in evaluating the progress and results of the research, development, and demonstration of a five -year program to improve pipeline integrity. Provides Whistleblower Protection- • The bill provides protections for those who "blow the whistle" on unsafe practices. Requires the Office of Pipeline Safety to Make Long- Needed Improvements- • At Senator Murray's request, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation issued a report outlining problems with the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and recommending changes. This bill will require OPS to implement those recommendations. In addition, the bill requires OPS to respond to recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board. Increases Funding to Improve Pipeline Safety- • The bill increases funding for the Office of Pipeline Safety by $13 million a year more than its current budget. Recognizes State Citizen Advisory Committees- • The bill allows states to create citizen advisory committees. These committees would make recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation. The Secretary will be required to respond to those recommendations in writing and to detail what actions, if any, will be taken to implement those recommendations. Click Here To Return to Main Pipeline Safety Page Home I About Patty Murray I Committee Assignments Legislative Information' Visiting Washington State I Constituent Concierge Visiting Washington. DC Internships I Commitment to Children http://ww-w.senate.govkmurra-y/2438summary.html 8/22/02