There has been an increase in natural gas pipeline explosions in recent years across the US. For example, a 2010 explosion in San Bruno, California, killed eight people. In response to the problem, the U.S. Department of Transportation has expanded federal safety standards for pipelines, reports The Rural Blog.
The new proposal would apply to gas lines in moderately populated areas. In the past, pipeline safety regulations only pertained to natural gas systems in densely populated regions. The new regulations will also now apply to pipelines made before 1970, many of which were previously exempt.
Rep. Jackie Speier, whose district includes the site of the 2010 explosion, said she’s pleased with the new rules. But she added that she’ll “continue pushing for the shut-off and leak detection standards” that were left out of the new regulations. Authorities insist these concerns are being addressed.