Dated yesterday...
For Immediate Release Contact: Megan Sweeney
March 7, 2011 (202) 225- 6511
House Subcommittee Holds Pipeline Safety Roundtable
WASHINGTON– This morning, the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, including Representative Lou Barletta, held a public roundtable discussion on pipeline safety issues in King of Prussia.
Representative Barletta, Subcommittee Chairman Bill Shuster and Subcommittee Member Pat Meehan were joined at the meeting by their fellow members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation including Representatives Jim Gerlach and Charlie Dent. The group heard from a wide array of federal, state and local elected officials and stakeholders in the pipeline community in order to gather input on pipeline safety concerns in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
"Today's discussion serves as the beginning of an important dialogue on the ways to improve pipeline safety in our Commonwealth and our country," Barletta said. "As Pennsylvania strives to become a leader in energy production, we have a responsibility to step up to the plate and find ways to improve our pipeline infrastructure while keeping our communities safe."
“It is important for us as elected representatives and policy makers to get an on-the-ground assessment of the important issues that affect communities and businesses where pipelines are concerned,” Shuster said. “There is a limit on what you can accomplish at a distance from Washington, DC and I was pleased to hear from such a diverse set of participants at today’s roundtable.”
“Pipelines are critical to Pennsylvania’s economy,” Shuster continued. “Our state has a tremendous opportunity to develop the Marcellus Shale, create jobs and transform our economy. This cannot happen without pipelines that bring gas to markets in our region and we must make sure our network infrastructure is safe and up to the task.”
“The safety of the approximately 700 miles of pipeline that snake throughout Chester County is critical to providing communities with peace of mind and helping meet our nation’s demand for home-grown energy,” Congressman Gerlach said. “I want to thank Chairman Shuster for engaging stakeholders in a discussion about reasonable approaches to addressing issues surrounding the safety and security of a vital part of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”
“In light of last month’s deadly natural gas explosion in Allentown, which claimed the lives of five of my constituents, I was particularly interested in learning more about the aging pipelines located in Pennsylvania’s cities,” Congressman Dent said. “Much of the pipeline infrastructure in Allentown consists of cast iron pipelines. If aging cast iron systems expose communities to greater safety risks, it is important that federal, state and local authorities work together to facilitate thorough inspections of older pipes and replace those found to be deteriorating.”
“I appreciate this opportunity to join my colleagues for a productive discussion about addressing the need to secure Pennsylvania’s pipelines,” said Congressman Meehan. “Today we focused on finding real solutions, getting answers, ensuring accountability, and determining the best way to move forward. While pipeline accidents have seen a decline over the past decade, recent tragic events in Allentown and Philadelphia highlight the need for continued federal cooperation. I look forward to working with Chairman Shuster and other members of the subcommittee on addressing this important issue.”
###
And today...
For Immediate Release Contact: Megan Sweeney
March 8, 2011 (202) 225-6511
Barletta Announces ‘From Home to House’ Telephone Town Hall Meeting
WASHINGTON – Representative Lou Barletta announced that he will be conducting a ‘From Home to House’ telephone town hall meeting this Thursday, March 10th beginning at 7:00 p.m.
“The best way for me to represent my constituents is to listen to their thoughts and concerns as often as possible,” Barletta said. “Thursday’s telephone town hall will allow my constituents to provide me with critical feedback, all without having to leave the comfort of their homes. I hope that everyone will join me for this Thursday night’s telephone town hall as we work to improve our District and our country.”
Operating in a fashion similar to a large conference call, the ‘From Home to House’ telephone town hall meeting will begin with a short introductory statement from Representative Barletta, followed by questions from constituents.
While some residents in the 11th Congressional District may receive automated phone calls inviting them to join in the conversation, any resident of the 11th Congressional District is welcome to join the call by dialing 1-877-229-8493 and entering the PIN number 17728.
Additional ‘From Home to House’ telephone town hall meetings will be announced at a later date.
###
http://barletta.house.gov/press-release/barletta-announces-%E2%80%98-home-house%E2%80%99-telephone-town-hall-meeting
Two more hopefuls for the Wilkes-Barre City Council scrum, both in voting District A:
Joe Bernardo (R)
Don Winder (D)
Later
No comments:
Post a Comment