Responding to the Exxon spill in Montana and other recent oil pipeline incidents, a House subcommittee discussed a new bill intended to regulate the industry and improve pipeline safety.
Reps. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) discussed how recent pipeline incidents have directly affected the people and environment in their districts.
Additional witnesses at the hearing included; Cynthia Quarterman of the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, and Randall Knepper, who represents state safety agencies.
Ms.Quarterman appeared on Capitol Hill Thursday, telling members of another House subcommittee that it might take "weeks if not months" before regulators can determine what caused the Exxon spill, but that any rule violations by the oil company would be "swiftly addressed."
A third panel of witnesses was postponed due to votes on the House floor.
The Exxon spill occurred on July 1 along the oil company's Silvertip line, which was transporting about 40,000 barrels a day prior to the leak, and runs 69 miles from Elk Basin, Wyoming to Exxon’s refinery in Billings, Montana.