ATLANTA (Sept. 15, 2010) – State Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) formally requested Wednesday that the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) conduct a comprehensive safety study of the state’s gas pipeline infrastructure. In an official letter to Commissioner Chuck Eaton, Fort urged the PSC to undertake the study in the wake of last week’s tragic explosion of a gas pipeline in San Bruno, CA.
Fort’s letter to Commissioner Eaton reads in part:
“I urge you to initiate a safety study of natural gas pipelines in Georgia as soon as possible. The study should involve the types of pipelines installed, the age of pipelines, and the need to replace pipelines as is occurring in other states, among other things.
The recent explosion of a gas pipeline in San Bruno, California illustrates how dangerous these pipelines are. Since 1990, more than 2,800 gas pipeline accidents have been reported with over a third causing death. As you know, the issue of natural gas pipeline safety has become critical in my district since Georgia Power is placing a 36 inch natural gas pipeline in the heart of many neighborhoods. It is important that we determine the safety of pipelines in order to protect the citizens of Georgia.”
Read Sen. Fort’s letter to Georgia PSC Commissioner Chuck Eaton
Sen. Vincent Fort represents the 39th Senate District which includes a portion of Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at the Capitol at 404.656.5091, by cell phone at 404.287.7116.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
September 15, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028