Rep. Segal offered the following concurrent resolution:

House Concurrent Resolution No. 59. 

            A concurrent resolution to urge the Governor to formulate a comprehensive plan for improved pipeline oversight in Michigan.

            Whereas, The rupture of Enbridge Line 6B, which occurred on July 25, 2010 in Marshall, Michigan, was the single most expensive on-shore oil spill in the history of the United States. The rupture spilled over 840,000 gallons of heavy crude oil into a creek that feeds the Kalamazoo River. The spill affected wetlands, farmlands, residential areas, and businesses. Hundreds of people suffered adverse health effects from toxic compounds in the oil. Cleanup costs are estimated at $800 million and counting; and

            Whereas, After investigating the incident, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the rupture occurred because of pervasive organizational failures by Enbridge and weak government oversight. According to the NTSB, there was a complete breakdown of safety at Enbridge as the company’s employees failed to recognize that the pipeline had ruptured and was pumping crude oil into the environment for more than 17 hours; and

Whereas, The Enbridge Line 6B is just one of many pipelines in Michigan. According to the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 3,128 miles of hazardous liquid pipelines crisscross Michigan. These pipelines traverse many environmentally sensitive and ecologically important areas. Enbridge pipelines even lie beneath the Straits of Mackinac; and

            Whereas, The PHMSA is responsible for ensuring that petroleum pipelines in Michigan and elsewhere are safe, reliable, and environmentally sound. Currently, PHMSA has 113 federal inspectors providing oversight to more than 2 million miles of pipelines across the country. There are no PHMSA inspectors based in Michigan and only a handful in the Great Lakes region; and

            Whereas, Michigan must work with PHMSA to ensure pipeline safety and protect our natural resources. Pipelines traversing Michigan should be constructed and maintained to the highest level to protect the precious natural resources through which they pass. Michigan should have its own pipeline inspectors who can monitor pipeline companies and who have the authority to intervene as appropriate; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we urge the Governor to formulate a plan for improved pipeline oversight in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.