A U.S. Senate committee has approved a measure that supporters say will authorize current oil pipeline regulations and improve safety and oversight.
U.S. Senate Democrat Gary Peters of Michigan, the sponsor, says the measure improves oil spill response plans to address ice cover, and requires critical reviews of pipeline age and integrity.
Peters notes it’s taken five years and nearly $1 billion to clean up the last oil spill from a pipeline break in southwest Michigan.
He says the legislation is designed to help prevent similar events.
The bill was approved Wednesday by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.