Yesterday, Charles Dippo, vice president of South Jersey Gas and chairman of the American Gas Association (AGA) Operating Section, testified on behalf of AGA in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Power at a hearing focused on the pipeline safety oversight proposed in the Senate’s Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011, S. 275.

In short, the bill prescribes or revises requirements for safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation.

Dippo was joined by industry experts: Andrew Black, from the American Petroleum Institute (API), Christopher Helms of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), Carl Weimer of the Pipeline Safety Trust, and Anthony Swift of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Also testifying was the Honorable Cynthia Quarterman, Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

In Dippo’s written testimony he emphasized AGA and the industry’s continued dedication to upholding and advancing safety standards. He noted that this commitment is exemplified by the recent principles adopted by the AGA Board of Directors for responsible natural gas resource development. Dippo explained that these principles “address a foundation for the sustainable and responsible development of all natural gas resources in our country and underscore the commitment of local natural gas utilities to the communities they serve.” AGA is committed to safe practices throughout the entire lifecycle of the natural gas industry—from wellhead to burner tip.

All members of Congress in attendance acknowledged the importance of continued focus on pipeline safety and all expressed strong support for the bill—it’s encouraging to know that Congress supports the industry’s commitment to safety. We look forward to continued work with Congress to

The natural gas industry delivers natural gas through 2.4 million miles of transmission and distribution pipelines, which provides service to more than 175 million Americans every day, and AGA looks forward to continued work with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the continued advancement of the safe and reliable delivery of this foundation fuel.

Follow these links to read Dippo’s full testimony and AGA’s press release.

Unprecedented Support from Congress for LIHEAP Funding

Last week, the American Gas Association (AGA) sent an open letter of appeal to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to continue funding the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at $5.1 Billion in Fiscal Year 2012.

The resounding bipartisan support from the halls of Congress was incredibly strong, demonstrating how critical this program really is. There were a grand total of 614 people who signed onto the letter, and we are sure you will agree, this support is both impressive and encouraging.

So, why is this support so critical?

LIHEAP is an efficient and highly effective program that delivers critical short-term seasonal aid to our most vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly, many of whom are on fixed incomes.  These payments serve as “bridges,” making it possible to avoid shutoffs so that these households do not have to make the difficult choice between paying for their home energy bills or food, medicine and other necessities.

The increased demand for LIHEAP assistance across the country is undeniable.  In 2008, 33.8 million households met LIHEAP’s strict eligibility requirements. Yet, there was only enough money in the program to serve 5.7 million households.  Since then, rising unemployment has driven record numbers of Americans, many for the first time, to seek help from this program. 

In addition, energy prices have increased substantially in recent years and are projected to remain high in many parts of the country. For example, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirms that the average cost of heating with heating oil jumped 59 percent from $1,337 to $2,124 this winter.

These increases, along with the doubling of gasoline prices in the last two years and the increase in poverty rates have placed incredible pressures on at-risk Americans. LIHEAP is not an entitlement.  It can only provide assistance if Congress appropriates these vital funds, which are very urgently needed.

This is why AGA is so pleased to inform you about the recent show of support and we hope to see it continue as we head in to the hot summer months.