House approves bill to fast track natural gas pipelines. Shortcuts in reviewing pipeline applications in an ominous sign. All major disasters have occurred because of shortcuts and lack of proper, independent oversight
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 3:54
WASHINGTON (AP) —
The Republican-controlled House has easily passed a bill designed to
expedite the approval of natural gas pipelines.
The House on Wednesday cleared legislation setting a one-year deadline for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve new applications to build gas pipelines.
The 253-169 House vote comes as the Senate
continues debate on a bill to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline. The
House has already passed a bill to approve that pipeline's construction.
Republicans say the gas pipeline bill was needed to ensure that the gas being produced gets to market.
Democrats say the bill short-circuits a well-established process. A federal report issued in February 2013 found that on average it took less than a year to a year-and-a-half for pipelines to get approved.
The House on Wednesday cleared legislation setting a one-year deadline for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve new applications to build gas pipelines.
Republicans say the gas pipeline bill was needed to ensure that the gas being produced gets to market.
Democrats say the bill short-circuits a well-established process. A federal report issued in February 2013 found that on average it took less than a year to a year-and-a-half for pipelines to get approved.