Congratulations to Tom Briggs and the entire Pipeline Safety Improvement Act
working group for passage of this legislation today by the Senate, in a 98-2
cliffhanger. One troublesome amendment was seriously considered, but a
watered down version was worked out b/t Senators Corzine and Breaux. In its
stronger version, the amendment would have imposed mandatory five year
inspection standards on the industry. Our initial understanding of the
language suggests it contains flexibility needed by the industry. We will
reserve judgment until we see the language. But it appears this is a good
victory for the pipeline safety team. We still have many hurdles on the
bill, including potential for much mischief in the House. The Senate bill
contained some troubling provisions, but we wanted it passed today "as is" in
order to avoid larger problems. This goal was largely achieved.
Congratulations team!

P.S. The Senate used the opening speeches on the bill to have a rather
dogged discussion of the California energy crisis. All the usual suspects
were on the floor opining on the issue.