HR1900 just passed (VERY BAD -- expedites NG pipelines!)

Some of us have expended great amounts of time/energy fighting pipeline approvals.

Despite massive participation, FERC almost always grants the permit.

Prior to the Spectra (NYC) the most intervenors in a FERC permit proceeding was 39.

The Spectra Resistance ("Occupy the Pipeline") got 500+ intervenors!

But the permit was issued.

Constitution Pipeline has 440 intervenors, with great passion and intelligence.
Will it do any good?

As if the barriers of citizen participation weren't bad enough already,

it just got worse.

HR1900 just passed he US House.
This will EXPEDITE natural gas pipeline approvals.

Even US Congresswoman Jackie Speier's (D, CA) modest amendment was voted down.

She represents San Bruno, where a pipeline explosion killed 8 people and destroyed 38 homes.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_San_Bruno_pipeline_explosion

From Congresswoman Jackie Speier:

"H.R. 1900, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act passed by the House today,
should be named Pipeline "Unsafety" Bill. State and local communities have a fundamental
stake in decisions on whether to permit a potentially dangerous natural gas pipeline project
in their densely-populated neighborhoods. Their issues must be taken into account in a
permit approval process that weighs heavily in favor of the pipeline industry. The fact the
House could not pass my common-sense amendment is just another sign of how bad this legislation is."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33uG6eDF_Uw

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/191065-house-votes-to-speed-up-natural-gas-pipeline-approvals

h/t Michael Holstrom

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May you, and all beings
be happy and free from suffering :)
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