137 Interstate Pipeline Fires/Explosions Since 2010 - In 90% Of Cases There Wasn't Even A Fine

A striking report has revealed that 90 percent of the 137 interstate pipeline fires or explosions since 2010 have drawn no financial penalties for the companies responsible.

The article from E&E News reporter Mike Soraghan underscores the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) weak authority over the fossil fuel industry for these disasters.

The government levied a mere $5.4 million in fines for the 13 pipeline explosion and fire cases in the last eight years, the analysis found. “That's less than one day of profits for one major pipeline company, TransCanada. It's $2 million less than what [TransCanada CEO Russ Girling] made last year,” Soraghan explained in a tweet.

Link to tweet

One of the country's largest natural gas pipeline accidents—the 2010 San Bruno, California pipeline explosion that resulted in eight deaths—fell under state jurisdiction rather than PHMSA. California authorities imposed a record $1.6 billion fine against Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).

EDIT

https://www.desmogblog.com/2018/11/17/report-phmsa-90-pipeline-blasts-draw-no-financial-penalties