AGC SCORES BIG VICTORIES ON KEY POLICY ISSUES

Just prior to adjournment, Congress passed pipeline safety reauthorization.  AGC was very pleased with how this bill turned out as well as getting it completed this Congress.  Every issue AGC had with the administration version was dealt with successfully.  A great deal of effort went into this bill.  AGC worked with industry, three committees in Congress and the US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to ensure that an equitable reauthorization was reached.  It is anticipated that the president will sign HR 5782 into law.  

Washington , D.C. —The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) today applauded Congress for passing long–awaited pipeline safety reauthorization legislation. AGC played a central role in securing provisions establishing equitable enforcement of damage prevention laws for all stakeholders in the one-call process as well as funding for critical technology and awareness programs.

“AGC is pleased by the equitable approach taken by Congress,” said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr.  “H.R. 5782 offers support to critical programs to improve worker and public safety as well as system reliability.  It also recognizes the responsibilities of all parties to the one-call process, a viewpoint shared not only by AGC but also by our coalition partners in the Common Ground Alliance.”

Key policy victories:

• Achieved enforcement language provisions recognizing the shared responsibility inherent in the one-call process under which facility owners and locating personnel are held accountable to the same standard that excavators have historically been held accountable.
• Elimination of Criminal Penalties from the language for more appropriate Civil Penalties.
• Inclusion of AGC-supported “Nine Points of a Successful One-Call Program” as the measure for an effective statewide system.
• Funding for technology grants to improve locating technology and to make newly installed facilities more locatable.
• Funding to continue the AGC-sponsored Common Ground Alliance, a coalition of one-call stakeholders dedicated to enhancing worker and public safety as well as damage prevention.
• A one time $1 million dollar allotment for a public awareness program for “811”, a three-digit one-call number which will work nationwide and go on line in April 2007.

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