January 11, 2017

Representatives David Trott (R-MI-11), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12), and Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) introduced the “Preserve Our Lakes and Keep Our Environment Safe Act” (H.R. 458) on January 11. This bill calls on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a study assessing potential economic and environmental risks of spills or oil leaks from pipelines in the Great Lakes within a year of the bill’s passage.  The study will consist of an environmental impact statement, a description of potential spill impacts, and an assessment of possible spill responses.

In addition to assessing spill risks, the bill requires the DOT to assess the condition and integrity of current pipelines in the Great Lakes region within one year of its issuance.  The bill calls for the closure of any infrastructure this study identifies as a significant risk.

The act is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: Congress.gov, House.gov