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Barrientos urges Secretary Mineta to slow down Longhorn Pipeline
Says company's financial troubles jeopardize spill response plan
September 5, 2002
State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos (D-Austin) headlines a delegation of Central Texas legislators requesting that U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta not approve the spill response plan submitted by Longhorn Partners Pipeline. The plan must be approved before Longhorn can begin operations. Barrientos is joined in this request by state representatives Robby Cook (D- Eagle Lake), Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin), Ann Kitchen (D-Austin), Glen Maxey (D-Austin), and Elliot Naishtat (D-Austin).
Recent reports about the financial instability of major partners in the project have legislators concerned about Longhorn's true ability to adequately protect the public and the natural environment from the hazards associated with pumping jet fuel and gasoline through a 50-year old pipeline traveling through residential neighborhoods and over drinking water supplies. Williams Companies, the largest partner in the project, is believed to be at imminent risk of bankruptcy.
"How can we be sure Longhorn can meet its public safety obligations?" asked Senator Barrientos. "How do we know Longhorn's tenuous financial condition won't lead them to cut corners, or to abandon the pipeline after a catastrophic accident, leaving the bill for any clean-up with taxpayers? We need to see real proof of Longhorn Partners' long-term viability before they start pumping.
"This is about the safety of our children and our environment. And when it comes to protecting our children and our environment we will continue to demand that the highest safety standards are met," concluded Barrientos.
Click here to read the letter.
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