Comment from Physicians for Social Responsibility

Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0046 As Environment & Health Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility, I am writing to voice my organization's call for better regulation of gas distribution pipelines. Gas remains an important fuel in our homes and economy, but it is a potent greenhouse gas, its extraction causes significant health and environmental risks, and its combustion in homes and other buildings contributes to indoor air pollution and can increase explosion risks. Hopefully our nation will transition off of gas and all fossil fuels in the coming years. While we still use them, we must make their handling, including their transport, as safe as possible. To that end, I request that your rule do the following: Update emergency response plans to increase readiness to respond to pipeline accidents. In so doing, involve first responders, local hospital systems, pipeline operators, and relevant local, state and federal government entities in voicing their needs and offering suggestions for maximizing pipeline safety. Require that pipeline operators be made responsible for improved record keeping, risk management, and pipeline maintenance. Continue to adhere to Justice40 so as to protect people in low-income communities and communities of color, who are more likely to live in close proximity to pipelines. As you finalize the rule, please keep public health and safety paramount. Thank you for proposing this rule and for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Barbara Gottlieb