LaHood proposes increased fines for pipeline safety violations

Here's The Hill's Keith Laing:

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is calling on Congress to increase fines for pipeline safety violations in the wake of a February explosion in Allentown, Pa., that left five people dead.

After touring the site of the accident, LaHood announced the Obama administration would push for a $150,000 increase in the per day fines for safety violations, up from the present $100,000 penalty. The fines for repeat offenders would rise from $1 million to $2.5 million, LaHood said Monday.

"Americans deserve regulations with some real teeth to ensure that safety is everyone’s top priority," LaHood wrote on his "Fast Lane" blog on the Department of Transportation's website.

"We have a remarkable network of pipelines in this country, performing extraordinary work carrying energy to homes and businesses," he said. "And we must take steps to ensure we can rely on them to carry their loads safely. The American people are counting on it."

President Obama’s 2012 budget request includes $221 million for pipeline safety programs.

LaHood was joined on his visit to Allentown Monday by DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety administrator Cynthia Quarterman; Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.); Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski; and the city’s fire chief, Robert Scheier.