BILLINGS — A U.S. Senate committee is holding a field hearing on pipeline safety following spills that fouled a Montana river and the coast of Southern California.
Senators are examining whether the government has enough safety inspectors to manage a boom in U.S. energy production that’s led to a rise in oil pipeline accidents after years of declines.
More than 30,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Yellowstone River in January from a Bridger Pipeline Co. line near Glendive, Montana, shutting down the city’s water supply.
In May, a corroded pipeline owned by Plains All American ruptured and released at least 101,000 gallons of crude along the scenic coastline of Santa Barbara, California.
Both accidents remain under investigation.
Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines requested Friday’s hearing in Billings.