U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 http://www.dot.gov/briefingroom |
PHMSA 04-20 February 26, 2020 Contact: Ben Kochman Tel: 202-366-4831 |
PHMSA, TSA Announce Updated Pipeline Security Agreement
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today executed an updated annex to the 2004 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which defines the agencies’ respective authorities and responsibilities regarding pipeline safety and security.
“This action will improve the safety and security of our nation’s energy infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The updated annex provides for interagency information-sharing regarding incidents, security threats, and the inspection of pipeline infrastructure that crosses the U.S.-Canadian border. The annex facilitates strategic planning for natural and man-made disasters and memorializes best practices for interagency engagement.
“The revised annex to the MOU between PHMSA and TSA will enhance our agencies’ ability to coordinate efforts to advance the security and safety of pipelines, including sharing information on security incidents,” said PHMSA Administrator Skip Elliott. “We have committed to reviewing it at least once every five years to ensure that our safety efforts remain effective.”
The revised annex also satisfies two 2019 Government Accountability Office recommendations to review and update the 2006 annex.
Download Pipeline Security Agreement