Senator Stabenow Applauds Nomination of Pipeline Safety Administrator

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) applauded the Obama Administration's nomination of Marie Therese Dominguez to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Senator Stabenow (D-MI), along with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), urged the Obama Administration last week to nominate a permanent administrator to lead this agency, which is critical to preventing oil pipeline spills and accidents that harm Michigan communities.

"Today's announcement of Marie Therese Dominguez to be nominated as the chief pipeline safety enforcer is an important first step for pipeline safety in Michigan. The PHMSA Administrator makes sure pipelines get the safety checks and updates they desperately need and companies who build those pipelines follow the rules. We all remember the devastating pipeline break that spilled nearly one million gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River. Michigan families and community leaders agree that we simply cannot afford to have that kind of a spill happen on the Great Lakes. I am pleased the Obama Administration acted and I look forward to speaking with Ms. Dominguez about how important it is to keep Michigan's families and waterways safe prior to her Senate confirmation."