Posted on 09/11/2014 12:43:07 PM PDT by thackney
He went. He saw. He issued another news release.
Making good on his vow to “see the situation first hand,” Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter returned Thursday from a visit to oil installations with a grim safety assessment. But the industry, he stressed, was not to blame.
“South Texas pipelines are vulnerable,” announced Porter, whose agency regulates the state’s petroleum industry, “because the federal government has abdicated its most basic function to protect our borders.”
Repeating an assertion that he made in an open letter last month to the federal Customs and Border Patrol agency, Porter said “his concerns stems from several published reports detailing unsettling communication between ISIS, al-Qaeda and Mexican cartels.” His original letter followed media coverage of speculation by Gov. Rick Perry.
His new statement, issued as the nation observed the 13th anniversary of the terror attacks on New York and Washington, offered no specific observations or evidence.
Through a spokeswoman, Porter declined to detail his itinerary, citing the safety of his hosts. On the road, said his spokeswoman, Porter “heard first-hand accounts about illegal activities and concerns about the vulnerability of pipelines from those on the ground. He saw debris left from illegals, who were using the right-of-way as a thoroughfare to interstates and rendezvous points.”
For the industry and public safety, pipelines present a well-documented threat. Last year, the Congressional Research Service warned that the nation’s half-million miles of high-volume pipeline, which carry hazardous materials to refineries, power plants, airports and military bases, remain vulnerable to accidents, spills and terrorist attacks. In Mexico, drug cartels have expanded their interests to include oil piracy. But no evidence has emerged to document any collaboration with radical Islamic militant groups.
Porter, whose seat on the state commission will be up for election in 2016, has turned his focus to geopolitics of late, keeping a particular focus in his public statements on the inadequacies of the Obama Administration.
“While neither I – nor the Railroad Commission – have any desire to get into the border security debate, border security has unfortunately made its way into our issues,” he said. His statement concluded with some observations about himself, including “a long record of pro-business, free market conservative credentials.”
What about the interstate running through SE Houston? Refinery row is a prime target imho.
I don't understand why so few comments on this most stimulating thread, especially on this anniversary!!!
Heck the dang things used to blow up on their own, no sense encouraging them little bastards to rent a backhoe, who needs a plane? Thar she blows!!!
BTw, I have to work on a gas line reroute tomorrow. New range.
And Yes, It is a Spare the Air day tomorrow. So I’ll try and not burn the place down.. And get a fine.
I believe bringing the topic up may be intended by David Porter to get political name recognition.
He makes no recommendations and does not want the industry to make any changes. As a Texas Railroad Commissioner, with regulatory authority over pipelines, he states this is a border security issue.
Refineries and terminals along the Houston Ship channel has some level of security. I have to show a federal ID clearance, be escorted or otherwise be pre-approved to enter the fence.
Most of the pipeline facilities are unmanned with no security beyond a basic fence and warning sign.
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