The United State’s oil dependency is served by approximately 170,000 miles of oil pipeline. They carry three-quarters of the nation’s crude oil and about six-tenths of its refined petroleum products. Two hundred or more interstate oil pipelines are involved in about 80% of the nation’s total pipeline linkage and transported volume. Despite these numbers, a distinction between pipeline safety and locating construction sites for pipelines exists in the law. Pipeline safety is a national priority. Pipeline construction siting routes remain the responsibility of the states. Full Story
