Feds call on industry to repair aging pipelines

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Federal transportation officials are calling on pipeline companies to speed up efforts to repair and replace aging oil and gas lines.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is in Allentown, Pa., today to announce plans to strengthen oversight of the industry. LaHood says pipeline owners and operators need to do more to prevent deadly explosions.

A February pipeline explosion in Allentown leveled homes and businesses and killed five people. A gas transmission line ruptured in September in San Bruno, Calif., and killed eight people.

LaHood wants Congress to increase civil penalties for pipeline violations, close regulatory loopholes and add inspectors.

He’s also calling on the industry to identify high-risk oil and gas pipelines and target those for replacement.