"U.S. Pipeline Agency Pressed to Regulate Underground Gas Storage"

"Following the Aliso Canyon methane disaster, Congressional lawmakers want PHMSA to create the first federal standards for underground gas storage."

"Members of Congress pressed the agency responsible for pipeline safety to create the first federal standards for underground gas storage in a hearing before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Lawmakers convened the hearing to discuss the reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), but spent much of their time urging the agency to address underground gas storage following the massive leak in Los Angeles that brought the issue to national attention.

Southern California Gas Co. finally sealed the months-long leak at its Aliso Canyon storage facility last week. A recent study concluded it was the largest leak of methane—a powerful greenhouse gas—in U.S. history."

Lisa Song reports for InsideClimate News February 26, 2016.