Comment from Mary Kirkpatrick

My name, is Mary Kirkpatrick and I would like to express my support for strengthening Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0046 as presented by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). While the country is still reliant on gas, we must make its transport as safe as possible. This proposal will protect both people’s health and the environment. With safer pipeline protocols, there will be fewer large-scale leaks of greenhouse gases. The policy adheres to Justice40, a policy set forth to promote environmental justice, because it protects people in low-income communities and communities of color, who are more likely to live in close proximity to pipelines. Emergency response plans must be updated, and it is crucial to involve multiple parties, including but not limited to: pipeline operators, first responders, relevant government actors from the local to federal agency level, and local hospital systems. We cannot let a disaster like the one in Merrimack Valley happen again.This incident caused the evacuation of at least 15,000, loss of gas connectivity to nearly 10,000 homes for several months, 25 injuries including to first responders, and one death. PHMSA exists to protect people and the earth!! This proposal can save lives and should be implemented. PLEASE finalize this rulemaking in such a way that public health, occupational safety, and environmental justice are at the forefront. Thank you for proposing this rule and for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Mary Kirkpatrick