The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which is tasked with inspecting our nation’s pipelines, is looking to the next generation of scientists to tackle the challenges that a rapidly expanding energy infrastructure can present. As Bakken Shale wrote:
“In addition to hiring more than 100 new safety inspectors this year, the PHMSA will also be awarding $ 2 million in grants for students and faculty to research pipeline safety solutions. These grants designed to expose new engineers and scientists to the technical side of the energy transportation sector.”
We applaud the actions PHMSA is undertaking to make sure that the next generation of energy projects, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline, is as safe and environmentally friendly as our capabilities allow it to be. While pipelines have consistently proven themselves to be the safest mode of transporting energy, we should always look to incorporate new technologies and solutions to improving our energy infrastructure.