We’ve just learned about The Albany Project
, a blog which “seeks to return New York State Government to its rightful owners - the people.” Its very existence implicitly makes the point that we can’t write off state politics as a lost cause. And the Albany Project looks like a useful resource for understanding what’s happening up there.
We’ve read - but haven’t yet posted about - New York’s new emergency response bill - but we’re hoping to do so soon, along with a backlog of other posts that have been simmering. There’s a lot that needs to happen in this state to make us reasonably ready to address emergency preparedness and public health. State government can make it easier, or harder. In the end, of course, it’s up to the population - citizens and non-citizens alike - to address preparedness issues. With or without government help.
(See below for 5/24 update) Â
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - The New York State Public Service Commission.
According to their New York Pipeline Safety “Fact Sheet” - it’s the P.S.C.
But the P.S.C. may not know that. Or not think it important for anyone else to know it. One wants to be careful - when observing facts - to not carelessly draw inferences about intentions.
However, if you go to the Public Service Commission website - and look hard - you’ll not find any obvious link - I couldn’t find any, obvious or other - to that body’s regulatory responsibility for pipelines. Must not be looking hard enough. It’s clear from the headings 0n the front page - Electric/Steam, Natural Gas, Telecommunications, and Water - that the PSC has some responsibility for underground infrastructure.
Popular Logistics - please pardon the pun - has been of late digging into local pipeline issues - and, to quote Consolidated Edison - “we’re on it.”
5/24 update after the foldÂ
Continue reading →
