On Thursday, the secretary of Homeland Security
announced new compliance measures for pipeline operators.
The above is an outcome of the ransomware attack against Colonial Pipeline that significantly disrupted the shipment of liquid fuels on the East Coast.
Compliance measures are typically only strengthened “after an incident.” It is our system of operating as a government. Mandating such requirements before something has happened brings howls of protest over the cost of increased levels of protection.
Also, you will note that it is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — you know, the airport security folks — who are also responsible for pipeline security. Back in the day, pipelines were assigned to the Department of Transportation, but were transferred to the Department of Homeland Security when it was formed in 2001.
Eric Holdeman is a nationally known emergency manager. He has worked in emergency management at the federal, state and local government levels. Today he serves as the Director, Center for Regional Disaster Resilience (CRDR), which is part of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER). The focus for his work there is engaging the public and private sectors to work collaboratively on issues of common interest, regionally and cross jurisdictionally.
