PG&E Statement on Second Day of NTSB Hearings

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Mar 02, 2011, 06:22 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today issued the following statement at the conclusion of the second day of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearings:

PG&E appreciates the NTSB's vital contribution, through these hearings and its reports, to helping our company and the entire industry enhance pipeline safety. Since the San Bruno disaster PG&E has launched a number of initiatives to reevaluate, restructure and strengthen the company's gas system operations and management. PG&E will continue to make significant investments directed at enhancing the safety and reliability of its natural gas system. This effort will take time, but PG&E is approaching the task with a sense of urgency.

The effort to advance pipeline safety, both within the company's own operations and together with others in the industry, will require the company to work cooperatively with state and federal regulators as they evaluate existing standards and identify opportunities for change. PG&E is dedicated to participating fully in this effort that can ultimately help us all reach the shared goal of providing the safe delivery of natural gas for the public.

PG&E also continues to work closely with its communities, customers, public officials and first responders to raise awareness of pipeline safety practices and emergency response procedures. PG&E thanks them for their ongoing partnership and for the critical role they play every day in protecting the communities they serve.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company