Gas companies reassure people of their safety

Intro:	The Missouri Public Service Committee has had safety precautions since the explosions in Missouri, but more are being taken. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap:Well before the California pipeline explosion, the Missouri Public Service Committee focused heavily on the safety of gas lines but now a suprise inspection is added to the list.

Robert Clayton is the chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission.

He says twenty years ago the same type of explosion happened in parts of Missouri.

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Description: "As I understand there were a string of explosions that occurred in both St. Louis and Kansas City, that demanded a new way of looking at what type of infrastructure we are serving customers."

Clayton says the commission has created more programs to inspect pipes for the past ten years.

The first suprise inspection was done in central Missouri and the Public Service Committee wants to continue doing them in the rest of the state, says Clayton.

From Jefferson City, I'm Becky May.

Intro:	The California pipeline explosion pushes the Missouri Public Service Commission to conduct surprise inspections on gas companies. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: The unexpected pipeline explosion made the Missouri Public Service Commission start surprise inspections on gas companies.

Robert Clayton is the chairman of the commission and says the explosion has motivated workers to do more tests.

The first inspection in central Missouri showed positive results says Clayton.

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Description: "We require the utilities to go out and test an entire community. We can carry that template to urban areas to look at entire neighborhoods or look at any small town. It makes it more difficult for larger communities because it takes a great number of personnel."

Clayton also says inspecting larger communities through surprise tests takes away from regular maintenance and regular programs which is something that cannot happen.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Becky May.

Intro:	The Missouri Public Service Commission says they are thinking of new legislation to put into place after the California gas line explosion. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: Robert Clayton is the chairman of the Public Service Commission.

He says about 10,000 lines are incorrectly cut within the last year in Missouri.

The new legislation would address damage prevention of underground gas lines.

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Description: "It's more than just missing a football game. It's causing an ignition which could blow up a house. It could blow up a hole in the ground, a sewer system. There are a number of things that can happen. So what we did is put together a draft proposal."

Clayton also says the proposal is still in progress but the commission is working out the problems.

From Jefferson City, I'm Becky May.