The Pipeline Safety Trust (PST): A Watchdog for the Public, Powered by Accountability

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When it comes to pipeline safety, industry and government agencies play major roles. But there’s another important voice in the conversation—one that speaks directly for communities, landowners, and the public. That voice belongs to the Pipeline Safety Trust (PST), a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that pipeline safety decisions put people and the environment first.

What is the Pipeline Safety Trust?

The Pipeline Safety Trust is a nationally recognized, nonpartisan watchdog organization that advocates for safer pipeline operations and greater public transparency. It was founded in 2003 in the wake of tragedy: the 1999 Olympic Pipeline explosion in Bellingham, Washington, which killed three young people and devastated a community.

After that disaster, part of the legal settlement was used to establish an independent nonprofit that would work to hold the pipeline industry and regulators accountable—and to give the public a stronger voice in decisions about pipeline safety. That organization became the Pipeline Safety Trust.

What Does PST Do?

Unlike regulatory agencies or pipeline companies, PST is not tied to industry or government. Its mission is to improve pipeline safety through advocacy, education, and transparency. Some of its core activities include:

• Advocating for stronger pipeline safety regulations at the federal and state level.
• Educating the public, landowners, local governments, and first responders about pipeline safety risks, rights, and best practices.
• Pushing for transparency, including better public access to pipeline maps, incident data, inspection results, and enforcement actions.
• Participating in rulemakings and advisory committees, such as PHMSA’s Gas and Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committees, to represent the public interest.
• Building bridges between stakeholders—community members, regulators, and pipeline operators—through conferences, webinars, and working groups.

Why PST Matters

Pipelines often run through neighborhoods, farmland, tribal lands, and sensitive ecosystems. Yet historically, the people living and working near these lines have had limited access to information or influence over pipeline decisions. PST works to change that dynamic by:

• Ensuring that safety is not compromised in the name of cost-cutting or expedience.
• Providing technical expertise and a critical eye in discussions typically dominated by industry voices.
• Giving community members a platform to raise concerns, ask questions, and get involved in pipeline planning, siting, and oversight.

PST’s role is especially important in regulatory processes where industry and government may be closely aligned. By operating independently, PST brings credibility and a much-needed public perspective to the table.

A Unique and Trusted Voice

PST is often cited by journalists, lawmakers, and regulators as a go-to source for unbiased, fact-based analysis of pipeline issues. It has earned a reputation for being principled, informed, and persistent—not opposed to pipelines categorically, but firmly in favor of safety, accountability, and transparency.

When rulemakings stall, when communities are left in the dark, or when the system fails, PST is there to ask the hard questions and push for better answers.

Looking Ahead

As new challenges emerge—from aging infrastructure to carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipelines—PST’s mission is more relevant than ever. The organization continues to call for:

• Improved public access to data about pipeline risks and operator performance.
• More proactive enforcement of safety rules.
• Stronger community engagement in pipeline planning and emergency response.
• Policies that reflect climate realities, including leak detection and methane mitigation.

Conclusion

In a landscape dominated by powerful interests and technical complexity, the Pipeline Safety Trust is a vital counterbalance—a knowledgeable, passionate, and independent voice for the public. Its work helps ensure that pipeline safety isn’t just a checkbox, but a shared responsibility rooted in transparency and trust.

Whether you’re a local official, a resident near a pipeline, or a policymaker seeking guidance, the Pipeline Safety Trust stands ready to help—and to hold the system to a higher standard.

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