President Obama isn’t happy at all with the guidelines in place for oil and gas pipelines. As a result, he is calling for changes to be made. This is sparking a great deal of controversy. The review into these guidelines is the result of a recent explosion in California. There have also been numerous injuries and explosions in recent years due to procedures regarding the oil and gas pipelines.

Don’t expect any huge changes to come down the wire any time soon though. With it being an election year there is plenty up in the air. The red tape that has to be pushed through before any such changes occur in congress can be very slow.

One of the movements that Obama wants to see implemented is for the maximum fine to be raised to $2.5 million when violations occur. To receive the maximum fine there has to be negligence that resulted in injuries, death, or that cause a detriment to the environment.

Obama wants to allocate additional government funding to pay for at least 40 more inspectors. That would allow for more of the oil and gas pipelines to be thoroughly inspected. Right now the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration has approximately 100 inspectors.

It is anticipated that he will be placing pressure on congress to look into this matter rather than placing it on the back burner. Many in charge of these oil and gas pipelines aren’t happy. They know they are going to have to spend money to get their equipment improved and to properly train their employees.