U.S. Steps Up Research on Pipeline Safety

The Wall Street Journal (online registration required): Recent oil-pipeline spills have exposed weaknesses in the industry's best inspection tools, and the federal agency responsible for monitoring safety is stepping up research spending in an attempt to spot problems in pipes before they rupture.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has doled out research-and-development grants for $7.8 million this year, higher than in any year since 2008, according to federal data. Almost 40% of the funds are earmarked for projects to improve companies' ability to find flaws in their pipelines.

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