Larsen Seeks Update to Oil Spill Response Plans Amid Pipeline Expansion

Washington State Congressman Rick Larsen is calling for an update to oil spill response plans in light of increased oil tanker traffic expected from a new pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia.

Larsen, the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, sent a letter to a U.S. Coast Guard official seeking details about co-ordination efforts around a Canada-U.S. pollution contingency plan.

The congressman argues that the pipeline will bring more oil tanker traffic to the waters off his state, increasing the risk of catastrophic oil spills.