Gianaris: 'Let State Secure Gas Pipelines Around Airports'

"We were fortunate to dodge a bullet at JFK, but we should not wait for disaster to strike before taking action..."

Citing the failed plot to blow up gas pipelines at Kennedy Airport, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and state Senator Dean Skelos of Long Island have introduced legislation that would give the state's Homeland Security office power to bolster security at pipelines feeding jet fuel to airports.

Presently, Gianaris (D- Astoria), and Skelos (R- Rockville Centre) pointed out that gas pipelines in and around airports are privately owned with security determined solely by their owners.

Their bipartisan legislation would give state Homeland Security a fundamental role in overseeing these security efforts. Homeland Security would also conduct annual reviews and the state could mandate increased security at these locations.

This approach, they said, is already being used successfully for power plants and chemical storage facilities throughout the state under a law authored by Gianaris.

Noting that his and Skelos' bill, which was developed in conjunction with state Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Michael Balboni, is vitally needed, Gianaris stated: "We were fortunate to dodge a bullet at JFK, but we should not wait for disaster to strike before taking action.

"Security for this sensitive infrastructure is a matter of public concern, and the public deserves a role in ensuring that security is adequate."

Skelos, noting that tremendous police work averted a disaster at JFK, stated: "That said, the state has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its residents who live near the pipeline.

"This legislation will enable the state Office of Homeland Security to conduct the necessary security reviews and ensure the safety of these residents and help prevent future acts of terrorism."- John Toscano