NextGen Keystone Report Inherently Flawed Says Brigham McCown

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent Keystone XL pipeline security report released by billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer's NextGen organization cannot be taken seriously, says one of America's leading pipeline and hazardous materials transport experts.

"We always knew that Steyer would do and say anything to push his agenda, but the stretch represented by this latest effort took us aback," said Brigham McCown. "The findings of this study were preordained. And it's a perfect example of the GIGO premise – garbage in, garbage out."

McCown, formerly the head of the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, concludes that the study is inherently flawed, lacks a basic understanding of oil and gas transportation technology, and fails to account for the already proposed safety measures for the pipeline.

One of the more egregious examples in the study appears to be an aspect NextGen seems to be touting rather heavily – that author Dave Cooper stood next to a different pipeline for almost 15 minutes, unchallenged, by himself.  This, the study claims, proves that Keystone would be vulnerable to a terrorist attack.

"Keystone XL will be the safest and most secure pipeline ever built," said McCown.  "And its completion will help move the United States toward complete energy independence, a position that in and of itself damages terrorist groups."

Based on the importance of addressing pipeline and other key infrastructure safety at a national level, McCown has called for the creation of a commission involving public and private entities to address it in a rational and serious manner to mitigate any potential future issues. 

Contact:
Jill Donovan
(202) 997-8706

SOURCE Brigham A. McCown