(LAREDO) — As hundreds of miles of new pipeline are constructed as a result of Texas' current energy boom, Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, is encouraging Texans to be aware of pipeline safety.

"Pipelines transporting energy products criss-cross our state, not only in rural areas, but also in our cities and towns," said Senator Zaffirini, an organizer of the Eagle Ford Shale Legislative Caucus. "Texans should be pro-active in learning the location of pipelines in their neighborhoods and know what to do in the event of a problem."

As oil and gas exploration and development have accelerated in the Eagle Ford Shale, new pipelines have been constructed in SD 21, including many on farms and ranches. The district includes the majority of rigs, the majority of production and the highest-producing counties in the Eagle Ford Shale.

Texans who intend to dig or excavate on their property should first identify pipeline locations by calling 811 or consulting the National Pipeline Mapping System (http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/) or the Texas Railroad Commission's online pipeline mapping program (http://gis2.rrc.state.tx.us/public/).

"Serious problems with pipelines are rare, but if you suspect a problem, you should leave the area and call 911 and the pipeline company immediately," Senator Zaffirini said.

To promote public awareness of pipeline safety, the Eagle Ford Shale Center for Research, Education and Outreach (EFCREO) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville will hold a free Pipeline Safety Workshop at the Cotulla Convention Center from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2. Experts, industry representatives, first responders and federal, state and local officials will participate in a series of panels discussing pipeline safety and public awareness.

To RSVP, contact Michelle Joseph via mlsjoseph@hotmail.com. For more information about the workshop, contact EFCREO via 361/593-2798 or EFCREO@tamuk.edu.

More information about pipeline safety can be obtained from the Texas Pipeline Safety Alliance via www.pipeline-safety.org.

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