"Pipeline leaks, like one that cut U.S. crude imports last month and pushed oil prices up $4 a barrel, may become more frequent as the U.S. delays safety reforms on its aging 2.5 million mile network of energy lines.

Following BP's Gulf of Mexico spill, oil companies face a torrent of new offshore rules. But some advocates say making pipelines on land safer is just as urgent."

Tom Doggett and Joshua Schneyer report for Reuters November 1, 2010. [2]