By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – Kentucky's junior U.S. senator is blocking legislation toughening pipeline safety regulations. Senator Rand Paul wants to block the bill even though the pipeline industry, safety advocates and companies in Kentucky support the measure. Senator Paul hasn't softened his stance even though a gas pipeline explosion last week shook constituents awake in three counties. Paul is a tea party adherent who is broadly opposed to new federal regulation. He won't discuss his role in holding up the bill. But industry lobbyists, safety advocates and Senate aides said he is the only senator who is refusing to agree to procedures that would permit swift passage of the measure.