04/22/24 - 117 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/9bh4zbtr
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Natural Gas Pipeline Bill Gains Senate Approval, Goes To Governor
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Senate Tuesday unanimously approved House Bill 344 (Baker-R-Tioga) granting regulatory oversight of natural gas pipelines in the state to the Public Utility Commission.
“This legislation is long overdue,” said Rep. Matt Baker. “Out of the 31 natural gas producing states in the nation, we are one of only two that does not have statutory authority to regulate natural gas pipelines within its boundaries. This is a public safety issue that needs to be corrected as soon as possible.”
House Bill 344 would authorize the PUC to conduct safety inspections and investigations of natural gas pipelines within the Commonwealth in coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration. It would also give the PUC the power to regulate natural gas pipelines without having to deem them a public utility. Therefore, the power of eminent domain is not extended.
“My bill would bring the Commonwealth in line with how other natural gas producing states are handling regulatory oversight in conjunction with the federal government,” said Rep. Baker. “With the natural gas industry continuing to grow in Pennsylvania, we need to make sure measures are in place to provide proper oversight of the pipelines due to the inherent occupational and industrial risk associated with natural gas extraction.”
House Bill 344 would also provide for the hiring of additional safety inspectors to conduct the inspections.
Rep. Baker’s legislation is supported by the PUC, the U.S. DOT, the Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, the Pennsylvania Landfill Association, the Pennsylvania Propane Association, the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association, the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania state fire commissioner.
The House later concurred in Senate amendments and sent the bill to the Governor for his action.
NewsClips: Bill Allows State To Regulate Pipelines Awaits Gov's Signature |
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12/19/2011 |
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