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Rep. Quinn Introduces Bipartisan Package Of Pipeline Bills To Regulate Routes, Emergency Plans And More

Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware), along with Representatives Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester) and Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) have introduced a package of 7 bills to further regulate pipeline companies and provide greater oversight authority to state agencies.

“Recent issues with the Mariner East 2 pipeline highlight the need for enhanced safety and a larger role for our regulatory agencies,” Rep. Quinn said. “This package of bills represents a strong first step in ensuring the pipelines are constructed and operated in a safe manner. Public safety has always been my top priority concerning these pipelines, and these legislative measures will go a long way in helping that cause. I am hopeful my colleagues will join me in supporting these proposals.”

The bills include--

-- PUC Pipeline Siting Authority: House Bill 735 (Quinn-R-Delaware, Otten-D-Chester, Freeman-D-Northampton) would provide the PUC with siting authority for future pipeline projects. Under state law, the Public Utility Commission does not have siting authority when it comes to pipelines. Siting authority would enable the PUC to determine the path of a pipeline before construction in order to avoid schools, hospitals and dense neighborhoods. Currently, all siting is done by the pipeline companies with no regulatory oversight.

“Having a pipeline route that is independently determined is critical to ensuring that public safety is the top priority,” Rep. Quinn said. “Siting authority is a key first step.”

-- General Assembly Approval Of Pipeline Routes: House Bill 887 (Quinn-R-Delaware, Otten-D-Chester, Freeman-D-Northampton) would require all pipeline projects that traverse three or more counties to be approved by the state Legislature before construction could begin. Rep. Quinn said the proposal would give authority to elected officials, who must respond to the concerns of their local communities.

-- Risk Assessments: House Bill 889 (Quinn-R-Delaware, Otten-D-Chester, Freeman-D-Northampton) would require pipeline operators to release pipeline risk assessments upon written request. Once a pipeline project is approved, the pipeline operator conducts a risk assessment and impact study to determine the threat to nearby homes and communities if an incident occurs. These assessments have been deemed “classified” and are not currently available to the public.

“The public wants to know the potential dangers associated with these pipelines and the risk to their families,” Rep. Quinn said. “They should have that information since they live along the pipeline every day. Residents need greater transparency and to feel safe. This bill will certainly help.”

-- Emergency Response Plans: House Bill 890 (Quinn-R-Delaware, Otten-D-Chester, Freeman-D-Northampton) would require pipeline operators to provide emergency response plans to local emergency management agencies in a timely manner.

-- Emergency Plans To Schools: House Bill 733 (Quinn-R-Delaware, Otten-D-Chester, Freeman-D-Northampton) would require pipeline operators to provide emergency response plans to any school within 1,000 feet of a pipeline.

“Recently, Sunoco proved it is not working with local emergency responders to ensure public safety,” Rep. Quinn said. “These bills will require pipeline companies to have a better rapport with those responsible for ensuring the safety of local residents.”

-- Pipeline Inspections: House Bill 888 (Quinn-R-Delaware, Otten-D-Chester, Freeman-D-Northampton) would require the PUC to perform a full inspection of a pipeline, following an incident anywhere along the pipe, before operation could resume.

Currently, if an incident such as a sinkhole occurs, the pipeline is temporarily shut down and the area immediately around the incident is inspected before operation can resume. Rep. Quinn said a full inspection of the pipeline will allow regulators to find potential problems along the pipeline that could ultimately prevent a similar incident from occurring.

-- Automatic Shutoff Valves: House Bill 886 (Quinn-R-Delaware, Otten-D-Chester, Freeman-D-Northampton) would require pipeline operators to install automatic or remote-controlled shutoff valves at various locations along the pipeline. This would help prevent potential leaks from spreading too quickly, Rep. Quinn said.

The package of bills is currently in the House Consumer Affairs Committee, where Rep. Quinn serves as committee secretary.

Click Here for a sponsor summary of the whole package of bills.

House Committee To Hold Hearing On Public Safety Of Natural Gas Pipeline Systems May 30

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NewsClips:

Editorial: Pipeline Bills Partial Fix

Hurdle: Sunoco Agrees To Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leak Settlement

Maykuth: Sunoco Proposes $200K Fine, Remaining Life Study Of Leaky Mariner East 1 Pipeline

Litvak: Sunoco, PUC Reach Deal Over Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leak, Corrosion