The measure includes a state-wide registry for Class 1 Marcellus Shale pipelines, requiring operators to report the location and aggregate miles of the pipeline to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
While the Federal Office of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has jurisdiction over all pipeline facilities, it relies on agreements with each individual state to inspect and enforce federal pipeline safety regulations. Currently, the PUC is only authorised to enforce regulations for pipeline operators with public utility status.
Ms Baker’s bill gives the PUC authority to conduct safety inspections and investigations, respond to complaints, assess fines or penalties, and address service quality issues for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators consistent with federal pipeline safety laws and regulations. Operators will be charged registration and renewal fees so taxpayers are not forced to cover the cost of providing increased inspections and enforcement.
Ms Baker said, “One of the pressing public concerns arising as a result of the Marcellus Shale drilling is oversight of all aspects of the operations. If someone asks how much pipeline will be laid as the result of the Marcellus Shale development, the honest and indefensible answer is no one knows. This legislation is necessary because someone must know.
“The unfortunate explosions of old underground gas lines in urban areas have served notice of just how important matters of gas pipeline safety are. This bill provides the framework and the authority for the level of safety our citizens demand and deserve.”