Baker's natural gas pipeline safety bill signed into law

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Published: December 28, 2011

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HARRISBURG - Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law Rep. Matt Baker's (R-Bradford/Tioga) legislation establishing regulatory oversight of natural gas pipelines in the Commonwealth to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).

The new law will 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 (U.S. DOT).

"This legislation is just common sense and keeps us in line with what other 31 natural gas-producing states are doing," said Baker. "I am pleased that the General Assembly and governor recognized the immediate need for such legislation and fast-tracked it through the legislative process and signed it into law."

Baker noted that the new law will 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.

"Although we are all concerned with the environmental and economic impacts of natural gas exploration, we also need to be cognizant of the occupational and industrial risks associated with production of this energy source," said Baker. "This new law will make sure that proper oversight takes place for the safety of natural gas workers and the public."

Because an increased amount of inspections will need to be performed, the law also provides for the hiring of additional safety inspectors. Baker said money to hire the inspectors will come from both federal funding and the gas industry through assessments outlined in the legislation. It is anticipated that at least 12 or more new additional pipeline safety inspection engineers will be hired.

Act 127 of 2011 will take effect in 60 days.

Submitted by Rep. Matt Baker

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