Pipeline companies must take all appropriate steps to ensure the public safety in the event of a release of hazardous liquid or gas. Penalties recovered related to damage of hazardous liquid pipelines are deposited into the hazardous liquid pipeline safety account, and penalties recovered related to gas pipelines are deposited in the general fund for the purpose of enforcing gas pipeline safety laws. Pipelines wholly located on a person's property are exempt from the provisions of this chapter. The Governor's task force concluded that states need to adopt stronger regulations. The bill helps get us there.
Leaks occur repeatedly.
Federal enforcement is inadequate. The industry always says third-party damage is the largest cause of failure, but it's the cumulative total of the other causes, that is the greatest problem. The bill goes a long way. The needs and training of local firefighters should be addressed. Citizens in Bellingham want a citizen advisory committee.