The Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved Tuesday a bill that would establish a commission to develop legislation and recommend improvements related to the transport of oil, natural gas, and other hazardous liquids through pipelines in the state.
The bipartisan, bicameral legislative commission would aim to enhance safety, oversight and interagency coordination related to these pipelines.
State Sens. John C. Rafferty, Jr. (R-44th District) and Andy Dinniman (D-19th District) sponsored the bill, SR 373.
“Natural gas extraction has increased dramatically over the last decade, resulting in the construction of new pipeline infrastructure to transport hazardous liquids, gases and other byproducts in large quantities through densely-populated areas of Pennsylvania,” Rafferty said. “As a result, many landowners and communities have experienced the negative aspects associated with poorly-managed pipeline construction, including sinkholes and spoiled wells.”
Rafferty noted that high-pressure pipelines present safety hazards when close to homes, schools and population centers. He also cited ongoing problems with the Sunoco Mariner East Pipeline Project, which led the state to suspend construction repeatedly.
“These recurring incidents demonstrate a clear need for exploring legislative measures that will improve management, increase safety and advance oversight of pipeline construction and operations,” Rafferty said. “Knowing that more of these major pipelines may be built, and the issues we have with the Sunoco Pipeline, it is crucial that we form a value-adding commission to ensure the residents if this Commonwealth have a right to safe communities and benefit from regulations and laws that enhance their safety and protect the environment.”
SR 373 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.