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PRINTER'S NO. 1515
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
1405
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY QUINN AND WEBSTER, MAY 14, 2021
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS, MAY 14, 2021
AN ACT
Amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in service and facilities, providing
for pipeline safety valves.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 15 of Title 66 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subchapter to read:
SUBCHAPTER C
PIPELINE SAFETY VALVES
Sec.
1541. Definitions.
1542. Automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves for gas
transmission pipelines.
1543. Automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves for
hazardous liquids transmission pipelines.
1544. Penalties.
§ 1541. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
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context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Gas." As defined in 49 CFR 192.3 (relating to definitions).
"Hazardous liquid." As defined in 49 CFR 195.2 (relating to
definitions).
"Shutoff valve." A mechanical device used to control the
flow of gas or liquid that may be used solely for fully open or
closed applications, to control the direction of flow or to
throttle flow or regulate pressure. The term includes a plug
valve, ball valve, globe valve and gate valve.
"Transmission." The transportation, other than gathering, of
gas through a transmission line as that term is defined in 49
CFR 192.3 or of hazardous liquids through a pipeline as that
term is defined in 49 CFR 195.2.
§ 1542. Automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves for gas
transmission pipelines.
(a) General rule.--All facilities of a public utility
engaged in the transmission of gas placed into service after the
effective date of this section shall have automatic or remote
controlled shutoff valves installed as provided under this
section.
(b) Installation.--In addition to any other valves installed
by the public utility, the public utility shall install at least
one automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve at each
location required under 49 CFR 192.179 (relating to transmission
line valves).
(c) Testing frequency.--The public utility shall test each
automatic and remote controlled shutoff valve on an annual
basis. Records of the testing shall be provided annually to each
municipality in which the automatic or remote controlled shutoff
valve is tested.
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(d) Replacement.--If an automatic or remote controlled
shutoff valve does not operate properly when tested, the public
utility shall repair or replace the valve as soon as reasonably
practicable.
§ 1543. Automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves for
hazardous liquids transmission pipelines.
(a) General rule.--All facilities of a public utility
engaged in the transmission of hazardous liquids placed into
service after the effective date of this section shall have
automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves installed as
provided under this section.
(b) Installation.--In addition to any other valves installed
by the public utility, the public utility shall install at least
one automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve at each
location required under 49 CFR 192.179 (relating to transmission
line valves).
(c) Testing frequency.--The public utility shall test each
automatic and remote controlled shutoff valve on an annual
basis. Records of the testing shall be provided annually to each
municipality in which the automatic or remote controlled shutoff
valve is tested.
(d) Replacement.--If an automatic or remote controlled
shutoff valve does not operate properly when tested, the public
utility shall repair or replace the valve as soon as reasonably
practicable.
§ 1544. Penalties.
The commission may, after notice and opportunity to be heard,
impose civil penalties under section 3301 (relating to civil
penalties for violations) and other appropriate remedies for
violations of this subchapter and the regulations and orders of
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the commission.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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