Posted: | June 14, 2017 02:32 PM |
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From: | Representative Carolyn T. Comitta |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Legislation Providing for the Creation of a Pipeline Safety and Communication Board |
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to create a state board that would be responsible for implementing and coordinating the timely communication of information regarding pipeline activities in the Commonwealth. Since the time that Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling began in Pennsylvania several years ago, there has been an increasing need to construct pipelines to transport the product to distribution facilities. When pipeline construction commences, many residents in the areas of the construction are unaware of the impact it will have on their lives. Therefore, I believe it is vitally important that these residents be provided with proper communication on the construction, operation, and maintenance of pipelines, as well as pipeline-related roadway infrastructure/traffic congestion, noise, environmental impacts, health and safety issues and, perhaps most importantly, evacuation plans in case of a pipeline explosion or other emergency. The board created under this legislation would be comprised of appointed representatives of the Public Utility Commission, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Emergency Management Agency, legislative leaders, governor’s office, and natural gas industry. I hope you will consider signing on as a co-sponsor of this important measure. |
Introduced as HB1700