Posted: | October 16, 2017 11:17 AM |
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From: | Senator Andrew E. Dinniman |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Pipeline Siting Review |
I am introducing legislation to strengthen the pipeline siting review process. My bill comes in response to numerous constituents with serious and legitimate concerns as a number of these pipelines carrying volatile materials come within close proximity to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and private residences. In the event of a catastrophic incident, these high consequence areas will be placed in serious harm. Specifically, my legislation will do the following: Prior to the new construction of pipelines or pipeline construction projects, a public utility shall submit an application to the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) for authorization regarding the siting of the pipeline to be constructed in order to meet safety and environmental metrics, such as land use, soil/sedimentation, plant/wildlife habitats, terrain, hydrology, landscape, etc. It also requires consultation with PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the local governing body of a county and the local emergency management organization coordinators in evaluating each metric, and at least two public hearings in each county in which the construction would take place. I hope you will join me in sponsoring this important piece of legislation that aims to protect citizens and the environment by ensuring thorough review of pipeline siting. |
Introduced as SB928