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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Preston |
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Preston bill to increase fine for gas pipeline violations passes House
HARRISBURG, June 2 – The state House today passed legislation authored by state Rep. Joseph Preston Jr., D-Allegheny, that would increase safety violation fines for natural or artificial gas utilities that produce, generate, transmit, distribute or furnish gas for public consumption.
The bill (H.B. 1128) would increase the civil penalty associated with gas pipeline or gas conduit facilities safety violations from $10,000 to $100,000 per day for each violation. Under the bill, the maximum penalty would not exceed $1 million for any related series of violations.
Preston said under current state law, the Public Utility Commission enforces federal gas safety regulations. As the state law stands, the maximum fines are lower than the fines required under federal law.
"Increasing state fines for gas pipeline safety to current federal levels sends a message that we are serious about the safety of our natural gas pipelines and the transporting of natural gas, flammable gas and toxic or corrosive gas within this Commonwealth," said Preston, chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
To learn more about the House Consumer Affairs Committee, visit www.pahouse.com/consumeraffairs.
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