HCR 0012

A RESOLUTION requesting that the federal government authorize greater state regulation of gas pipelines and pipelines carrying other hazardous substances.

SPONSORS: Rep. Hill, Rock 29; Rep. Introne, Rock 29; Rep. K. Hutchinson, Rock 29

COMMITTEE: State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

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This house concurrent resolution requests that the federal government clarify that the regulation of pipelines carrying gas and other hazardous substances be integrated with concurrent state and federal oversight.

A RESOLUTION requesting that the federal government authorize greater state regulation of gas pipelines and pipelines carrying other hazardous substances

Whereas, ensuring the safety of citizens residing near pipelines carrying hazardous substances and protecting the surrounding environment from the deleterious effects of pipeline spills are vital state and local responsibilities, yet the federal government is responsible for the oversight of interstate pipelines; and

Whereas, several significant pipeline spills have occurred in other parts of the nation in recent years, including a major petroleum spill in Bellingham, Washington, resulting in a fire which killed 3 people and destroyed much of a city park; and

Whereas, Washington governor Gary Locke thereafter formed a study team of local and state fuel accident response agencies, which in the course of numerous meetings, briefings, and public hearings learned that current federal oversight of pipeline safety is inadequate in many respects; and

Whereas, the state of Washington is providing an example of how oversight of pipeline safety can be effectively accomplished at the state level by developing a strong, coordinated program of state and local oversight of pipeline safety that will be well integrated with concurrent federal oversight; and

Whereas, such state programs cannot be fully implemented without action by the Congress and the President to modify existing statutes and provide necessary administrative and budgetary support; now, therefore, be it

That Congress enact legislation amending the federal Pipeline Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Section 60101, et seq.) to allow states to adopt and enforce standards stricter than federal standards where to do so would not interfere with interstate commerce; and

That such act be further amended to allow states at their option to seek authority to administer and enforce federal pipeline safety standards; and

That as an interim measure pending congressional consideration of such legislative enactments the President direct the federal Office of Pipeline Safety to grant authority to states that qualify to enforce federal standards; and

That Congress increase funding to assist states in responding to pipeline accident emergencies, to implement pipeline safety measures, to support states with delegated authority to enforce federal standards, and to the Office of Pipeline Safety for additional research and development of technologies for testing, leak detection, and oversight operations; and

That the clerk of the New Hampshire house of representatives forward copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and to the members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation.