PA PUC Issues Tentative Order To Implement New Pipeline Act

Nothing terrifies the public more than a gas pipeline explosion or leak of hazardous material, so it was no surprise that with the surging development of the Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania moved quickly to enact legislation to enhance pipeline safety. On December 22, 2011, Governor Corbett signed into law the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act, Act 127 of 2011, authorizing the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (the "Commission") to enforce Federal pipeline safety laws as they relate to pipeline operators in Pennsylvania.

The Act takes effect on February 20, 2012 and means that pipeline operators will be subject to new registration requirements and a new assessment to pay for the anticipated costs of the pipeline safety program.