HB 3632

Abstract

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Creates the Disadvantaged Communities Protection Commission comprised of the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that available energy sources appropriately benefit and do not inappropriately burden such communities. Specifies duties for the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall make a recommendation to the Governor and the energy company proposing an energy project if there are any current or potential threats or anticipated burdens resulting from a proposed energy project. Provides that the Commission will work with the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to establish and maintain a statewide advanced leak detection standard for all pipeline operators. Provides that this standard shall require pipeline operators to find and repair leaks on the operators' system, including those previously designated as nonhazardous. Provides that funding shall be made available for disadvantaged communities to build better infrastructure to safeguard against gas pipeline adversities.