FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5292

                          C 247 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising the level of civil penalties for violation of gas pipeline safety regulations.

Sponsors:  Senators Sutherland and Finkbeiner.

Senate Committee on Energy, Telecommunications & Utilities

House Committee on Energy & Utilities

Background:  The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety authorizes the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to operate the natural gas pipeline safety program in Washington State.  This delegation of authority also provides a federal grant of up to $100,000 to fund the program.

Congress recently amended the Pipeline Safety Act to increase penalties for safety violations.  Within the past year, federal officials reviewed the existing state program.  They concluded that state penalties must be equivalent to federal penalties so as to preserve Washington's eligibility to operate the pipeline safety program and to continue to receive federal grant funds.

Summary:  References to specific penalty amounts for violating natural gas pipeline safety provisions are removed.  The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is directed to set penalty levels by rule.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    46 0

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate    42 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995