HB 1452-S - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 2ND SUB)

     Declares the intent of this act is to ensure a sustainable, comprehensive, pipeline safety program, to protect the health and safety of the citizens of the state of Washington, and maintain the quality of the state's environment.

     Finds that public safety and the environment are best protected by securing permanent funding for this program through establishment of a regulatory fee imposed on hazardous liquids and gas pipelines.

     Provides that every gas company and every interstate gas pipeline company subject to inspection or enforcement by the commission shall pay an annual pipeline safety fee to the commission.  At a minimum, the fees established under this section must be sufficient to adequately fund pipeline inspection personnel, the timely review of pipeline safety and integrity plans, the timely development of spill response plans, the timely development of accurate maps of pipeline locations, participation in federal pipeline safety efforts to the extent allowed by law as now or hereafter amended, and the staffing of the citizen committee on pipeline safety at levels the committee determines needed to provide oversight.

     Requires the commission to keep accurate records of the costs incurred in administering its gas pipeline safety program and the records are open to inspection by interested parties.  The records and data upon which the commission's determination is made shall be prima facie correct in any proceeding to challenge the reasonableness or correctness of any order of the commission fixing fees and distributing regulatory expenses.

     Requires every hazardous liquid pipeline company as defined in RCW 81.88.010 shall pay an annual pipeline safety fee to the commission.

     Requires that the commission shall keep accurate records of the costs incurred in administering its hazardous liquid pipeline safety program and the records are open to inspection by interested parties.

     Directs the commission to review staff utilization, inspection activity, fee methodology, and costs of the interstate pipeline safety program and report to the appropriate legislative committees by November 15, 2002.

     Repeals RCW 81.88.050 and 81.88.130.