HB 1452-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)

     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 by rule establish the methodology it will use to set the appropriate fee for each entity subject to this act.  The methodology shall provide for an equitable distribution of program costs among all entities subject to the fee.  In establishing the methodology, the commission shall create an incentive program for allocating fees for pipeline safety in collaboration with the citizens committee.

     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.