(1) The citizens committee on pipeline safety is established to advise the state agencies and other appropriate federal and local government agencies and officials on matters relating to hazardous liquid and gas pipeline safety, routing, construction, operation, and maintenance. The committee shall serve as an advisory committee for the commission on matters relating to the commission's pipeline safety programs and activities. The commission shall consult with and provide periodic reports to the committee on matters related to the commission's pipeline safety programs and activities, including but not limited to the development and regular review of funding elements for pipeline safety programs and activities.
(2) The committee shall have thirteen total members who shall be appointed by the governor to staggered three-year terms and shall consist of: (a) Nine members representing local government, including elected officials and the public; and (b) four nonvoting members, representing owners and operators of hazardous liquid and gas pipelines. All members of the committee, voting and nonvoting, may participate fully in the committee's meetings, activities, and deliberations and shall timely receive all notices and information related to committee business and decisions.
(3) The committee shall review and comment on proposed rules and the operation of the state pipeline safety programs.
(4) The committee may create one or more technical advisory committees comprised of gas and hazardous liquid pipeline owners or operators, agency representatives, natural resource and environmental interests, or other interested parties.
(5) The committee established in this section constitutes a class one group under RCW
43.03.220. Expenses for this group, as well as staff support, shall be provided by the utilities and transportation commission.