How HB 886 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill adds a new subchapter to Title 66 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the installation and testing of automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves in gas and hazardous liquids transmission pipelines.

• 66 Pa. C.S. Chapter 15

  SUBCHAPTER C PIPELINE SAFETY VALVES Sec. 1541. Definitions. 1542. Automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves for gas transmission pipelines. 1543. Automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves for hazardous liquids transmission pipelines. 1544. Penalties.

  Creates a new subchapter specifically addressing pipeline safety valves.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1542

  All facilities of a public utility engaged in the transmission of gas placed into service after the effective date of this section shall have automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves installed as provided under this section.

  Mandates the installation of automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves in new gas transmission facilities.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1542

  In addition to any other valves installed by the public utility, the public utility shall install at least one automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve at each location required under 49 CFR 192.179 (relating to transmission line valves).

  Establishes an installation requirement for at least one shutoff valve at specified locations for gas transmission pipelines.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1542

  The public utility shall test each automatic and remote controlled shutoff valve on an annual basis. Records of the testing shall be provided annually to each municipality in which the automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve is tested.

  Imposes an annual testing and reporting requirement for shutoff valves to municipalities.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1542

  If an automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve does not operate properly when tested, the public utility shall repair or replace the valve as soon as reasonably practicable.

  Requires prompt repair or replacement of non-functioning shutoff valves.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1543

  All facilities of a public utility engaged in the transmission of hazardous liquids placed into service after the effective date of this section shall have automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves installed as provided under this section.

  Mandates the installation of automatic or remote controlled shutoff valves in new hazardous liquids transmission facilities.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1543

  In addition to any other valves installed by the public utility, the public utility shall install at least one automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve at each location required under 49 CFR 192.179 (relating to transmission line valves).

  Establishes an installation requirement for at least one shutoff valve at specified locations for hazardous liquids transmission pipelines.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1543

  The public utility shall test each automatic and remote controlled shutoff valve on an annual basis. Records of the testing shall be provided annually to each municipality in which the automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve is tested.

  Imposes an annual testing and reporting requirement for shutoff valves to municipalities for hazardous liquids.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1543

  If an automatic or remote controlled shutoff valve does not operate properly when tested, the public utility shall repair or replace the valve as soon as reasonably practicable.

  Requires prompt repair or replacement of non-functioning shutoff valves for hazardous liquids.

• 66 Pa. C.S. § 1544

  The commission may, after notice and opportunity to be heard, impose civil penalties under section 3301 (relating to civil penalties for violations) and other appropriate remedies for violations of this subchapter and the regulations and orders of the commission.

  Allows the commission to impose penalties for violations of the new rules regarding pipeline safety valves.