The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) has proposed changes to its Part 190 procedural rules to broaden enforcement powers as called for in a bill that President Obama signed into law earlier this year (see NGI, Jan. 9). Congress passed the legislation following fatal pipeline explosions in San Bruno, CA, and Allentown, PA (see NGI, Feb. 14, 2011; Oct. 18, 2010). Key proposed changes include: increase in the administrative civil penalty caps to $200,000/violation/day and up to $2 million for related violations; authority to seek civil penalties for obstructions of inspections or investigations; more power to issue subpoenas; prohibits ex parte communications; and adds references to PHMSA’s new authority under the Clean Water Act to enforce its oil spill plan regulations. Comments on PHMSA’s notice of proposed changes are due on Sept. 12.
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PHMSA Proposal Would Broaden Enforcement of Pipe Safety
The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) has proposed several changes to its Part 190 procedural rules that would broaden its enforcement powers as called for in a pipeline safety bill that President Obama signed into law earlier this year (see Daily GPI, Jan. 4).
Pennsylvania Impact Fee Moves, But Slowly
A Pennsylvania Senate committee moved Marcellus Shale impact fee legislation forward on Wednesday, but observers suggest that the move is mainly procedural and say there is still much work to be done.
INGAA ‘Opens Door’ to Senator Blocking Pipe Safety Bill
A major interstate natural gas pipeline association is pressing Tea Party conservative Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to lift his procedural hold on pipeline safety re-authorization legislation so the bill can come to the Senate floor for a vote.
Tea Party Senator Tries to Block Pipe Safety Legislation
Tea Party conservative Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has placed a procedural hold on pipeline safety reauthorization legislation, which would block the measure from coming up for a vote on the Senate floor and possibly prevent it from clearing Congress this year.
Tea Party Senator Tries to Block Pipe Safety Legislation
Tea Party conservative Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has placed a procedural hold on pipeline safety reauthorization legislation, which would block the measure from coming up for a vote on the Senate floor and possibly prevent it from clearing Congress this year.
Obama to Sign Financial Reform Package into Law This Week
After winning a critical procedural vote last Thursday, the Democrat-crafted legislation overhauling the financial regulatory system cruised to an easy victory in the Senate. President Obama said he planned to sign the bill into law this week.
Senate Adopts Sweeping Financial Reform Package
After winning a critical procedural vote Thursday, the Democrat-crafted legislation overhauling the financial regulatory system cruised to an easy victory in the Senate. President Obama said he planned to sign the bill into law next week.
Senate Returns to Lands Bill to Surmount Hurdles in House
The Senate plans to take a second look at the $10 billion omnibus lands bill Monday in an apparent attempt to get around some of the procedural hurdles that have stalled the measure in the House. The bill would take millions of acres of public lands in the West off the table for potential oil and natural gas development.
Senate Returns to Lands Bill to Surmount Hurdles in House
The Senate plans to take a second look at the $10 billion omnibus lands bill Monday (March 16) in an apparent attempt to get around some of the procedural hurdles that have stalled the measure in the House. The bill would take millions of acres of public lands in the West off the table for potential oil and natural gas development.
