HLP C.S.S.B. 1911 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS ENERGY RESOURCES C.S.S.B. 1911 By: Cain (Oakley) 5-15-97 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND In August of 1996 a rupture occurred in a pipeline in a rural subdivision of Kaufman County. Two fatalities resulted when two teenagers drove a pick-up truck into a vapor cloud in route to inform authorities about the pipeline leak. S.B. 1911 would authorize the Railroad Commission to adopt rules to increase public education and awareness for pipeline safety. Additionally, the commission will set parameters for a community liaison for responding to emergencies for pipeline companies. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1911 authorizes the Railroad Commission to adopt rules to increase public education and awareness for pipeline facilities and community liaison for responding to emergencies, and authorizes the commission to conduct inspections on those interstate facilities delegated through an interstate agent agreement with the Department of Transportation. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Railroad Commission under SECTION 1 (Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S.) and SECTION 2 (Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S.) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Title 102, Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S., to grant the Railroad Commission (commission) power to seek designation by the Secretary of Transportation as an agent to conduct safety inspections of interstate gas pipeline facilities located in this state. SECTION 2. Amends Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S., by adding subsection (e), to require the commission to adopt rules for public education and awareness for pipeline facilities and community liaison for responding to emergencies. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: Upon passage. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE SECTION 1. Deletes reference to the federal Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and replaces it with the cite, 49 U.S.C. Section 60101 et seq. Puts into outline form the powers granted to the commission. SECTION 2. Puts into outline form the rulemaking authority granted under this Section. SECTION 3. Changes the effective date from 90 days after adjournment to immediately upon passage.