HLP C.S.S.B. 1912 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


ENERGY RESOURCES
C.S.S.B. 1912
By: Cain (Oakley)
5-15-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND 

Currently, only federal pipeline inspectors are authorized to inspect
interstate pipelines.  There are eight pipeline inspectors for the federal
program whose jurisdiction covers a five-state region.  The state has
roughly 35 pipeline inspectors for intrastate pipelines.  The Railroad
Commission currently has a temporary interstate agent status which allows
inspectors to inspect interstate pipelines on an individual basis, but
state law does not authorize them to do so.  S.B. 1912 would give
statutory authority for state inspectors to inspect interstate pipelines
and allow the Railroad Commission to continue as a temporary interstate
agent. 
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1912 outlines provisions regarding inspection of
interstate hazardous liquids pipelines within the State of Texas. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Railroad Commission under SECTION 2
(Section 117.012, Natural Resources Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 117.011, Natural Resources Code, to provide that
the commission has jurisdiction over all pipeline transportation of
hazardous liquids or carbon dioxide and over all hazardous liquid or
carbon dioxide pipeline facilities as provided in 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq..
Authorizes the commission to also seek designation as an interstate agent
to conduct safety inspections on all interstate facilities within the
borders of the state.  Deletes the reference to the Hazardous Liquid
Pipeline Safety Act. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 117.012, Natural Resources Code, by adding
Subsection (g), to require the commission to adopt rules for public
education and awareness for pipeline facilities and for a community
liaison for responding to emergencies. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: Upon passage.



COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

SECTION 1.  Simplifies federal cite.  Puts the section into outline form.

SECTION 2.  Puts the section into outline form.

SECTION 3.  Changes the effective date from 90 days after adjournment to
immediately upon passage.