update certain citations to federal regulations regarding pipeline safety inspections.
What changed between versions
Updated the definition of 'interstate pipeline' to reflect new federal jurisdiction boundaries effective January 1, 2026, under the Natural Gas Act.
Adopted new federal safety standards from 49 C.F.R. parts 191 to 193, inclusive, and appendix to parts 191 and 192, effective January 1, 2026, as the baseline for state pipeline safety inspections.
Added requirement for the Public Utilities Commission to establish a pipeline safety inspection program that complies with federal certification requirements under 49 U.S.C. § 60105, effective January 1, 2026.
Updated the commission's authority to establish safety standards to consider new federal provisions under 49 U.S.C. §§ 60101 to 60143, effective January 1, 2026.
Added authority for the commission to act as an agent for the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement federal pipeline safety regulations for interstate gas pipelines within the state.
Clarified that civil penalties under state law do not apply if federal penalties have already been imposed for the same conduct, and confirmed the commission's ability to pursue additional remedies.