Pennsylvania Representative Introduces Legislation to Require Pipeline Impact Disclosure in Easements
On March 11, 2013, Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Reese introduced legislation that would require a new disclosure statement in easements for certain natural gas pipelines. The legislation, House Bill No. 904, specifically provides that “[a]ny easement agreement for a natural gas pipeline, other than a natural gas pipeline operated by a public utility regulated by the commission and used to provide retail natural gas service to end-use customers, entered into or otherwise obtained after the effective date of this section shall include a disclosure statement identifying the natural gas pipeline’s potential impact radius and potential impact circle.” The terms “potential impact radius” and “potential impact circle” are defined by referencing the definitions already established in the minimum federal safety standards for gas pipeline facilities.