DANCER INTRODUCES PIPELINE LEGISLATION TO BOLSTER PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PUBLIC SAFETY
WASHINGTON D.C. – December 10, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Assemblyman Ron Dancer, continuing efforts to protect the public from dangerous high-pressure gas pipelines, has introduced a pair of bills safeguarding neighborhoods from risky procedures.
One bill (A-4746) prevents pipeline operators from forging ahead with hazardous projects ibn relative secrecy. Requiring the Board of Public Utilities to hold at least one public hearing in each municipality affected by the pipeline project increases public awareness about the route, the construction schedule, and potential danger. Pipeline operators must provide written notice, 30 days in advance of any public hearing, to all property owners within the designated “blast area” – the area that may be affected by a pipeline explosion.
Ron Dancer
“Right now, the people impacted most by a pipeline coming through their neighborhood have the least information,” said Dancer, R – Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth. “Residents deserve to be heard. Too often, decisions on pipelines are made before local residents even know what’s happening. Knowledge is power, and this bill gives families the opportunity to learn about threats to their homes and to express their concerns.”
Dancer’s second bill (A-4745) empowers municipalities, counties and the Division of Rate Counsel to intervene when an operator petitions to install a pipeline.
“This gives local governments a voice and makes them part of the process,” said Dancer. “Without this legislation, municipalities and counties can only sit on the sidelines and watch. We want to put them at the table where they can best represent their neighborhoods and look out for the well-being of their residents.”
Dancer is also the sponsor of several other bills enhancing public safety related to pipeline construction.
A-4501 amending the Open Meetings Act and requiring the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to hear public comment during open meetings. Under current law there is no requirement for public comment.
A-4503 promotes safety, requiring a 100-foot buffer between a pipeline and occupied structures.
A-4455 requires gas companies to utilize existing utility right-of-ways whenever possible eliminating the need to disrupt communities and towns for new routes.
