Rep. Quinn Introduces House Resolution To Require DEP, PUC To Do Mariner East 2 Pipeline Risk Assessment

Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware) Wednesday introduced House Resolution 1034 that directs the Department of Environmental Protection and the Public Utility Commission to prepare a comprehensive risk assessment of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline (sponsor summary).

Rep. Quinn introduced the Resolution after hosting a hearing on Mariner East 2 Pipeline issues on July 19 by the House Republican Policy Committee.

The risk assessment called for in the Resolution would require the agencies to identify potential risks of construction and operation activities and address known public concerns about the enforcement of associated permit protections and safety standards, including during emergencies.

The Mariner East 2 Pipelines crosses the entire width of Pennsylvania and affects 17 counties with its route taking it close to homes, child-care facilities, schools, hospitals and senior living facilities carrying natural gas and natural gas liquids the Resolution said.

The Resolution notes the project has been shutdown multiple times by DEP (and the PUC).

The Resolution requires DEP and the PUC to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, House and Senate.

Rep. Quinn has also House Bill 2609 requiring the state Attorney General To provide a Landowner Bill Of Rights to property owners subject to eminent domain related to the construction of pipelines and other projects.

(Map: Mariner East 2 Pipelines route.)
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