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Council approves transfer of existing pipeline franchises; members seek bond clarifications
Summary
Two agenda items transferring ownership of existing pipeline franchises were approved after council discussion about bonds, safety and whether the transfers involved new construction.
The Los Angeles City Council approved two agenda items (items 14 and 15) on Nov. 14 that transfer existing pipeline franchises from one owner to another.
Councilmember Holden raised concerns about pipelines and public input, saying pipeline work often prompts environmental and safety objections. City staff clarified the items were transfers of existing pipeline franchises, not new pipelines or new rights-of-way, and that the current bonds were sufficient to cover potential cleanup costs in the event of an incident. Staff said one item had been reviewed by the Department of Transportation and recommended for approval.
Councilmember Holden initially asked to refer one item to the Environmental Quality and Waste Management Committee, but withdrew that request after staff confirmed the transfers were administrative rather than new construction. Council recorded votes of 13 ayes on item 14 and 13 ayes on item 15; both items were approved.
Council discussion emphasized that these actions do not change physical pipeline alignment or authorize new construction; they simply transfer franchise rights and require confirmation that bonds and insurance remain sufficient.
