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Bill to clarify pipeline access to public rights‑of‑way draws opposition from tribes and environmental groups
Summary
The Senate Energy Committee heard testimony Feb. 18 on House Bill 122, which would allow natural gas distribution lines to be placed in public rights‑of‑way; supporters said the change would reduce costs, while tribes and environmental groups warned it could weaken local oversight and consultation.
The Senate Energy Committee on Feb. 18 heard testimony on House Bill 122, which would explicitly permit natural gas distribution pipelines and related facilities to be installed in public rights‑of‑way.
Sponsor Representative Brewster said the change is a cleanup to modernize an 1895 statute so natural gas distribution is treated the same as other utilities for placement in public rights‑of‑way, which the sponsor and proponents said will lower costs and speed project planning.
Northwest Energy and MDU testified in support, describing the bill as a technical…
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