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House approves substitute to HB 31 raising maximum pipeline fines to $100,000 after debate over federal funding
Summary
The Utah House passed a first substitute to HB 31 that raises the cap on pipeline safety fines from $10,000 to $100,000 to align with federal guidance and seek federal funding; debate focused on which pipelines are state‑regulated and how federal funds relate to state fines.
The Utah House of Representatives on the floor approved a first substitute to House Bill 31, a natural‑gas pipeline safety bill that raises the statutory maximum civil penalty from $10,000 per violation to $100,000.
Representative Handy, sponsor of the substitute, told colleagues the Division of Public Utilities recommended the change after discussions with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). He said the higher penalty level is intended to preserve the state’s ability to administer the pipeline safety program and to avoid losing federal funds: “why in the world would…
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