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An Act To Improve Response to Gas Safety Emergencies
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  35-A MRSA §4712  is enacted to read:
§ 4712. Gas emergency response
 
1.  Definitions.     As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, "natural gas event" means an explosion, fire or similar event that is caused by or involves natural gas controlled, transported or delivered by a gas utility or a natural gas pipeline utility and that causes property damage or personal injury.
 
2.  Response.     Following a natural gas event, the commission shall:
 
A.  Immediately seek to ensure, to the full extent of its authority and resources, that all evidence of the natural gas event is retained and secured;
 
B.  In any commission proceeding concerning the natural gas event, afford any person injured by the event and any person who suffered property damage in the event an opportunity to address the commission regarding the event;
 
C.  To the extent practicable, consistent with section 117, use any administrative penalties collected from a gas utility or natural gas pipeline utility for a violation of this Title relating to the natural gas event to equitably compensate persons not otherwise fully compensated for injuries or property damage suffered as a result of the event; and
 
D.  Cooperate with and assist, to the extent reasonable and practicable, any person seeking recovery in a civil action against a natural gas utility or natural gas pipeline utility for personal injury or property damage suffered as a result of the natural gas event.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Public Utilities Commission, in the event of a natural gas explosion or fire or other natural gas event involving a gas utility or natural gas pipeline utility that results in injury to persons or damage to property, to:
1. Immediately seek to ensure, to the full extent of its authority and resources, that all evidence of the natural gas event is retained and secured;
2. In any commission proceeding concerning the natural gas event, afford any person injured by the event and any person who suffered any property damage in the event an opportunity to address the commission regarding the event;
3. Use administrative penalties collected from a gas utility or natural gas pipeline utility for violations relating to the event to equitably compensate persons not otherwise fully compensated for injuries or property damage suffered as a result of the event; and
4. Cooperate with and assist, to the extent reasonable and practicable, any person seeking recovery in a civil action against a natural gas utility or natural gas pipeline utility for personal injury or property damage suffered as a result of the event.