An Act To Increase the Maximum Gas Safety Administrative Penalty Amounts
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §4516-A, sub-§§1 and 2, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 505, §35, are amended to read:
1. Violation of this Title. The commission may impose an administrative penalty on a natural gas pipeline utility that violates any provision of this Title relating to safety of pipeline facilities or transportation of gas or any rule issued under this Title in an amount not to exceed $100,000 $200,000 for each violation. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.
2. Maximum administrative penalty. The maximum administrative penalty may not exceed $1,000,000 $2,000,000 for any related series of violations.
Sec. 2. 35-A MRSA §4705-A, sub-§§1 and 2, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 505, §38, are amended to read:
1. Violation of this Title. The commission may impose an administrative penalty on a gas utility that violates any provision of this Title relating to safety of gas facilities or any rule issued under this Title in an amount not to exceed $100,000 $200,000 for each violation. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.
2. Maximum administrative penalty. The maximum administrative penalty may not exceed $1,000,000 $2,000,000 for any related series of violations.
SUMMARY
This bill increases the maximum gas safety administrative penalty amounts to be consistent with federal law.