GPA Seeks Seat on Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force

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The Gas Processors Association (GPA) reports that Pennsylvania’s new Democrat governor, Tom Wolf, is forming a pipeline infrastructure task force, with the stated intention being to help commonwealth agencies, the natural gas industry, and communities work together as thousands of miles of pipelines are being proposed to transport natural gas and natural gas liquids throughout the state. GPA director of state government affairs Debbie Beaver has applied for a seat on the panel to represent the midstream industry.

The task force is purportedly to include representatives from state agencies, the legislature, federal and local governments, the pipeline and natural gas industries, and environmental groups. The goal is to recommend a series of best practices for planning, siting, and routing pipelines to avoid and reduce environmental and community impacts.

Other goals are said to be engaging the public in meaningful participation, fostering an efficient permitting process, employing construction methods that reduce environmental impacts, and developing long-term operations and maintenance plans to ensure pipeline safety and integrity. A final report of the task force’s findings will be submitted to the governor in February 2016.

“GPA members could be significantly impacted from this task force’s recommendations, and it’s important that we have a seat at the table and are part of the conversation in Pennsylvania,” Beaver said. She added that she expects to be informed in coming weeks whether or not GPA has been selected to participate.

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