DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Montoucet HB No. 933
Abstract: Creates the "Louisiana Natural Gas Liquids Pipeline Law".
Proposed law provides definitions for "assistant secretary", intrastate pipeline facility", "person",
"pipeline facility", and "transportation of natural gas liquids".
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner of conservation to regulate the construction, design
and operation of; issue certificates of public convenience and necessity for; and declare the status
of as a common carrier of pipelines transmitting natural gas liquids and associated facilities.
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner to enter into agreements with the U.S. Dept. of
Transportation to enforce compliance with safety standards.
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner to make any reasonable rules, regulations, and orders
that are necessary for the administration and enforcement of proposed law.
Proposed law provides such rules, regulations, and orders may include minimum safety
standards, the prevention of the intrusion of natural gas liquids into other formations, the
prevention of the pollution of fresh water supplies, and to require the proper closure of pipelines
and associated surface facilities.
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner to make inquires, collect data, investigate, inspect,
examine, hold hearings, require the keeping of records and submission of emergency contact
information, and take any action as reasonably necessary to enforce proposed law.
Proposed law requires that prior to the use of any pipeline to transport natural gas liquids and
prior to the exercise of eminent domain, the commissioner, after public hearing, held in at least
one parish where the pipeline is to be located, shall have found all of the following:
(1)That the pipeline sought to be used for the transportation of natural gas liquids is suitable
and feasible for such use.
(2)That the use of the pipeline will not contaminate formations containing fresh water, oil,
gas, or other commercial mineral deposits.
(3)That the proposed pipeline will not endanger human lives or cause a hazardous condition
to property. Proposed law provides that if the proposed pipeline is partly located in another state or
jurisdiction, the commissioner shall confirm that the applicable regulatory authority of that state
or jurisdiction has approved or authorized the transportation of natural gas liquids in association
with such project.
Proposed law provides that the eminent domain authority authorized by proposed law shall be
exercised pursuant to the procedures found in present law, and shall be in addition to any other
power of eminent domain authorized by law.
Proposed law provides that the commissioner is neither a necessary nor indispensable party to an
eminent domain proceeding, and if named as a party or third party has an absolute right to be
dismissed from said action at the expense of the party who names the commissioner. Provides
that the commissioner shall recover all costs reasonably incurred, including attorney fees.
Proposed law provides for the procedure for making rules, regulations, and orders and for
interested persons in requesting hearings pursuant to present law.
Proposed law requires the commissioner to issue a certificate of public convenience and
necessity after application and a public hearing, held in at least one parish where the pipeline
transporting natural gas liquids is to be located, and determines that the proposed pipeline and
associated facilities are required by the present or future public convenience and necessity, meets
the requirements of proposed law, and any rules adopted pursuant to proposed law.
Proposed law provides for the administration and enforcement of proposed law.
(Adds R.S. 30:1001-1006)