New Hampshire House Bill HB1491

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/3/21
• Refer: 12/3/21
• Report Pass: 3/7/22
• Engrossed: 3/22/22
• Refer: 3/22/22
• Report Pass: 4/13/22
• Enrolled: 5/13/22
• Chaptered: 5/24/22
• Passed: 5/24/22

Caption

Relative to natural gas transmission pipeline safety.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1491 is expected to promote dialogue between property developers and natural gas pipeline operators, thereby improving safety considerations around new land use projects. It aims to ensure that developers are fully aware of the pipeline's location and can incorporate safety measures into their designs. The legislation also imposes conditions on the issuance of building permits, as developers must either secure written consent from the operators or demonstrate that they have made efforts to communicate with them, thus holding all parties accountable in protecting shared public interests.

Summary

House Bill 1491 aims to enhance safety regulations related to the construction of developments near natural gas transmission pipelines. The bill mandates that developers notify the pipeline operators whenever they plan any new residential or non-residential development within 1,000 feet of such pipelines, ensuring that potential hazards are addressed early in the construction process. This notification must occur at the time of application for development approval or at least 180 days prior to the start of construction, whichever comes first.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 1491 represents a significant step toward improved safety standards in areas where natural gas pipelines exist. By instilling a process that requires early communication and planning, the bill hopes to mitigate risks associated with new developments in proximity to these critical infrastructures, thus prioritizing public safety while navigating the complexities of land development.

Contention

While supporters of HB 1491 advocate for its safety measures, some stakeholders may view the mandatory notification requirement and the associated conditions for issuing building permits as bureaucratic hurdles that could delay development projects. Contentions may arise regarding the balance between economic development and safety regulations, with arguments likely stemming from developers concerned about additional layers of compliance and potential increases in project costs.