CR 16-084 Rule Text

Under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety, the commission is authorized to enforce federal natural gas pipeline safety requirements as set out in the Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Parts 192, 193, and 199. As part of the agreement, the commission adopts the federal pipeline safety code in Wis. Admin. Code s. PSC 135.019. The commission’s latest version of that rule adopts the federal code up to May 1, 2015. New gas pipeline safety code requirements are generally enacted in October of each year. As a result, the commission needs to amend its rule to include those federal regulation changes made since May 1, 2015. Adoption of these amendments will keep the commission in compliance with its obligation to adopt all federal changes in the pipeline safety area.

E. Comparison with Existing or Proposed Federal Legislation

As this is the adoption of the federal regulations, it is the same as the federal regulations.

F. Comparison with Similar Rules in Surrounding States

All states, including Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota, adopt the federal pipeline regulations.

G. Effect on Small Business

This rule will not affect small businesses. The s. 227.114(12), Stats., definition of “small business” states that to be considered a small business, the business must not be dominant in its field. Since electric, gas, and water utilities are monopolies in their service territories, they are dominant in their fields and, so, are not small businesses.

FISCAL ESTIMATE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS

A completed Fiscal Estimated and Economic Impact Analysis are included as Attachment B.

A. Comments

Comments on this rule may be submitted as outlined in the Notice of Hearing.

B. Accommodation

The commission does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the provision of programs, services, or employment. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations to participate in this proceeding or who needs to obtain this document in a different format should contact the docket coordinator listed below.

C. Agency Contact People

Questions regarding this rule should be directed to Thomas Stemrich, at [phone] or [e-mail]. Media questions should be directed to the Communications Director, at [phone]. Hearing or speech-impaired individuals may also use the commission’s TTY number; if calling from Wisconsin, [phone]; if calling from outside Wisconsin, [phone].