Pipeline Safety Bill Proposed After NorCal Blast

A California Assemblyman has proposed a bill aimed at preventing pipeline explosions like the natural gas blast that killed eight people in Northern California.

A bill introduced by San Mateo Assemblyman Jerry Hill would require utilities to share their emergency plans with police and fire departments, the San Jose Mercury News said. They’d also have to prioritize repairs to pipelines close to earthquake fault lines and install valves that could automatically seal off a ruptured line.

Federal legislation also has been introduced to require the valves and increase inspections.

The explosion of a Pacific Gas & Electric line in San Bruno on Sept. 9 leveled 35 homes. Officials are holding a public forum on pipeline safety this week in San Bruno.