SECTION 1.  Chapter 21N of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2008 Edition is hereby amended by adding after section 9 the following section:-

Section 10. Any potential hazard resulting from gas leakage to persons, property or the environment due to leaking methane as a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) shall be prescribed remedial actions. Each operator shall promptly respond to any notification of a gas leak, gas odor or any notification of damage to facilities by excavators or other outside sources to protect persons and property and limit the amount of GHG expelled to the atmosphere.

Any suspected damage to trees due to any gas leak from a utility owned pipeline should be reported to the company responsible for inspection by a qualified arborist. Repairs, damages and replacements will be subject to the rules and regulations of the department of public utilities and the executive office of environmental affairs.