Amendment ID: S2477-19

Amendment 19

Establishing an Energy Infrastructure Oversight Board

Mr. Feeney, Ms. DiZoglio, Messrs. Keenan, Pacheco, O'Connor, Brady, Collins and Welch, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Moore move that the proposed new draft be amended by inserting after Section XX the following new section:-

SECTION XX. Chapter 25 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 2A the following section:-

Section 2B. There is hereby established within the department of public utilities an energy infrastructure oversight board, to be appointed by the governor, consisting of the 3 commissioners of public utilities; 1 representative of an investor-owned gas utility; 1 representative of the environmental community; 1 representative of the business community; 1 consumer representative; 1 professional engineer; and 1 representative of organized labor. The oversight board shall make recommendations to the governor with respect to gas safety, oversight and inspection of gas facilities, employment of inspectors and engineers to oversee pipeline construction and maintenance, and emergency response protocols for gas-related incidents. Annually, not later than December 31, the board shall report to the governor and the senate and house committees on ways and means. The members of the board shall serve without compensation. Members shall serve for terms of 3 years and may be reappointed.