Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Wolf, announced the creation of the Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force (“PITF”) to “facilitate the development of a world-class pipeline infrastructure system.” With a projected 30,000 miles of new pipeline expected in Pennsylvania over the next 10 years, the PITF will develop best practices for planning, siting, routing, construction, and operations and maintenance. The task force will also focus on pipeline safety and integrity.
Citing challenges regarding oversight of pipeline development and the lack of a sole authority by state or federal agency for such pipeline development, the Governor’s PITF is intended to bring together members of state agencies, the legislature, federal and local governments, industry and environmental groups, and other interested stakeholders. The Acting Secretary of the PA Department of Environmental Protection, John Quigley, has been appointed as chair.
While the creation of the PITF is purported to help facilitate pipeline development, whether the task force will actually hinder or help development remains to be seen.