2018 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 45 - Public Utilities and Carriers
RS 45:302.1 - Powers of the commission; abandonment of certain pipelines
§302.1. Powers of the commission; abandonment of certain pipelines
A. As used in this Section, "interstate natural gas pipeline" means an interstate natural gas pipeline where any portion of such pipeline is geographically located within the state of Louisiana, and when such pipeline portion provides service within the state to one or more local distribution systems that in turn provide service to their customers.
B. On and after March 10, 2014, if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves a proposal to abandon an interstate natural gas pipeline, then such pipeline portion within the state shall be considered an intrastate natural gas pipeline and a public utility as of the date of such approval. As an intrastate natural gas pipeline, the pipeline shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
C. An applicant filing a proposal with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeking abandonment of an interstate natural gas pipeline that is subject to the provisions of this Section shall provide written notice and a copy of the application to the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Upon the approval and issuance of an abandonment order by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the applicant shall provide written notice and a copy of such order to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
D. Thereafter, any abandonment proceeding for such pipeline portion in Louisiana shall be governed pursuant to applicable rules, regulations, and orders of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. No such abandonment shall be deemed effective until the applicant has complied with the Louisiana Public Service Commission's rules, regulations, and orders, and all other applicable state and federal agency regulations.
E. The provisions of this Section shall be in addition to the requirements of R.S. 30:555.
F. The provisions of this Section shall not apply if the owner or operator of the interstate pipeline seeking abandonment has done all of the following:
(1) Reached a written agreement with the existing customers that provides for the continued availability and supply of natural gas from the interstate pipeline or for the supply and delivery of natural gas from alternative sources.
(2) Filed the agreement referenced in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection as an uncontested settlement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a final order approving such uncontested settlement without change and such settlement is no longer subject to appeal.
(3) Provided a copy of the uncontested settlement agreement and the final order of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, both referenced in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
Acts 2014, No. 310, §1, eff. May 28, 2014.
