CO SB021

The General Assembly declares its intent to grant eminent domain rights to pipeline companies operating pipelines that convey petroleum and hydrocarbon products, overriding the May 2012 Colorado Supreme Court decision in Larson v. Sinclair Transportation Company that limited such rights to natural gas and electric power pipelines.

Defines "pipeline company" in Article 5 of Title 38 (C.R.S.) to include any company lawfully formed under state or federal law that is permitted by its organizational documents to construct pipelines for gas, oil, or other petroleum or hydrocarbon products.

Makes technical revisions throughout Article 5 to clarify that provisions governing rights-of-way for transmission companies apply equally to pipeline companies conveying petroleum products, including rights across public highways, state lands, and private lands.

Grants pipeline companies the same powers of eminent domain held by telegraph, telephone, electric light power, and gas companies for obtaining rights-of-way necessary to construct, maintain, and operate their pipelines.

Includes a safety clause declaring the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.