NC S549

Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources shall study the condition, safety, and environmental impact of petroleum product pipelines in North Carolina.

Study shall evaluate updates to oil damage prevention statutes, cost-recovery mechanisms to encourage pipeline safety programs and infrastructure upgrades, and improvements to emergency planning and communication among first responders, pipeline operators, landowners, and regulators.

$100,000 in nonrecurring funds appropriated for fiscal year 2021-2022 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2022-2023 to fund the study.

Department may establish time-limited positions and contract with nonprofit entities to conduct the study.

Department shall report findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy no later than December 15, 2022.