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Bill

Bill

A 6317

Extends the moratorium on the issuance of environmental safety certificates for facilities and routes for the transportation of liquefied natural or petroleum gas

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 6317 extends the moratorium on environmental safety certificates for LNG and petroleum gas projects, ensuring thorough reviews to protect public health and the environment.

SIGNED CHAP.137
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Bill Summary · A 6317

Summary of Bill A 6317

Bill Overview

Bill Number: A 6317
Title: Extends the moratorium on the issuance of environmental safety certificates for facilities and routes for the transportation of liquefied natural or petroleum gas
Status: Signed into law as Chapter 137
Introduced: March 4, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 6317 is to extend the existing moratorium on the issuance of environmental safety certificates. This moratorium specifically applies to facilities and transportation routes related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum gas. The intent behind this legislation is to ensure that environmental safety concerns are thoroughly addressed before any new projects can proceed, thereby protecting public health and the environment.

Key Provisions

  • Extension of Moratorium: The bill extends the current moratorium, which prevents the issuance of environmental safety certificates for new LNG and petroleum gas facilities and transportation routes.
  • Environmental Review: The legislation emphasizes the need for comprehensive environmental reviews to assess the potential impacts of such facilities and routes on local ecosystems and communities.

Affected Parties

  • Environmental Agencies: The bill impacts state and local environmental agencies responsible for issuing safety certificates and conducting environmental assessments.
  • Energy Companies: Companies involved in the transportation and processing of liquefied natural gas and petroleum gas will be directly affected, as they will face delays in obtaining necessary permits for new projects.
  • Communities: Local communities, particularly those near proposed facilities or transportation routes, will benefit from the extended moratorium, as it allows for further evaluation of potential environmental risks.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 4, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
  • April 2, 2025: Bill reported out of committee.
  • April 3, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • May 14, 2025: Passed by the Assembly and delivered to the Senate.
  • June 4, 2025: Passed by the Senate and returned to the Assembly; substituted for companion bill S 5685.
  • June 18, 2025: Delivered to the Governor and signed into law as Chapter 137.

Related Legislation

This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- A 7082
- A 4959
- A 6910
- A 6569
- S 5685 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill A 6317 represents a significant legislative action aimed at extending protections against potential environmental hazards associated with liquefied natural gas and petroleum gas facilities. By prolonging the moratorium on environmental safety certificates, the bill seeks to ensure that thorough environmental assessments are conducted, thereby safeguarding public health and ecological integrity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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