Three more energy-related bills have been signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin including one that increases fines and penalties up to $1 million for violations of state pipeline safety laws.
House Bill 2444 by Rep. Terry O’Donnell and Sen. Jason Smalley boosts the daily civil penalty from $10,000 to $100,000 and the maximum civil penalty from $500,000 to $1 million for violations of pipeline safety as they relate to the Hazardous Liquid Transportation System Safety Act. The new law takes effect July 1, 2016 and also includes a similar increase in the administrative penalties.
Another measure, House Bill 3116 makes slight changes to the Oklahoma State Facilities Energy Conservation Program. The new law will allow the Director of the Office of State Finance to determine any performance-based energy conservation programs under contract with a state agency before Aug. 24, 2012 to be in compliance with the law.
The third energy related bill signed by the governor is House Bill 2449 which focuses on trash trucks picking up garbage. It will require any motorist approaching a truck in the collection of refuse or solid waste to change lanes if possible, very similar to laws requiring a change of lane by motorists approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of a road. It will be effective Nov. 1, 2016 and carries a fine of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence of six months.
