Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines and Other Pipeline Safety Initiatives

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., an investor-owned electric and gas utility, opposes specific proposed revisions to the Gas Distribution Integrity Management Programs (DIMP). The company argues that requiring operators to account for extreme weather events without historical prevalence and focusing on the age of systems rather than performance-based risk factors is redundant, ineffective, and could divert resources from more credible risks.

Michael Ravnitzky supports the proposed rule but argues that it is insufficient in addressing several key safety and environmental concerns. He proposes specific new requirements for gas distribution operators regarding climate change adaptation, cybersecurity, seismic activity mitigation, pollution reduction from pumping stations, and clear enforcement mechanisms.

Michael Ravnitzky supports the proposed rule but argues that it should be expanded to include specific requirements for climate change adaptation, cybersecurity, seismic activity mitigation, and pollution reduction from pumping and compression stations. He also requests more clarity on enforcement mechanisms and coordination with state agencies.