The bill amends Section 70-3-19 of the New Mexico Statutes to enhance civil penalties for violations of the Pipeline Safety Act, aligning them with federal guidelines. Specifically, it removes the previous maximum civil penalty limits of $100,000 per violation per day and $1,000,000 for related violations, replacing them with the maximum civil penalty as provided under federal law (49 U.S.C. Section 602122 and 49 C.F.R. 190.223). This change aims to strengthen enforcement measures against violations related to gas and oil pipeline facilities.

Additionally, the bill maintains provisions for the commission to issue penalties based on various factors, including the nature and gravity of the violation and the violator's history. It also outlines penalties for willful and knowing destruction or damage to pipeline facilities and related signage, with specified fines and potential imprisonment terms. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework governing pipeline safety in New Mexico by imposing stricter penalties for non-compliance.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 70-3-19