Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A. Public Utilities § 4508. Powers and authority of Public Utilities Commission

1. Natural gas pipeline utilities subject to commission's authority. A natural gas pipeline utility organized to construct or operate an interstate natural gas pipeline that holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under the Federal Natural Gas Act  1 authorizing it to construct or operate a natural gas pipeline and appurtenant facilities within the State, or an intrastate natural gas pipeline utility that has obtained authorization from the commission, is subject to the authority of the commission. The commission shall adopt policies that reduce the probability of methane leakage from facilities as part of its regulation under this chapter.

2. Commission rules and limitation on commission authority. The commission may make necessary rules with respect to the natural gas pipeline utility's pipeline, equipment and manner of operation as they relate to the safety of the public and of the utility's employees, provided that the commission's authority is not inconsistent with or in violation of the Federal Natural Gas Act, as amended, or any rules, orders, regulations or certificates of public convenience and necessity issued under that Act.

3. Power to effectuate policies of this chapter. To effectuate the policies and provisions of this chapter and when determined necessary to obtain uniformity in the formulation, administration and enforcement of any order or rule issued under this chapter, or promulgated by an agency of the United States, pertaining to the regulating or handling of natural gas, the commission may: