Energy: transportation fuels: supply: reportable pipelines.

Senator Richardson's proposal to enhance California's petroleum supply chain monitoring would require pipeline operators to report flow rates and potential shutdowns to state energy officials, establishing new oversight mechanisms for critical fuel transportation infrastructure. The legislation mandates that operators of qualifying pipelines submit monthly flow data and immediately notify the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission when throughput falls below minimum operational levels.

The bill directs the Commission to work with industry stakeholders through 2026 to identify reportable pipelines - those whose closure could significantly impact refineries' crude oil supply. Beginning March 2027, operators must report pipeline flows and established minimum throughput levels monthly. When flows approach shutdown thresholds, operators must alert the Commission within 24 hours, triggering notifications to the Governor, legislative energy committee chairs, and emergency response agencies.

To implement these requirements, the Commission will create standardized reporting forms that operators can submit electronically. The collected data will be used exclusively to assess potential supply disruptions from pipeline shutdowns. The bill extends existing civil penalties to entities that fail to provide required pipeline information and authorizes the Commission to seek court orders compelling compliance. Certain operational data submitted under these provisions would remain confidential under California public records law.

The measure builds upon current reporting obligations for refiners, marketers, and other petroleum industry entities by adding specific requirements around pipeline operations and potential supply disruptions. The Legislature's findings note that protecting sensitive business information from public disclosure serves a necessary interest while maintaining appropriate oversight of critical infrastructure.