Legal Definitions - Utilities and transportation - State statutes

The term "Utilities and transportation - State statutes" refers to the body of laws enacted by individual states that govern the provision of essential services and the infrastructure for moving people and goods within their borders.

These statutes establish the legal framework for how critical services like electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecommunications are regulated, operated, and delivered to consumers. They also cover the rules and regulations for various modes of transportation, including public roads, bridges, railways, public transit systems, and commercial trucking. State statutes in these areas typically define the powers and responsibilities of regulatory agencies, set safety standards, dictate pricing structures, outline consumer protections, and guide infrastructure development and maintenance.

Here are some examples illustrating how "Utilities and transportation - State statutes" apply:

• Example 1: Regulating Electricity Rates

  Imagine a state where the primary electric company proposes a significant increase in its rates for residential customers. Under the state's "Utilities and transportation - State statutes," a designated Public Utilities Commission (PUC) or similar regulatory body is empowered to review and approve or deny such rate hike requests. The statutes would outline the specific criteria the PUC must consider, such as the utility's operating costs, infrastructure investments, and a reasonable return on investment, while also ensuring the rates are fair and affordable for consumers. The PUC's decision, based on these state statutes, directly impacts how much residents pay for their electricity.

  This example illustrates how state statutes govern utility services by establishing regulatory oversight and defining the legal process for setting consumer prices, balancing the utility's financial needs with public interest.

• Example 2: Funding and Maintaining State Highways

  A state legislature passes a new law, a "Utilities and transportation - State statute," that dedicates a portion of the state's fuel tax revenue specifically to the maintenance and repair of its interstate highways and state routes. This statute might also establish a new state agency or task an existing Department of Transportation with overseeing these projects, setting timelines for repairs, and ensuring compliance with federal safety standards. The law could further specify how contractors are selected and how funds are allocated across different regions of the state.

  This example demonstrates how state statutes govern transportation by dictating the funding mechanisms for critical infrastructure, assigning responsibility for its upkeep, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the state's road network.

• Example 3: Ensuring Water Quality and Service Standards

  Following concerns about the quality of drinking water in several municipalities, a state enacts a comprehensive "Utilities and transportation - State statute" that mandates specific water quality testing protocols for all public water suppliers. This statute requires regular reporting to a state environmental agency, sets maximum contaminant levels, and outlines procedures for notifying the public in case of contamination. It also establishes minimum service standards, such as requirements for maintaining adequate water pressure and prompt response times for water main breaks.

  This example shows how state statutes regulate utility services by setting health and safety standards, ensuring the reliability of essential services, and providing consumer protections related to public health.