What are the laws related to the regulation and oversight of public infrastructure and utilities?

In Washington, the regulation and oversight of public infrastructure and utilities is conducted through a variety of state, local, and federal laws. The Washington Department of Ecology is responsible for broadly regulating the public infrastructure and utilities through its Public Utility Code. This code outlines the requirements for public utilities to adhere to certain standards and regulations in order to protect the environment and public health. At the local level, local city and county governments have authority to pass ordinances which further regulate utilities and infrastructure. This includes issuing permits and licenses, setting rates for services, and instituting safety standards for services. Furthermore, local governments can create advisory committees and other governmental bodies to oversee the regulation of public infrastructure and utilities. Finally, the federal government also plays a role in regulating public infrastructure and utilities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulate aspects of telecommunications services, while the Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides a federal oversight role in energy production and distribution. Similarly, the Department of Transportation oversees aspects of transportation infrastructure, such as public roads, airports, and railways. The combination of state, local, and federal laws helps ensure that public infrastructure and utilities are provided safely and fairly to the public while also helping to protect the environment and public health.

What are the laws related to the regulation and oversight of public infrastructure and utilities?

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