(a) The commission has the right, power and authority to provide and make certifications, reports and information to the secretary of the United States department of transportation; to enter into agreements with the secretary to carry out the purposes of §§ 65-28-104 — 65-28-111; to enforce safety standards in the state including enforcement of federal safety standards as permitted in the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 60101 et seq.); and to exercise regulatory jurisdiction over the safety of pipeline systems and transportation of gas in accordance with permission granted by the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act.

(b) The commission has the right, power and authority to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations to ensure that each pipeline system is operating in compliance with the required safety standards and to enforce such compliance. It has the right, power and authority to require each public utility to make, maintain and file such books, papers, records and documents as the commission may deem necessary and to require that these books, papers, records and documents be made available to members of the commission and their employees upon request. Authorized representatives of the commission shall be authorized to inspect all pipeline systems, facilities and equipment and shall have the right of access and entry to all buildings and property owned, leased or operated by such systems.

(c) The commission shall be authorized to employ such inspectors or other qualified employees as may be necessary to carry out §§ 65-28-104 — 65-28-111.