Maine § 165. - Liability of those who store or distribute natural gas
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 165. — Liability of those who store or distribute natural gas, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 165.. Liability of those who store or distribute natural gas
1. Liability without proof of negligence. A natural gas company or an intrastate or interstate natural gas pipeline company that stores, transports or distributes natural gas is liable for all acts and omissions of its servants and agents that cause death or injury to persons or damage to property resulting from explosions or fire caused by natural gas escaping from the natural gas storage, transportation or distribution system under its control or from explosions or fire caused by defects in the natural gas storage, transportation and distribution systems under its control.
2. Rebuttable presumption. When there is death or injury to persons or damage to property resulting from explosions or fire caused by escaping natural gas, there is a rebuttable presumption that the gas escaped because of a defect in a portion of the storage, transportation or distribution system under the company's control.
3. Exceptions. The company is not liable for death or injury to persons or damage to property caused by:
A. An act of God or war; [PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).]
B. Fault of the plaintiff to the extent that the plaintiff's fault bars or reduces the plaintiff's recovery under section 156; or [PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).]
C. Intervening fault of a 3rd party for whose actions the company is not legally liable. If death or injury to persons or damage to property is caused by the combined fault of the company and other parties, the liability of the company is joint and several with those other parties. [PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).]
4. Indemnity. In the event that the company is exposed to liability under this section because of the negligence of a 3rd party, the 3rd party shall indemnify the company for the company's losses, including any damages awarded or negotiated through settlement to any party, and costs and attorney's fees.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 165.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 165. cover?
Section 165. ("Liability of those who store or distribute natural gas") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 165.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 165." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 165. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.