[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2975 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2975
To amend title 49, United States Code, to enhance the safety of
pipeline transportation, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 6, 2025
Mr. Cruz (for himself, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Young, and Mr. Peters)
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 49, United States Code, to enhance the safety of
pipeline transportation, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Pipeline
Integrity, Protection, and Enhancement for Leveraging Investments in
the Nation's Energy to assure Safety Act of 2025'' or the ``PIPELINE
Safety Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATIONS
Sec. 101. Gas and hazardous liquid.
Sec. 102. Operational expenses of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration.
Sec. 103. Other programs.
TITLE II--MODERNIZING PIPELINE SAFETY
Sec. 201. Inspection of in-service breakout tanks.
Sec. 202. Risk assessment obligations.
Sec. 203. Timely incorporation by reference.
Sec. 204. Report on updates to the National Pipeline Mapping System.
Sec. 205. Pipeline safety enhancement programs.
Sec. 206. Technical safety standards committees.
Sec. 207. Enforcement procedures.
Sec. 208. Civil penalties.
Sec. 209. Improving whistleblower protections.
Sec. 210. Assessment of composite materials.
Sec. 211. Elements and evaluation of State damage prevention programs.
Sec. 212. Pipeline safety voluntary information-sharing system.
Sec. 213. Transporting gas.
Sec. 214. Inspection and management of rights-of-way.
Sec. 215. Geological hazards.
Sec. 216. Alternative technologies.
Sec. 217. Fire shutoff valves.
Sec. 218. Exemption from post-accident testing.
Sec. 219. Maximum allowable operating pressure records.
Sec. 220. Pipeline operating status.
Sec. 221. Potential impact radius.
Sec. 222. Effects of weather on natural gas pipelines.
Sec. 223. Aldyl-A pipelines.
Sec. 224. Improvements to pipeline safety integrity management
programs.
TITLE III--STREAMLINING OVERSIGHT OF PIPELINES
Sec. 301. Regulatory updates.
Sec. 302. State use of integrated inspections.
Sec. 303. Optimizing pipeline safety inspections.
Sec. 304. Sense of Congress on PHMSA engagement prior to rulemaking
activities.
TITLE IV--IMPROVING SAFETY OF EMERGING GASES
Sec. 401. Studies of hydrogen pipeline transportation.
Sec. 402. Safety of carbon dioxide pipelines.
Sec. 403. Reporting of blended products.
TITLE V--IMPROVING EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND TRANSPARENCY
Sec. 501. Bitumen oil response plan review.
Sec. 502. National Center of Excellence for Hazardous Liquid Pipeline
Leak Detection.
Sec. 503. Operator financial disclosure.
Sec. 504. Data and transparency.
Sec. 505. Office of Public Engagement.
Sec. 506. Clarification of confirmed discovery.
Sec. 507. Public alert notification system for pipeline facilities.
TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 601. Prohibition on PHMSA operation, procurement, or contracting
action with respect to covered unmanned
aircraft systems.
Sec. 602. Natural gas distribution pipeline infrastructure safety and
modernization grants.
Sec. 603. Issues affecting federally recognized Indian Tribes.
Sec. 604. Identification of and justification for redactions.
Sec. 605. Fees for loan guarantees.
Sec. 606. Improving pipeline cybersecurity.
Sec. 607. Technical corrections.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Administration.
(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
(C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives.
(4) Document produced to another person.--The term
``document produced to another person'' means a document
produced in response to a request under section 552 of title 5,
United States Code (commonly known as the Freedom of
Information Act), a submission to a Federal, State, or Tribal
court, information made available on a website, and a document
transmitted to Congress.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATIONS
SEC. 101. GAS AND HAZARDOUS LIQUID.
Section 60125(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``$156,400,000 for fiscal year 2021''
and inserting ``$185,000,000 for fiscal year
2026''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking
``$63,000,000'' and inserting ``$83,250,000'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``$158,500,000 for fiscal year 2022''
and inserting ``$190,365,000 for fiscal year
2027''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``$66,000,000'' and
inserting ``$85,660,000''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``$162,700,000 for fiscal year 2023''
and inserting ``$195,886,000 for fiscal year
2028''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``$69,000,000'' and
inserting ``$88,150,000''; and
(II) by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) $201,556,000 for fiscal year 2029, of which--
``(i) $9,000,000 shall be used to carry out
section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement
Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law
107-355); and
``(ii) $90,700,000 shall be used for making
grants; and
``(E) $207,412,000 for fiscal year 2030, of which--
``(i) $9,000,000 shall be used to carry out
section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement
Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law
107-355); and
``(ii) $93,340,000 shall be used for making
grants.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``$27,000,000 for fiscal year 2021''
and inserting ``$30,000,000 for fiscal year
2026''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking
``$11,000,000'' and inserting ``$13,500,000'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``$27,650,000 for fiscal year 2022''
and inserting ``$31,000,000 for fiscal year
2027''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``$12,000,000'' and
inserting ``$13,950,000''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``$28,700,000 for fiscal year 2023''
and inserting ``$32,000,000 for fiscal year
2028''; and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``$13,000,000'' and
inserting ``$14,400,000''; and
(II) by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2029, of which--
``(i) $3,000,000 shall be used to carry out
section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement
Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law
107-355); and
``(ii) $14,850,000 shall be used for making
grants; and
``(E) 34,000,000 for fiscal year 2030, of which--
``(i) $3,000,000 shall be used to carry out
section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement
Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law
107-355); and
``(ii) $15,300,000 shall be used for making
grants.''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$8,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2021 through 2023'' and inserting ``$7,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030''.
SEC. 102. OPERATIONAL EXPENSES OF THE PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the
necessary operational expenses of the Administration--
(1) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
(2) $34,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
(3) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
(4) $36,000,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
(5) $37,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.
SEC. 103. OTHER PROGRAMS.
(a) Emergency Response Grants.--Section 60125(b)(2) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``$10,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2021 through 2023 to carry out this subsection'' and
inserting ``to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2026 through 2030''.
(b) Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities.--Section
60130 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 2(b) of
the PIPES Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-183; 130 Stat.
515), the Secretary shall use $2,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2021 through 2023 to carry out this
section.'' and inserting the following: ``section
60125(a)(1), the Secretary shall use to carry out this
section--
``(A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(B) $2,750,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(D) $3,250,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
``(E) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``$1,000,000''; and
(ii) by striking ``section.'' and inserting
the following: ``section--
``(A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(B) $1,250,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(C) $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(D) $1,750,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
``(E) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Deadlines.--
``(1) Notice of funding opportunity.--Not later than 60
days after the date on which funds are made available to carry
out this section, the Secretary shall publish a notice of
funding opportunity for the funds.
``(2) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this section, an eligible applicant shall submit to the
Secretary an application--
``(A) in such form and containing such information
as the Secretary considers to be appropriate; and
``(B) by such date as the Secretary may establish,
subject to the condition that the date shall be not
later than 60 days after the date on which the
Secretary publishes the notice of funding opportunity
under paragraph (1).
``(3) Selection.--Not later than 120 days after the date on
which the Secretary publishes the notice of funding opportunity
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall announce the selection
by the Secretary of eligible applicants to receive grants in
accordance with this section.''.
(c) Damage Prevention Programs.--Section 60134(i) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``$1,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2021 through 2023. Such funds shall remain'' and inserting
``$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain''.
(d) Pipeline Integrity Program.--Section 12(f) of the Pipeline
Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107-
355) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$3,000,000'' and inserting
``$2,500,000''; and
(2) by striking ``the fiscal years 2021 through 2023'' and
inserting ``fiscal years 2026 through 2030''.
TITLE II--MODERNIZING PIPELINE SAFETY
SEC. 201. INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE BREAKOUT TANKS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall revise part 195 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, to allow for risk-based inspections of in-service
breakout tanks if the Secretary finds such revisions maintain or
enhance safety.
(b) Considerations.--In revising the regulations under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall consider the American Petroleum Institute
standard entitled ``Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and
Reconstruction'', dated November 2014, and numbered API Standard 653
(Fifth Edition) (or a successor standard).
(c) Requirements.--In revising the regulations under subsection
(a), for any in-service breakout tanks that would be internally
inspected less frequently under the revised regulations than required
under part 195 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect
on January 1, 2025), the Secretary shall require operators--
(1) to visually monitor the external conditions of those
tanks on a routine basis; and
(2) to use a secondary containment system designed to
contain hazardous liquids in the event of a leak.
(d) Notification.--If the regulations promulgated under subsection
(a) differ from the American Petroleum Institute standard referred to
in subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a notification explaining the reasons for the
differences not later than 60 days after the date on which the
regulations are published in the Federal Register.
SEC. 202. RISK ASSESSMENT OBLIGATIONS.
Section 60102(b)(4)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) require that an officer or employee
of the Department of Transportation with
expertise in conducting risk assessments or
cost-benefit analyses for pipeline facilities
or other modes of transportation attend any
meeting in which a committee described in
clause (i) is serving as a peer review panel
with respect to that risk assessment
information.''.
SEC. 203. TIMELY INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.
Section 60102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking subsection (l) and inserting the following:
``(l) Updating Standards.--
``(1) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 5
years, the Secretary shall--
``(A) review each industry consensus standard--
``(i) that has been adopted or
incorporated, partially or in full, as part of
the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program
under this chapter;
``(ii) that has been modified by a
standards development organization (as defined
in section 2(a) of the National Cooperative
Research and Production Act of 1993 (15 U.S.C.
4301(a))) since being adopted or incorporated;
and
``(iii) the modification of which has been
published by a standards development
organization (as defined in that section); and
``(B) update, as determined necessary by the
Secretary, the adoption or incorporation of each
industry consensus standard reviewed under subparagraph
(A).
``(2) List of industry standards.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain a
publicly available list of all industry standards
considered for adoption or incorporation under this
chapter, including--
``(i) the determination of the Secretary
with respect to each standard considered; and
``(ii) with respect to each standard not
adopted or incorporated in full, the reasoning
for not adopting or incorporating that standard
in full.
``(B) Availability.--Not later than 30 days after
initial completion and each revision of the list under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall publish the list
on the public website of the Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration.
``(3) Consideration of industry consensus standards.--In
prescribing new safety standards under this chapter, the
Secretary shall consider adopting or incorporating industry
consensus standards.
``(4) Public access.--
``(A) In general.--For all industry consensus
standards incorporated or partially incorporated under
this chapter on or after the date of enactment of the
PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, the Secretary shall
publish on the public website of the Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration the full text
of the standard or a direct link to an external source
where the full text is available to the public on a
website to view at no cost for the duration of time
that the Secretary has the incorporation by reference
available for public comment.
``(B) Exception.--If the full text of an industry
consensus standard is not published on the public
website of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration or available from that website via a
direct link to an external source where the full text
is available to the public on a website to view at no
cost for the duration of time that the Secretary has
the incorporation by reference available for public
comment, then the Secretary shall not incorporate or
partially incorporate under this chapter that industry
consensus standard by reference.
``(C) Previously incorporated standards.--For
industry consensus standards incorporated or partially
incorporated under this chapter before the date of
enactment of the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025 that are
publicly available on a public-facing website at no
charge to the public, the Secretary shall publish on
the public website of the Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration the full text of the
standard or a direct link to an external source where
the full text is available to the public on a
website.''.
SEC. 204. REPORT ON UPDATES TO THE NATIONAL PIPELINE MAPPING SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the management of
the National Pipeline Mapping System by the Administration.
(b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall
describe--
(1) how and when the Administration updates the high
consequence area data contained in the National Pipeline
Mapping System;
(2) what sources of scientific data are used for those
updates; and
(3) how those data are validated for accuracy.
(c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to require that
the information submitted under section 60132(a) of title 49, United
States Code, has a spatial accuracy within a radius of 50 feet from the
location of the facility (+/- 50 feet).
SEC. 205. PIPELINE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS.
Section 60142 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``3 years after the
date of enactment of this section'' and inserting ``5 years
after the date of enactment of the PIPELINE Safety Act of
2025'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or equal to''
after ``greater than''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Determination.--
``(A) In general.--To accomplish the purpose of a
testing program, the Secretary may issue an order
waiving compliance with any part of an applicable
standard prescribed under this chapter if the condition
described in paragraph (1) is met, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not require
testing program applicants to use the nonemergency
waiver process, or to otherwise meet the requirements
of the nonemergency waiver process, established under
section 60118(c)(1).'';
(3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
``(h) Authority To Terminate Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall immediately
terminate a testing program under subsection (a) if
continuation of the testing program would not be consistent
with the goals and objectives of this chapter.
``(2) Notification.--Not later than 10 days after the
termination of a testing program under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall notify the relevant pipeline operators of how
they can cure any deficiencies identified by the Secretary.
``(3) Reinstatement.--If the Secretary determines that the
deficiencies identified under paragraph (2) are addressed, the
Secretary shall reinstate the testing program.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Approval Process.--Establishment of a testing program under
subsection (a) shall not be considered a major Federal action (as
defined in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4336e)) for purposes of that Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.).''.
SEC. 206. TECHNICAL SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEES.
(a) Notification to Congress.--Section 60115(c)(2) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended, in the fifth sentence, by inserting
``and notify the appropriate committees of Congress (as defined in
section 2 of the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025)'' after ``the Secretary
shall publish the reasons''.
(b) Frequency of Meetings.--Section 60115(e) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``up to 4'' and inserting ``2''.
SEC. 207. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES.
(a) In General.--Section 60117(b)(1) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii), by adding ``or'' after the
semicolon at the end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) to allow a recipient of a warning
under section 190.205 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation), to discuss claims made in the
warning with relevant staff;'';
(2) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) for civil penalties over $1,000,000, adjusted
each year for inflation, allow the respondent to
request a formal hearing in accordance with section 554
of title 5, conducted by an administrative law judge;
and
``(L) provide a written response to a request for
the withdrawal or modification of a written warning
issued under this section.''.
(b) Hearings.--Section 60117(b) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Hearing requirements.--A hearing under this section
shall--
``(A) be noticed to the public on the website of
the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration on its own page titled `Upcoming
Enforcement Hearings';
``(B) provide an orderly and timely process, as
determined by the Secretary;
``(C) in the case of a formal hearing, be open to
the public.''.
(c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall update the regulations prescribing
protocols for all hearings under section 60117 of title 49, United
States Code.
SEC. 208. CIVIL PENALTIES.
Section 60122(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``$200,000'' and
inserting ``$400,000''; and
(2) in the third sentence, by striking ``$2,000,000'' and
inserting ``$4,000,000''.
SEC. 209. IMPROVING WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS.
Section 60129 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``such a
person.'' and inserting ``a person described in
subparagraph (A); or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) an officer, employee, or agent of a person
described in subparagraph (A).''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(3)(B)--
(A) in clause (ii), by inserting ``with interest''
after ``back pay''; and
(B) in clause (iii), by inserting ``, including
compensation for any special damages sustained as a
result of the discrimination'' after ``compensatory
damages to the complainant''.
SEC. 210. ASSESSMENT OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall gather and assess any
studies, data, standards, and approved applications available as of the
date of enactment of this Act that address the safety of composite
materials to support the safe transportation of--
(1) natural gas;
(2) natural gas liquids;
(3) new fuels, such as hydrogen and hydrogen blended with
natural gas; and
(4) new fluids, such as carbon dioxide.
(b) Deadline.--The assessment under subsection (a) shall be
completed not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(c) Report.--Not later than 30 days after completing the assessment
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report describing the conclusions of the
assessment.
(d) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--If the Administrator concludes, based on
the assessment under subsection (a), that composite materials
provide, at a minimum, an equivalent level of safety as other
pipelines under the jurisdiction of the Administration, the
Administrator shall promulgate regulations, not later than 180
days after the date on which the report under subsection (c) is
submitted, that allow for the use of composite materials for
the transportation of new fuels.
(2) Incorporation of existing standards.--The regulations
promulgated under paragraph (1) may include adoption or
incorporation by reference of existing industry consensus
standards.
SEC. 211. ELEMENTS AND EVALUATION OF STATE DAMAGE PREVENTION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 60134 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting
``State'' before ``Damage'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (9) as
subparagraphs (A) through (I), respectively;
(C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``An'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--An'';
(D) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
(i) by indenting subparagraphs (A) through
(I) appropriately; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(J) A State one-call program that includes, or is
making substantial progress toward including, the one-
call leading practices described in paragraph (2).'';
and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) One-call leading practices.--The one-call leading
practices referred to in paragraph (1)(J) are the following:
``(A) Restricting the size or scope of a one-call
ticket for standard locate requests (which may include
process exceptions for special large project tickets).
``(B) Restricting the longevity of a one-call
ticket for standard locate requests (which may include
process exceptions for special large project tickets).
``(C) Specifying tolerance (soft-dig only) zone
horizontal dimensions.
``(D) Specifying tolerance zone requirements.
``(E) Specifying emergency excavation notification
requirements.
``(F) Specifying the responsibilities of
excavators, including the reporting of damages or
suspected damages.
``(G) Defining who is an excavator and what is
considered excavation.
``(H) Requiring the use of white-lining.
``(I) Requiring a positive response before
excavation begins, such as a utility, municipality, or
other entity that places the relevant marks positively
responding to the notification center, and the
excavator checking for that positive response before
beginning excavation.
``(J) Requiring that newly installed underground
facilities be locatable with commercially available
technology.
``(K) Requiring the marking of sewer lines and
laterals.
``(L) Specifying the qualifications of, and
requirements for, those excavators performing
trenchless excavation activities that are not subject
to pipeline construction requirements under part 192 or
195 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations).''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``In'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--In''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Evaluation criteria.--The evaluation criteria used by
the Secretary for determining the effectiveness of a State
damage prevention program shall include consideration of
whether the State, at a minimum--
``(A) engages in effective, active, and meaningful
enforcement of State one-call laws, including the
efficacy of fines and penalties;
``(B) requires reporting to the local one-call
center of excavation damage events that affect
pipelines and other underground facilities that are not
privately owned, including (to the extent available at
the time of the reporting)--
``(i) information about the nature of the
incident, including its apparent cause;
``(ii) the organizations involved;
``(iii) the impact to public safety,
utility operations, and customer service; and
``(iv) the impact to the environment; and
``(C) limits exemptions to State damage prevention
laws.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 60114(f) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``section 60134(b)(7)'' and
inserting ``section 60134(b)(1)(G)''.
SEC. 212. PIPELINE SAFETY VOLUNTARY INFORMATION-SHARING SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 60144. Voluntary information-sharing system
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration.
``(2) Governing board.--The term `Governing Board' means
the governing board established under subsection (d)(1).
``(3) Issue analysis team.--The term `Issue Analysis Team'
means an Issue Analysis Team established under subsection
(g)(1).
``(4) Program manager.--The term `Program Manager' means
the Program Manager described in subsection (e).
``(5) Third-party data manager.--The term `Third-Party Data
Manager' means the Third-Party Data Manager appointed under
subsection (f)(1).
``(6) VIS.--The term `VIS' means the voluntary information-
sharing system established under subsection (b)(1).
``(b) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a
confidential and nonpunitive voluntary information-sharing
system to encourage the sharing of pipeline safety data and
information in order to improve the safety of gas transmission
pipelines, gas distribution pipelines, liquefied natural gas
facilities, underground natural gas storage facilities, and
hazardous liquid pipelines.
``(2) Requirement.--The VIS shall be implemented and
managed in accordance with the report entitled `Pipeline Safety
Voluntary Information-Sharing System Recommendation Report'
prepared under section 10 of the PIPES Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C.
60108 note; Public Law 114-183) by the Voluntary Information
Sharing System Working Group convened under that section.
``(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the VIS shall be to serve as
a comprehensive and integrated system--
``(A) to gather, evaluate, and quantify critical
pipeline safety data and information; and
``(B) to share recommended remediation measures and
lessons learned across the pipeline industry in an
efficient and confidential manner.
``(c) Governance.--The VIS shall be governed, in accordance with
this section, by the Governing Board, with support from--
``(1) the Program Manager;
``(2) the Third-Party Data Manager; and
``(3) 1 or more Issue Analysis Teams.
``(d) Governing Board.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this section, the Administrator, after
consulting with public and private pipeline safety
stakeholders, shall establish a governing board for the VIS.
``(2) Composition.--
``(A) In general.--The Governing Board shall be
composed of 15 members who shall represent a balanced
cross-section of pipeline safety stakeholders, in
accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C).
``(B) Representation.--The Governing Board shall be
composed of the following members:
``(i) 5 individuals selected from relevant
pipeline safety departments, agencies, or
instrumentalities of the Federal Government or
State or territorial governments, 1 of whom
shall be the Administrator (or a designee of
the Administrator).
``(ii) 5 individuals selected from the gas
or hazardous liquid industries, such as
individuals representing or otherwise
associated with--
``(I) operators;
``(II) trade associations;
``(III) inspection technology,
coating, or cathodic protection
vendors;
``(IV) standards development
organizations;
``(V) research and development
consortia; or
``(VI) pipeline inspection
organizations.
``(iii) 5 individuals selected from general
public safety advocacy organizations with
relevant pipeline safety expertise, including--
``(I) pipeline safety and
environmental public interest groups;
``(II) public institutions of
higher education with pipeline safety
expertise; and
``(III) nonprofit employee labor
organizations.
``(C) Requirements.--
``(i) Pipeline industry.--At least 1 member
of the Governing Board appointed under
subparagraph (B)(ii) shall be a representative
of the pipeline industry.
``(ii) Pipeline safety public interest
groups.--At least 1 member of the Governing
Board appointed under subparagraph (B)(iii)
shall be a representative of a pipeline safety
public interest group.
``(3) Terms.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), each member of the Governing Board
shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
``(B) Initial members.--In appointing the initial
members of the Governing Board, the Administrator shall
appoint members to terms of 1, 2, or 3 years to ensure
that each year thereafter--
``(i) the terms of 5 members will expire;
and
``(ii) the term of not less than 1 and not
more than 2 members described in each of
clauses (i) through (iii) of paragraph (2)(B)
will expire.
``(C) Reappointment.--A member or former member of
the Governing Board appointed under clause (i) or (ii)
of paragraph (2)(B) may be reappointed, but may only
serve for a total of 3 terms.
``(4) Co-chairs.--
``(A) In general.--The Governing Board shall be co-
chaired by--
``(i) the Administrator (or a designee of
the Administrator);
``(ii) a representative of the pipeline
industry appointed under paragraph (2)(B)(ii),
who shall be appointed co-chair by the
Administrator, with the advice and consent of
the Governing Board; and
``(iii) a representative of a pipeline
safety public interest group, who shall be
appointed co-chair by the Administrator, with
the advice and consent of the Governing Board.
``(B) Responsibilities of co-chairs.--The co-chairs
shall be jointly responsible for organizing and
conducting meetings of the Governing Board.
``(5) Authority.--The Governing Board shall have
authority--
``(A) to govern and provide strategic oversight of
the VIS;
``(B) to develop governance documents, including a
charter for the Governing Board that shall--
``(i) be made available to the public; and
``(ii) describe--
``(I) the scope of the authority of
the Governing Board; and
``(II) the objectives of the
Governing Board;
``(C) to select and appoint the Third-Party Data
Manager in accordance with subsection (f);
``(D) to approve the criteria and procedures
governing how the Third-Party Data Manager will receive
and accept pipeline safety data and information;
``(E) to establish, and appoint members of, Issue
Analysis Teams in accordance with subsection (g);
``(F) to collaborate with Issue Analysis Teams to
identify issues and topics to be analyzed by the Issue
Analysis Teams;
``(G) to collaborate with Issue Analysis Teams to
specify the type of pipeline safety data and
information necessary for the Issue Analysis Teams to
analyze the issues and topics identified under
subparagraph (F);
``(H) to determine the information to be
disseminated by the VIS;
``(I) to determine the reports to be disseminated
by the VIS;
``(J) to issue, not less frequently than annually,
publicly available reports on--
``(i) VIS processes;
``(ii) the membership of the Governing
Board;
``(iii) issues and topics being
investigated and analyzed by Issue Analysis
Teams or the Governing Board;
``(iv) pipeline safety data and information
that the VIS has requested for submission to
the VIS; and
``(v) safety trends identified by the
Administrator, Issue Analysis Teams, or the
Governing Board; and
``(K) to perform such other functions that the
Governing Board determines are--
``(i) necessary or appropriate; and
``(ii) consistent with the purpose of the
VIS described in subsection (b)(3).
``(6) Decisionmaking.--
``(A) In general.--Decisions and approvals of the
Governing Board shall be made by a super-majority of
the members, as described in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Supermajority described.--A supermajority
referred to in subparagraph (A) shall consist of not
fewer than--
``(i) \2/3\ of the total members of the
Governing Board; and
``(ii) 1 additional member of the Governing
Board.
``(e) Program Manager.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator (or a designee of the
Administrator) shall serve as the Program Manager for the VIS.
``(2) Responsibilities.--The Program Manager shall provide
the day-to-day program management and administrative support
for the VIS, including oversight of the Third-Party Data
Manager.
``(f) Third-Party Data Manager.--
``(1) In general.--The Governing Board shall appoint a
Third-Party Data Manager to provide data management and data
oversight services for the VIS.
``(2) Qualifications.--The Third-Party Data Manager shall
have expertise in data protection, aggregation, and analytics.
``(3) Responsibilities.--In carrying out the services
described in paragraph (1), the Third-Party Data Manager
shall--
``(A) receive and secure pipeline safety data and
information submitted to the VIS;
``(B) accept pipeline safety data and information
submitted to the VIS that meets the criteria and
procedures approved by the Governing Board under
subsection (d)(5)(D);
``(C) de-identify, store, and manage pipeline
safety data and information that is accepted by the
VIS;
``(D) collaborate with Issue Analysis Teams to
analyze and aggregate pipeline safety data and
information that is accepted by the VIS;
``(E) prepare reports as requested by the Governing
Board regarding the type of pipeline safety data and
information that is managed by the VIS; and
``(F) make recommendations to the Governing Board
regarding the management of pipeline safety data and
information by the VIS, as appropriate.
``(g) Issue Analysis Teams.--
``(1) In general.--The Governing Board shall establish, and
appoint the members of, 1 or more Issue Analysis Teams as the
Governing Board determines to be appropriate and relevant to
the pipeline safety work of the VIS.
``(2) Qualifications.--An Issue Analysis Team established
under paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) subject to subparagraph (B), consist of
pipeline safety technical and subject matter experts;
and
``(B) may include, as appropriate, representatives
from public safety advocacy organizations described in
subsection (d)(2)(B)(iii).
``(3) Responsibilities.--An Issue Analysis Team shall--
``(A) work with the Third-Party Data Manager to
aggregate and analyze pipeline safety data and
information submitted to the VIS relating to the issues
and topics analyzed by the Issue Analysis Team; and
``(B) submit internal reports and recommendations
to the Governing Board on those issues and topics.
``(h) Application of FACA.--Chapter 10 of title 5 (commonly
referred to as the `Federal Advisory Committee Act') shall not apply
to--
``(1) the VIS;
``(2) the Governing Board; or
``(3) any Issue Analysis Team.
``(i) Participation in the VIS.--
``(1) In general.--The submission of data and information
to the VIS by any person shall be voluntary, with no person
compelled to participate in, or to submit data or information
to any person for inclusion in, the VIS.
``(2) Requirement.--The VIS shall not accept data or
information relating to an operator if the operator has not
authorized the submission of that data or information for
inclusion in the VIS.
``(3) Encouraging information sharing.--The Governing Board
shall encourage the voluntary sharing of pipeline safety data
and information among--
``(A) operators of gas transmission, gas
distribution, and hazardous liquid pipelines;
``(B) employees of those operators;
``(C) labor unions representing those employees;
``(D) contractors of the operators described in
subparagraph (A);
``(E) in-line inspection service providers;
``(F) non-destructive evaluation experts;
``(G) the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration; and
``(H) representatives of--
``(i) State pipeline safety agencies;
``(ii) relevant Tribal agencies;
``(iii) pipeline safety public interest
groups;
``(iv) manufacturers of gas transmission,
gas distribution, and hazardous liquid pipeline
infrastructure and equipment; and
``(v) relevant research and academic
institutions.
``(4) Limitation on inclusion of data and information in
the vis.--Pipeline safety data and information accepted by the
Third-Party Data Manager for inclusion in the VIS under
subsection (f)(3)(B) shall be related to the issues and topics
identified by the Governing Board for analysis by an Issue
Analysis Team under subsection (d)(5)(F).
``(5) Types of data and information included in the vis.--
Pipeline safety data and information accepted by the Third-
Party Data Manager for inclusion in the VIS under subsection
(f)(3)(B) may include--
``(A) pipeline integrity risk analysis information;
``(B) lessons learned from accidents and near
misses;
``(C) process improvements;
``(D) technology deployment practices;
``(E) information obtained through VIS pipeline
safety surveys of pipeline operator employees, subject
to the condition that such surveys are voluntarily
agreed to by the pipeline operator;
``(F) pipeline safety data and information which
may lead to the identification of pipeline safety
risks, as specified by the Governing Board; and
``(G) any other relevant data or information, as
determined by the Governing Board.
``(j) Confidentiality.--
``(1) In general.--To facilitate the sharing of otherwise
nonpublic pipeline safety data and information with the VIS,
the data and information accepted, stored, managed, analyzed,
or produced by the VIS--
``(A) shall be kept confidential by the VIS; and
``(B) except as otherwise provided in this section,
is not subject to disclosure by the VIS under any other
law.
``(2) Prohibition.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), no
person, including the Program Manager, the Third-Party Data
Manager, any member of the Governing Board, and any member of
an Issue Analysis Team, and no Federal, State, local, or Tribal
agency having or obtaining access to nonpublic information
accepted, analyzed, stored, managed, or produced by the VIS may
release or communicate that nonpublic information from the VIS,
either in an identified or de-identified form, to any person
who does not have the authority to view VIS data.
``(3) Exception.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1)
and (2) and subsections (k) and (l), on approval by the
Governing Board under subparagraph (B), the Governing
Board or the Administrator may disclose de-identified
nonpublic information obtained by the VIS.
``(B) Approval.--Approval to disclose de-identified
nonpublic information under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) shall be based on an analysis of the
de-identified nonpublic information; and
``(ii) may, in the sole discretion of the
Governing Board, consist of any safety findings
or recommendations that the Governing Board
determines to publish or authorizes the
Administrator to publish to improve pipeline
safety.
``(C) Public reports.--In issuing public reports
under subsection (d)(5)(J), the Governing Board shall
approve the disclosure of de-identified nonpublic
information obtained by the VIS that the Governing
Board determines is necessary to adequately describe
and illustrate the issues and topics being investigated
and analyzed by Issue Analysis Teams or the Governing
Board.
``(4) Savings provision.--This subsection does not apply to
public information that may be submitted to the VIS.
``(k) Applicability of FOIA.--
``(1) Exemption.--Any nonpublic information that is
accepted, stored, managed, analyzed, or produced by the VIS and
subsequently obtained by the Secretary or the Administrator
from the VIS is exempt from the requirements of section 552 of
title 5.
``(2) Applicability.--For purposes of paragraph (1), this
section shall be considered to be a statute described in
section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5.
``(l) Exclusion of VIS Information in Litigation and Other
Proceedings.--
``(1) Excluded evidence.--Except as provided in paragraph
(3), any nonpublic information that is accepted, stored,
managed, analyzed, or produced by the VIS may not be obtained
from the VIS--
``(A) for use as evidence for any purpose in any
Federal, State, local, Tribal, or private litigation,
including any action or proceeding; or
``(B) to initiate any enforcement action or civil
litigation against a pipeline operator or the employees
or contractors of a pipeline operator relating to a
probable violation under this chapter (including any
regulation promulgated or order issued under this
chapter).
``(2) Exclusion from discovery.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3), any nonpublic information that is accepted,
stored, managed, analyzed, or produced by the VIS shall not be
subject to discovery from the VIS in any Federal, State, local,
Tribal, or private litigation or other proceeding.
``(3) Limitations on exclusions.--The exclusions described
in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to data or
information that--
``(A) is evidence of a criminal violation;
``(B) is not related to the purpose of the VIS
described in subsection (b)(3);
``(C) is otherwise required to be reported to the
Secretary under part 190, 191 (including information
about an incident or accident), 192, 194, 195, or 199
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
regulations);
``(D) is required to be reported to a State
authority under State pipeline safety laws; or
``(E) is developed or obtained from a source other
than the VIS, including through discovery from a person
or an entity other than the VIS in an enforcement
action or private litigation.
``(m) Effect on Discovery.--Except as provided in subsection
(l)(2), nothing in this section or any rule or regulation promulgated
under this section--
``(1) creates a defense to a discovery request; or
``(2) otherwise limits or affects the discovery of pipeline
safety data and information arising from a cause of action
authorized under any other Federal, State, or local law.
``(n) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section affects any
Federal, State, or local pipeline safety law.
``(o) Annual Reports.--Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress, by the end of that fiscal year, a report on the status of
the VIS.
``(p) Funding.--
``(1) Sustainable funding.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) explore sustainable funding sources for the
VIS, including public-private partnerships; and
``(B) to the maximum extent practicable,
sustainably fund the VIS through the use of those
sustainable funding sources.
``(2) Limited additional funding.--In addition to the fees
collected under section 60301, the Secretary may collect an
additional $5,000,000 under that section for each of fiscal
years 2024 through 2027 to establish, implement, and manage the
VIS.''.
(b) Definitions.--Section 60101(a) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (17) through (26) as
paragraphs (18), (19), (20), (25), (26), (27), (22), (23),
(24), and (28), respectively, and moving the paragraphs so as
to appear in numerical order;
(2) by inserting after paragraph (16) the following:
``(17) Nonpublic information.--The term `nonpublic
information' means any pipeline safety data or information,
regardless of form or format, that--
``(A) a company does not disclose, disseminate, or
make available to the public; or
``(B) is not otherwise in the public domain.''; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(21) Public information.--The term `public information'
means any data or information, regardless of form or format,
that--
``(A) a company discloses, disseminates, or makes
available to the public; or
``(B) is otherwise in the public domain.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 601 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``60144. Voluntary information-sharing system.''.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 70012(c) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``section 60101(a)(18)'' and inserting
``section 60101(a)''.
(2) Section 60102(q)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``subsection (a)(21)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(26)''.
SEC. 213. TRANSPORTING GAS.
Section 60101(a)(26) of title 49, United States Code (as
redesignated by section 212(b)(1)), is amended--
(1) by striking the paragraph designation and all that
follows through ``(A) means'' in subparagraph (A) and inserting
the following:
``(26) Transporting gas.--
``(A) In general.--The term `transporting gas'
means'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``; but'' and
inserting a period; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) Exclusions.--The term `transporting gas' does
not include--
``(i) gathering gas (except through
regulated gathering lines) in a rural area
outside a populated area designated by the
Secretary as a nonrural area; or
``(ii) the movement of gas by the owner or
operator of a plant for use as a fuel, a
feedstock, or for any other purpose that
directly supports plant operations through--
``(I) in-plant piping systems that
are located entirely on the grounds of
the plant; or
``(II) transfer piping systems that
extend less than 1 mile in length
outside the grounds of the plant.''.
SEC. 214. INSPECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY.
(a) Inspection of Rights-of-Way.--Section 60108 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Inspection of Rights-of-Way.--
``(1) In general.--When requiring an operator to inspect
the surface conditions on or adjacent to a pipeline right-of-
way, the Secretary shall allow the use of unmanned aircraft
systems and satellites.
``(2) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection
affects any obligation to operate an unmanned aircraft system
in accordance with all relevant Federal laws relating to the
use of unmanned aircraft systems.''.
(b) Management of Rights-of-Way.--Section 60108(a) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1) Each'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Each'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``(2) If'' and inserting the
following:
``(2) Revision.--If'';
(B) by indenting subparagraphs (A) through (E)
appropriately; and
(C) in subparagraph (D), by indenting clauses (i)
through (iii) appropriately;
(3) in paragraph (3), by indenting the paragraph, and each
subparagraph within the paragraph, appropriately; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Alternative methods of maintaining rights-of-way.--
``(A) In general.--As part of the review conducted
under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall allow for an
alternative method of maintaining rights-of-way for
pipelines and other pipeline facilities under a
voluntary program carried out by the operator if the
Secretary determines that the alternative method--
``(i) achieves a level of safety at least
equal to the level of safety required by the
regulations promulgated under this chapter; and
``(ii) allows for timely emergency
response.
``(B) Purpose.--An operator considering
implementing an alternative method described in
subparagraph (A) may consider incorporating into the
plan for implementing that method 1 or more
conservation practices, including--
``(i) integrated vegetation management
practices, including reduced mowing;
``(ii) the development of habitat and
forage for pollinators and other wildlife
through seeding or planting of diverse native
forbs and grasses;
``(iii) practices relating to maintenance
strategies that promote early successional
vegetation or limit disturbance during periods
of highest use by target pollinator species and
other wildlife on pipeline or facility rights-
of-way, including--
``(I) increasing mowing height;
``(II) reducing mowing frequency;
and
``(III) refraining from mowing
monarch and other pollinator habitat
during periods in which monarchs or
other pollinators are present;
``(iv) an integrated vegetation management
plan that may include approaches such as
mechanical tree and brush removal and targeted
and judicious use of herbicides and mowing to
address incompatible or undesirable vegetation
while promoting compatible and beneficial
vegetation on pipeline and facility rights-of-
way;
``(v) planting or seeding of deeply rooted,
regionally appropriate perennial grasses and
wildflowers, including milkweed, to enhance
habitat;
``(vi) removing shallow-rooted grasses from
planting and seeding mixes, except for use as
nurse or cover crops; and
``(vii) obtaining expert training or
assistance on wildlife- and pollinator-friendly
practices, including--
``(I) native plant identification;
``(II) establishment and management
of regionally appropriate native
plants;
``(III) land management practices;
and
``(IV) integrated vegetation
management.
``(C) Consultation.--
``(i) Available guidance.--In developing
alternative methods under this paragraph, an
operator shall consult any available guidance
issued by--
``(I) the Secretary; or
``(II) an applicable State agency
carrying out compliance activities on
behalf of the Secretary in accordance
with section 60105.
``(ii) Leading industry practices.--In the
absence of guidance described in clause (i), an
operator may consult leading industry practices
and guidance to develop and implement
alternative methods under this paragraph.
``(D) Requirements.--An operator using an
alternative method under this paragraph shall ensure
that the alternative inspection plans of the operator
continue to ensure that the operator can identify risks
to pipeline facilities.
``(E) Savings provision.--Nothing in this paragraph
exempts an operator from compliance with any applicable
requirements under this chapter (including any
regulations promulgated under this chapter).''.
(c) Inspector General Review.--3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation
shall initiate a review of a representative sample of the inspection
and maintenance plans of operators that have utilized alternative
methods of maintaining rights-of-way under section 60108(a)(4) of title
49, United States Code, to determine--
(1) whether reduced mowing has limited the ability of
pipeline operators to assess risks to pipeline facilities;
(2) with respect to any incidents that have occurred on the
relevant pipeline facilities, whether reduced mowing hindered--
(A) the ability of operators to identify a risk
that was related to the incident; or
(B) the ability for operators and emergency
responders to respond to an incident; and
(3) whether the alternative methods of maintaining rights-
of-way have impacted pipeline safety.
(d) Technical Correction.--Section 60108(e) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended, in the subsection heading, by striking ``In
General'' and inserting ``Post-inspection Briefing and Preliminary
Findings''.
SEC. 215. GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS.
(a) Inspection and Maintenance Plans.--Section 60108(a)(2)(D) of
title 49, United States Code (as amended by section 214(b)(2)), is
amended--
(1) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) mitigation of threats posed by
geological hazards; and''.
(b) Geological Hazard Mitigation Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall prepare a report
that--
(A) identifies geological hazards that may cause a
pipeline to move or be affected by abnormal external
loads, including landslides, volcanic activity,
earthquakes, and scouring;
(B) evaluates any industry consensus standards or
best practices relating to hazards described in
subparagraph (A);
(C) evaluates existing Federal requirements for
pipeline facility design, construction, operations,
maintenance, and integrity that relate to mitigation of
geological hazards; and
(D) makes recommendations to improve geological
hazard mitigation based on the findings of the report.
(2) Submission.--On completion of the report under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit the report to the
Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress.
(c) Regulatory Review.--Not later than 1 year after completion of
the report under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall review, and may
update, as appropriate, existing regulations and policy guidance that
addresses the safety of gas, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide
pipeline facilities to include consideration of threats posed by
geological hazards.
SEC. 216. ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) Request for Proposals.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the
Administrator shall--
(1) issue a request for proposals to identify potential
alternative technologies that, if used by operators, will meet
the intent of an existing pipeline safety regulation and
provide an equal or greater level of pipeline safety; and
(2) allow the public the opportunity to comment on those
proposals.
(b) Regulations.--If the Secretary determines that a technology
that is commercially available would meet the intent of an existing
pipeline safety regulation and provide an equal or greater level of
pipeline safety, the Administrator may issue a notice of proposed
rulemaking to update the relevant regulations to allow operators to
adopt the use of such technology.
SEC. 217. FIRE SHUTOFF VALVES.
Section 60110 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(f) Fire Shutoff Valves or Equivalent Technology.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Equivalent technology.--The term `equivalent
technology' means any technology that--
``(i) is not an excess flow valve; and
``(ii) meets the performance standard of
shutting off gas on a service line of a
distribution system to a dwelling or other
building in the event of a fire.
``(B) Fire-first ignition.--The term `fire-first
ignition' means an occurrence in which a fire
originating from a foreign source causes a natural gas
system to fail, release, or ignite.
``(C) Fire safety valve.--The term `fire safety
valve' means--
``(i) a fire shutoff valve; and
``(ii) any equivalent technology.
``(D) Fire shutoff valve.--The term `fire shutoff
valve' means a spring-loaded plug that is held in place
by a fusible link that--
``(i) is made of a low-melting-point alloy;
``(ii) is attached to a gas source; and
``(iii) melts when exposed to fire, causing
the spring-loaded plug to close, shutting off
the gas to a dwelling or other building
connected to a service line of a distribution
system.
``(2) Study.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary
shall complete a study on the effectiveness of fire
safety valves in order to determine the ability of fire
safety valves to improve public safety through
mitigation of secondary ignitions, such as fire-first
ignitions.
``(B) Requirements.--The study under subparagraph
(A) shall evaluate--
``(i) various scenarios and applications
for deploying fire safety valves;
``(ii) the current incidence of fire-first
ignition of natural gas distribution pipelines;
``(iii) anticipated reduction of fire-first
ignition risk under various fire safety valve
deployment scenarios, including--
``(I) lowering the likelihood of
gas ignition; and
``(II) lowering the impact and
damage of fire-first ignition
incidents;
``(iv) the long-term durability,
construction, and effectiveness of fire safety
valves; and
``(v) the commercial availability of fire
safety valves for the pipeline industry.
``(3) Rulemaking.--After completing the study described in
paragraph (2), the Secretary may prescribe risk-based standards
on the circumstances under which an operator of a natural gas
distribution system shall be required to install fire shutoff
valves or equivalent technologies in the system.''.
SEC. 218. EXEMPTION FROM POST-ACCIDENT TESTING.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, shall update the regulations of the Administration to provide
that a covered employee (as defined in section 199.3 of title 49, Code
of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) whose previous
performance of a covered function (as defined in that section (or a
successor regulation)) takes place outside of the time frame during
which the use of prohibited drugs or alcohol can be detected by post-
accident testing under section 199.105(b) or 199.225(a), as applicable,
of that title (or successor regulations)) is exempt from such post-
accident testing.
SEC. 219. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE OPERATING PRESSURE RECORDS.
(a) Previously Tested Transmission Lines.--Until the report
required under subsection (b)(1) and the rulemaking required under
subsection (c) (if determined necessary by the Secretary) are
completed, the Secretary shall not require an owner or operator of a
pipeline facility to reconfirm the maximum allowable operating pressure
of a natural gas transmission pipeline pursuant to section 192.624 of
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), if
the owner or operator confirms the material strength of the pipeline
through prior testing conducted to a sufficient minimum pressure in
accordance with prevailing safety standards and practices, including
any applicable class location factors, and documented in
contemporaneous records.
(b) Working Group Report.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall direct the existing
maximum allowable operating pressure working group of the
Administration (referred to in this subsection as the ``working
group'') to continue producing a report containing
recommendations on the contemporaneous records that are
sufficient to confirm the material strength of a natural gas
transmission pipeline through prior testing.
(2) Composition of working group.--For purposes of carrying
out paragraph (1), the working group shall be composed of the
members of the working group as of January 1, 2025.
(3) Considerations.--In preparing the report required under
paragraph (1), the working group--
(A) shall consider historical practices and all
available research conducted regarding minimum pressure
and contemporaneous records on transmission pipelines;
(B) may consider the need for any additional
research or analyses necessary to demonstrate the
adequacy of any strength testing performed; and
(C) shall consider the investigation, report, and
recommendations of the National Transportation Safety
Board following the San Bruno pipeline explosion.
(4) Submission of report.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the working group shall
submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of
Congress the report produced under paragraph (1), including any
minority views.
(c) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after receiving the
report described in subsection (b)(1), if the Secretary
determines necessary, the Secretary, after providing notice and
opportunity for comment, shall promulgate standards revising
the requirements addressing the records necessary to confirm
the maximum allowable operating pressure of a natural gas
transmission pipeline segment.
(2) Limitations.--The rulemaking under paragraph (1) shall
not delay the date by which pipeline operators must comply with
maximum allowable operating pressure reconfirmation regulations
with respect to their natural gas transmission pipeline
segments under section 192.624 of title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
Act).
SEC. 220. PIPELINE OPERATING STATUS.
Section 60143(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, the Secretary
shall promulgate regulations prescribing the applicability of
the pipeline safety requirements to--
``(A) idled natural gas transmission pipelines;
``(B) idled other gas transmission pipelines; and
``(C) idled hazardous liquid pipelines.''.
SEC. 221. POTENTIAL IMPACT RADIUS.
(a) Definition of Potential Impact Radius.--In this section, the
term ``potential impact radius'' means the area within which the
potential failure of a pipeline could have significant impact on
persons or property, including injury or death.
(b) Review and Update of Methodology.--
(1) Review.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall review--
(A) the methodology, including any formulas, used
by the Administration to determine a potential impact
radius for onshore gas transmission pipelines; and
(B) any applicable recommendations, including any
pipeline safety recommendations submitted to the
Secretary or Congress by the National Transportation
Safety Board or the Government Accountability Office.
(2) Report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after
completion of the review under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report detailing the findings of the review.
(B) Requirement.--The report under subparagraph (A)
shall evaluate whether the methodology reviewed under
paragraph (1)(A) accounts for--
(i) available human response data;
(ii) accident data relating to recent
pipeline incidents since January 1, 2000;
(iii) the risk of serious injury or death,
or property damage, from a pipeline incident;
and
(iv) the unique characteristics of the
types of gas being transported.
(c) Investigation Reports.--Beginning not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, any Pipeline Failure Investigation
reports prepared by the Accident Investigation Division of the
Administration for accidents involving onshore gas transmission
pipelines shall identify the location and distance from the pipeline of
damage, including injuries and property damage, outside of the
potential impact radius determined for the pipeline.
SEC. 222. EFFECTS OF WEATHER ON NATURAL GAS PIPELINES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Applicable weather event.--The term ``applicable
weather event'' means a relevant weather-related event
described in the definition of the term ``major disaster'' in
section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122) that has the
potential to impact the safety of a natural gas pipeline
facility.
(2) Natural gas pipeline facility.--The term ``natural gas
pipeline facility'' means--
(A) a natural gas pipeline; and
(B) any related pipeline facility, equipment, or
infrastructure.
(b) Review and Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
(1) complete a review of the effects of applicable weather
events on natural gas pipeline facilities to determine whether
applicable weather events pose a risk to safety during and
after the applicable weather event; and
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the results of that review.
SEC. 223. ALDYL-A PIPELINES.
(a) Assessment of Aldyl-A Polyethylene Piping.--Not later than 3
years after the date of enactment of this Act, each owner or operator
of a gas distribution pipeline facility shall assess its system for the
presence of Aldyl-A polyethylene.
(b) Limitation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall not require owners and
operators of gas distribution pipeline facilities to conduct
excavation activities for the purpose of the assessment
required under subsection (a).
(2) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection affects
the authority of the Secretary under--
(A) section 60112 of title 49, United States Code;
or
(B) subsection (m) or (p) of section 60117 of that
title.
(c) Reporting.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, each owner or operator of a pipeline facility described in
subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary the estimated total
pipeline mileage identified by the owner or operator as Aldyl-A
polyethylene piping.
(d) State Pipeline Safety Program Certifications.--Section
60105(b)(9)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
``of cast iron and bare steel pipelines'' and inserting the following:
``of--
``(i) cast iron and bare steel pipelines;
and
``(ii) pipelines constructed of historic
plastics with known safety issues''.
(e) Evaluation of Risk in Distribution Integrity Management
Programs.--Section 60109(e)(7)(A)(i) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended by striking ``presence of cast iron pipes and mains in the
distribution system; and'' and inserting the following: ``presence, in
the distribution system, of pipes and mains made of--
``(I) cast iron;
``(II) unprotected steel;
``(III) wrought iron; or
``(IV) historic plastics with known
safety issues; and''.
SEC. 224. IMPROVEMENTS TO PIPELINE SAFETY INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT
PROGRAMS.
The Secretary shall conduct research into the use of quantitative
data and modeling to assess whether the use of such data or modeling in
the integrity management programs of operators would improve the
estimation of costs and benefits of risk reduction measures.
TITLE III--STREAMLINING OVERSIGHT OF PIPELINES
SEC. 301. REGULATORY UPDATES.
(a) In General.--Section 106 of the PIPES Act of 2020 (Public Law
116-260; 134 Stat. 2220) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``a final'' and inserting
``A final''; and
(ii) by striking ``that has not been
published in the Federal Register;'' and
inserting a period;
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``a final'' and inserting
``A final''; and
(ii) by striking ``that has not been
published in the Federal Register; and'' and
inserting a period;
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``any other'' and inserting
``Any other''; and
(ii) by striking ``that has not been
published in the Federal Register'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) A final rule required to be issued under the
PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025.''; and
(F) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``In this section, the term
`outstanding mandate' means--'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `outstanding
mandate' means a final rule described in paragraph (2) that--
``(A) is required to be issued by the Secretary
(including any subordinate of the Secretary); and
``(B) has not been published in the Federal
Register.
``(2) Final rule described.--A final rule referred to in
paragraph (1) is any of the following:'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``referred to in
paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a) is published in
the Federal Register'' and inserting ``described in subsection
(a)(2) is published in the Federal Register with respect to the
applicable outstanding mandate''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Required Briefing.--If the Secretary fails to update the
website as required under subsection (b)(1), an appropriate employee of
the Administration shall provide an in-person briefing to the relevant
committees of Congress every 30 days until the requirements of that
subsection are met.
``(e) Optional Briefing.--Annually, the Administrator shall offer
to provide a briefing, by the Administrator or a designee, to the
relevant committees of Congress on the status of outstanding mandates.
``(f) Restriction of Funds.--If a requirement of subsection (b) is
not met for over 90 days, no funds authorized or appropriated may be
used to support travel for the Administrator or the Deputy
Administrator of the Administration, unless necessary for the response
to or investigation of a pipeline or hazardous materials incident.''.
(b) Deadline Noncompliance.--
(1) Briefings.--If the Secretary does not complete a
requirement described in paragraph (2) by the deadline
established by statute for the completion of that requirement,
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of
Congress in person on the status of the requirement--
(A) not later than 7 days after the applicable
deadline; and
(B) every 90 days thereafter until the Secretary
completes the requirement.
(2) Requirements.--A requirement referred to in paragraph
(1) is any of the following:
(A) The rulemaking required under section
60143(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, relating
to idled pipelines.
(B) The issuance of a final rule under section 601
with respect to the final regulations required under
section 60102(q)(1) of title 49, United States Code,
relating to gas pipeline leak detection and repair
programs.
SEC. 302. STATE USE OF INTEGRATED INSPECTIONS.
Section 60105 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(g) State Use of Integrated Inspections.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
`appropriate committees of Congress' has the meaning
given the term in section 2 of the PIPELINE Safety Act
of 2025.
``(B) Inspector general.--The term `Inspector
General' means the Inspector General of the Department
of Transportation.
``(C) Risk-based integrated inspection program.--
The term `risk-based integrated inspection program'
means an inspection program that uses risk information
and data to focus inspection resources on pipeline
facilities and regulatory requirements that have the
highest priority during an inspection.
``(2) Authorization.--Subject to all other applicable
provisions of this section, with the written agreement of the
Secretary and a State authority certified under this section,
which may be in the form of a memorandum of understanding, the
Secretary may authorize, and the State authority may carry out,
a risk-based integrated inspection program.
``(3) Procedural and substantive requirements.--A State
authority that is authorized to carry out a risk-based
integrated inspection program--
``(A) shall be subject to the same procedural and
substantive requirements that would apply if the
Secretary were carrying out the program; and
``(B) shall ensure--
``(i) that no pipeline system goes without
inspection for more than 5 years; and
``(ii) that unsatisfactory conditions found
in inspections are addressed in a timely
manner.
``(4) Application and criteria.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary
shall establish procedures and criteria for State authorities
to apply to carry out a risk-based integrated inspection
program pursuant to this subsection.
``(5) Evaluation timeline.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after
receiving an application from a State authority to
carry out a risk-based integrated inspection program
under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(i) review the application; and
``(ii) approve or deny the application.
``(B) Explanation of denial.--If the Secretary
denies an application submitted by a State authority
under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide an
explanation to the State authority of--
``(i) why the Secretary denied the
application; and
``(ii) changes that the State authority
could make to the application that would result
in the Secretary approving the application.
``(6) Review of programs.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
process to review the implementation of a risk-based
integrated inspection program by a State authority.
``(B) Review by inspector general.--
``(i) In general.--The Inspector General
shall--
``(I) review each risk-based
integrated inspection program
authorized by the Secretary under this
subsection not later than 3 years after
the date on which the relevant
application is approved to determine
whether the program meets the needs of
pipeline safety; and
``(II) submit to the Secretary and
the appropriate committees of Congress
a report on that review.
``(ii) Requirement.--If the Inspector
General determines that a risk-based integrated
inspection program is not adequate and should
be terminated, the Inspector General shall
notify the Secretary and the appropriate
committees of Congress.
``(7) Termination.--
``(A) Termination by the secretary.--The Secretary
may terminate an authorization for a State authority to
carry out a risk-based integrated inspection program
if--
``(i) the Secretary determines that the
State authority is not adequately carrying out
the program;
``(ii) the Secretary provides to the State
authority--
``(I) a notification of the intent
of the Secretary to terminate the
authorization for the State authority
to carry out a risk-based integrated
inspection program;
``(II) a period of not less than
120 days to take such corrective action
as the Secretary determines to be
necessary to comply with the
requirements of this section; and
``(III) on request of the State
authority, a detailed description of
the aspects of the program that are
inadequate; and
``(iii) the State authority, after the
notification described in clause (ii)(I), fails
to take satisfactory corrective action in
accordance with clause (ii)(II) before the
expiration of the period provided under that
clause.
``(B) Termination by a state authority.--A State
authority may terminate its authority to carry out a
risk-based integrated inspection program at any time by
providing to the Secretary a notice not later than 90
days before the date of termination.''.
SEC. 303. OPTIMIZING PIPELINE SAFETY INSPECTIONS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Office.--The term ``office'' means a regional office,
district office, and any other office of the Administration
serving a particular region.
(2) Region.--The term ``region'' means a region for which a
regional office of the Administration has been established.
(3) State partners.--The term ``State partners'' means the
State authorities described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of
subsection (b)(1).
(b) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study to evaluate enforcement actions
and the inspection scheduling and coordination practices and
procedures used by--
(A) the Administration;
(B) State authorities certified under section 60105
of title 49, United States Code; and
(C) State authorities with which the Secretary has
made an agreement under section 60106(a) of that title.
(2) Requirements.--The study under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) identify ways in which the Administration and
States may coordinate with each other for more
effective inspections and enforcement;
(B) evaluate the extent of any--
(i) substantive overlap of inspections
carried out by the Administration and the State
partners, such that the Administration and the
State partners are inspecting the same operator
programs and procedures multiple times in the
same annual or biennial period;
(ii) substantive overlap of inspections
carried out by offices in different regions,
such that offices in multiple regions are
inspecting the same operator programs and
procedures multiple times in the same annual or
biennial period;
(iii) coordination among offices in
different regions on inspection findings
relating to an operator before the
Administration decides to take any enforcement
or other action against that operator;
(iv) coordination among offices in
different regions and between the
Administration and State partners on the
scheduling and scoping of inspections of
operators to avoid substantive overlaps;
(v) resolution processes for operators in
cases in which offices in different regions, or
the Administration and State partners, take
different interpretive positions on the same
compliance issue or operator program; and
(vi) opportunities--
(I) to reduce substantive
unnecessary overlaps (in the process of
which the Comptroller General of the
United States shall identify and
describe any overlaps that the
Comptroller the believes are
necessary);
(II) to avoid inconsistent
interpretations--
(aa) by offices in
different regions; and
(bb) between the
Administration and State
partners;
(III) to optimize inspection
scheduling and coordination; and
(IV) to improve compliance with
Federal pipeline safety laws; and
(C) review the Federal enforcement process for its
ability to fairly ensure compliance with Federal
pipeline safety laws.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the
results of the study conducted under subsection (b), which shall
include recommendations that the Administrator could adopt to better
coordinate inspection practices and procedures with State partners, and
between State partners, to address deficiencies identified under
subsection (b)(2)--
(1) without compromising pipeline safety; and
(2) while improving the enforcement process.
(d) Summary of Pipeline Inspections.--Not later than June 1 of each
year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall make available to the public in an electronically
accessible format a summary of Federal and State pipeline inspections
conducted under direct or delegated authority under title 49, United
States Code, during the previous calendar year, including--
(1) the date of the inspection;
(2) the name of the pipeline owner or operator;
(3) the pipeline system or segment inspected;
(4) the 1 or more regions of the Administration in which
the inspected system or segment operates;
(5) the 1 or more States in which the inspected system or
segment operates;
(6) any violations or proposed violations alleged as a
result of the inspection; and
(7) any enforcement actions taken.
SEC. 304. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PHMSA ENGAGEMENT PRIOR TO RULEMAKING
ACTIVITIES.
It is the sense of Congress that, if the Secretary determines it to
be appropriate, the Secretary should engage with pipeline stakeholder
groups, including State pipeline safety programs with an approved
certification under section 60105 of title 49, United States Code, and
the public during predrafting stages of rulemaking activities--
(1) to inform the work of the Secretary in carrying out the
goals of chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code; and
(2) to reduce the timeline for issuance of proposed and
final rules.
TITLE IV--IMPROVING SAFETY OF EMERGING GASES
SEC. 401. STUDIES OF HYDROGEN PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into an
agreement with a National Laboratory (as defined in section 2
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801))--
(A) to conduct a study of the safety, technical,
and practical considerations relating to the blending
of hydrogen into existing natural gas systems;
(B) to issue a report on the results of that study,
in accordance with paragraph (2); and
(C) to make recommendations to the Secretary for
how to avoid or minimize any risks identified under
paragraph (2)(C).
(2) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
paragraph (1), the following factors shall be taken into
consideration:
(A) Systems that utilize a hydrogen content above 5
percent to determine if there are additional
restrictions or requirements for the processes,
materials, and standards that the operators of those
systems have implemented to operate those systems
safely.
(B) Remaining knowledge gaps, if any, relating to
safely moving hydrogen-methane blends through existing
natural gas distribution systems.
(C) Safety risks, if any, of hydrogen-methane
blends composed of over 5 percent hydrogen in existing
natural gas distribution systems, including--
(i) leak rates of hydrogen-methane blends;
(ii) the performance of hydrogen-methane
blends in existing residential, commercial, and
industrial infrastructure; and
(iii) underground migration of leaked
hydrogen-methane blends.
(D) Any relevant findings or recommendations of--
(i) the HyBlend research and development
initiative commenced by the Department of
Energy in 2021 for the purpose of addressing
opportunities for hydrogen blending in natural
gas pipelines; and
(ii) the study on hydrogen blending
commissioned by the California Public Utilities
Commission and carried out by the University of
California, Riverside, entitled ``Hydrogen
Blending Impacts Study''.
(3) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress the report prepared under paragraph
(1)(B).
(b) GAO Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study on existing natural gas
distribution systems that utilize hydrogen-natural gas blending
applications, or utilize gas with a higher hydrogen content, to
identify processes, materials, and standards that operators
have implemented to operate those systems safely.
(2) Requirement.--The study conducted under paragraph (1)
shall include an examination of natural gas distribution
systems currently operating in--
(A) the United States;
(B) Canada;
(C) Europe;
(D) Australia;
(E) Hong Kong; and
(F) any other appropriate location, as determined
by the Comptroller General of the United States.
(3) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States
shall consider systems that utilize a hydrogen content above 5
percent to determine if there are additional restrictions or
requirements for the processes, materials, and standards that
the operators of those systems have implemented to operate
those systems safely.
(c) Regulatory Considerations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after completion of
the studies under subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall
determine whether any updates to regulations are necessary to
ensure the safety of natural gas distribution systems
intentionally blending hydrogen at levels exceeding 5 percent.
(2) Requirement.--If the Secretary determines that updates
to regulations are not necessary, the Secretary shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes
the reasons for that determination.
(d) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section--
(1) authorizes the removal of the exemption for certain
hydrogen pipelines described in section 192.625(b)(4) of title
49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on October 1,
2023); or
(2) affects--
(A) the authority of the Secretary under--
(i) section 60112 of title 49, United
States Code; or
(ii) subsection (m) or (p) of section 60117
of that title; or
(B) the authority of the Secretary to prescribe
standards otherwise affecting the transportation of
hydrogen by pipelines.
SEC. 402. SAFETY OF CARBON DIOXIDE PIPELINES.
(a) Minimum Safety Standards.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the
Federal Register a final rule pursuant to the rulemaking
proceeding with Regulation Identifier Number 2137-AF60 after
providing an opportunity for comment to ensure the safety of
all phases of carbon dioxide transported in pipelines,
including carbon dioxide in gaseous, liquid, and supercritical
states.
(2) Requirements.--
(A) In general.--Any standard adopted by the final
rule required under paragraph (1) shall--
(i) include appropriate requirements
addressing updates to emergency response plans
to address any risks unique to carbon dioxide
pipeline accidents or incidents;
(ii) include minimum safety standards
applicable to each operator of a pipeline
facility by which carbon dioxide is
transported, including performing vapor
dispersion modeling to identify high
consequence areas that could be affected by a
release from such a pipeline facility;
(iii) clarify that carbon dioxide shall not
be used as a testing medium for spike
hydrostatic pressure testing; and
(iv) require carbon dioxide pipeline
operators to provide information to State,
local, and Tribal emergency response
organizations (in each jurisdiction in which a
carbon dioxide pipeline facility of the
operator is located) on any risks unique to
carbon dioxide pipeline accidents or incidents,
including by making relevant portions of
emergency response plans available to first
responders on request.
(B) Vapor dispersion modeling.--Vapor dispersion
modeling under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall consider--
(i) the topography surrounding the pipeline
facility;
(ii) atmospheric conditions that could
affect vapor dispersion; and
(iii) pipeline facility operating
characteristics.
(C) Considerations.--Any standard adopted by the
final rule required under paragraph (1) shall
consider--
(i) conversion of service standards; and
(ii) safety-related condition reporting and
leak reporting appropriate to any unique safety
risks associated with carbon dioxide.
(b) Effect.--Completion of the rulemaking required under subsection
(a) shall satisfy the rulemaking requirement under section 60102(i)(2)
of title 49, United States Code.
(c) Odorant.--
(1) Study.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement
with a National Laboratory (as defined in section 2 of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)) to study the
feasibility of adding odorant to carbon dioxide pipelines.
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the
feasibility of adding odorant to carbon dioxide pipelines.
(d) Additional Resources.--The Secretary shall make available, on
request, to relevant emergency responders information that is tailored
specifically to carbon dioxide pipeline releases, including information
on the potential impact area and any relevant odorants.
SEC. 403. REPORTING OF BLENDED PRODUCTS.
(a) In General.--All operators of natural gas pipelines shall
report to the Secretary non-predominant products intentionally blended
and intended to exceed, at any point in time, 2 percent by volume of
the product transported by the pipeline.
(b) Frequency.--Reports under subsection (a) shall be required not
more frequently than annually.
TITLE V--IMPROVING EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND TRANSPARENCY
SEC. 501. BITUMEN OIL RESPONSE PLAN REVIEW.
(a) Inspector General Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of
Transportation shall review--
(1) the findings of the study required under section 16 of
the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act
of 2011 (Public Law 112-90; 125 Stat. 1915); and
(2) the emergency response plans required under section
60102(d)(5) of title 49, United States Code, for operators
transporting diluted bitumen oil.
(b) Purpose.--The review under subsection (a) shall determine the
extent to which the response plans required under section 60102(d)(5)
of title 49, United States Code--
(1) identify, using industry-standard names, all of the
crude oils transported by the operator, including diluted
bitumen;
(2) include safety data sheets for each of the crude oils
identified in the response plan;
(3) describe the geographic areas most sensitive to the
effects of a diluted bitumen spill, including the water bodies
potentially at risk;
(4) describe the response activities planned and resources
available to mitigate the impacts of spills of diluted bitumen,
if applicable, including the capabilities of the operator for
detection, containment, and recovery of submerged and sunken
oil;
(5) specify the procedures by which the operator shall
provide to the applicable On-Scene Coordinator (as defined in
section 194.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a
successor regulation)) or an equivalent State official relevant
response information; and
(6) include all spill-relevant properties and
considerations with respect to each crude oil transported by
the operator and identified in the response plan in accordance
with paragraph (1).
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completing the review
under subsection (a), the Inspector General of the Department of
Transportation shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report that summarizes the findings of that review and contains any
recommendations of the Inspector General.
SEC. 502. NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINE
LEAK DETECTION.
(a) Establishment.--After submitting the report under subsection
(c) to the committees of Congress described in that subsection, and
subject to the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the
applicable purpose, the Secretary, in consultation with hazardous
liquid pipeline sector stakeholders, may establish a center, to be
known as the ``National Center of Excellence for Hazardous Liquid
Pipeline Leak Detection'' (referred to in this section as the ``Center
of Excellence'').
(b) Location.--The Center of Excellence shall be located--
(1) within the Great Lakes Basin;
(2) in a State that hosts an international mixed-use
pipeline that transports crude oil and natural gas liquids
where the pipeline crosses through the Great Lakes; and
(3) in close proximity to an institution of higher
education with adequate capabilities, experience, and expertise
in researching and evaluating pipeline safety, including
pipeline risk analyses.
(c) Report on Establishment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on
Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that
describes--
(A) the resources necessary to establish the Center
of Excellence; and
(B) the manner in which the Center of Excellence
will carry out the functions described in subsection
(d).
(2) Requirement.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
include an estimate of all potential costs and appropriations
necessary to carry out the functions described in subsection
(d).
(d) Functions.--The Center of Excellence shall--
(1) review the availability of leak detection technology
for hazardous liquid pipelines that can detect leaks at very
low volumes;
(2) conduct research into the operational, economic, and
technical feasibility of incorporating technologies reviewed
under paragraph (1) into pipeline systems;
(3) be a repository of information on best practices
relating to, and expertise on, hazardous liquid leak detection;
and
(4) perform other duties, as determined by the Secretary,
to improve leak detection for hazardous liquid pipelines.
(e) Joint Operation With Educational Institution.--The Secretary
shall enter into an agreement with an institution of higher education
described in subsection (b)(3)--
(1) to provide for joint operation of the Center of
Excellence; and
(2) to provide necessary administrative services for the
Center of Excellence.
(f) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which the
Center of Excellence is established under subsection (a), the Center of
Excellence shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the findings of the Center of Excellence with respect to leak
detection technologies that can detect leaks at very low volumes.
SEC. 503. OPERATOR FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not later than 7 calendar days after the date on which an operator
of a pipeline facility (as defined in section 60101(a) of title 49,
United States Code) files a petition for relief under chapter 7 or 11
of title 11, United States Code, the operator shall notify the
Secretary of that filing.
SEC. 504. DATA AND TRANSPARENCY.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and
not less frequently than annually thereafter, the Secretary shall
publish, on a publicly accessible website, summary data pertaining to
pipeline leaks required to be reported by operators in the annual
reports submitted to the Administration by the operators.
SEC. 505. OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.
Section 108 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(referred to in this
section as the `Administration')'' after ``Safety
Administration'';
(2) in subsection (c), in the first sentence, by inserting
``(referred to in this section as the `Administrator'),'' after
``shall be the Administrator''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Office of Public Engagement.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
`appropriate committees of Congress' has the meaning
given the term in section 2 of the PIPELINE Safety Act
of 2025.
``(B) Director.--The term `Director' means the
Director of the Office.
``(C) Office.--The term `Office' means the Office
of Public Engagement of the Administration established
under paragraph (2).
``(2) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall
establish within the Administration an office, to be known as
the `Office of Public Engagement'.
``(3) Director.--The Office shall be headed by a Director,
who shall--
``(A) report to the Associate Administrator for
Pipeline Safety; and
``(B) be responsible for the discharge of the
functions and duties of the Office.
``(4) Employees.--The Director shall--
``(A) appoint and assign the duties of employees of
the Office; and
``(B) prioritize the hiring of individuals who have
experience in community engagement, including working
with the public, State, local and Tribal governments,
and pipeline safety public interest groups.
``(5) Community liaisons.--The Director shall appoint
agency community liaison personnel employed as of the date on
which the Office is established as employees of the Office.
``(6) Duties and functions of the office.--
``(A) Coordination of assistance.--The Director
shall coordinate the provision of technical assistance
and educational assistance to the public with respect
to the authorities exercised by the Administration.
``(B) Public engagement.--The Director shall
coordinate active and ongoing engagement with the
public with respect to the authority and activities of
the Administration, including by--
``(i) conducting--
``(I) outreach, which may include
public postings, signage at relevant
physical locations, newspaper
publications, utility bill inserts,
mailings, phone calls, canvassing, and
door hangers, to communities using
varied media; and
``(II) when appropriate, meetings;
``(ii) assisting individuals in resolving
pipeline safety inquiries;
``(iii) making publicly available, and
disseminating, information on the manner in
which members of the public may file inquiries
relating to pipeline safety;
``(iv) assisting individuals in contacting,
as necessary, the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, State agencies, and other agencies,
in order to appropriately direct public
inquiries that are not within the jurisdiction
of the Administration to the relevant agency;
and
``(v) preparing, and making publicly
available in accessible formats, educational
materials about the Administration, the
responsibilities of the Administration, and how
those responsibilities interact with entities
under the jurisdiction of the Administration
and other Federal, State, local, or Tribal
government agencies.''.
SEC. 506. CLARIFICATION OF CONFIRMED DISCOVERY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall--
(1) review--
(A) the definition of confirmed discovery used by
the Administration for purposes of the reporting of
accidents and incidents to the National Response Center
and the Secretary (including any regulations
promulgated under section 9 of the Pipeline Safety,
Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (49
U.S.C. 60117 note; Public Law 112-90)), establishing
communication with first responders and other relevant
public officials as described in section 60102(r)(1) of
title 49, United States Code, providing immediate
notice to the National Response Center as described in
section 191.5 and 195.52 of title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations), and any
other relevant purposes; and
(B) for each initial notice of an accident or
incident submitted to the National Response Center
telephonically or electronically under section 191.5 or
195.52 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, during
the 5-year period ending on the date of enactment of
this Act--
(i) the time between the first signs of an
accident or incident and the time at which
operators determined that the accident or
incident met the definition of confirmed
discovery;
(ii) the methods that operators used to
confirm that an accident or incident met that
definition; and
(iii) the time that it took for operators
to report an accident or incident after
confirming that the accident or incident met
that definition; and
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report that provides the findings of the review under paragraph
(1), including the details described in subparagraph (B) of
that paragraph for each accident or incident.
(b) Civil Penalty Considerations.--Section 60122(b)(1) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) the timeliness of emergency response
notification, including by reducing penalties for cases
in which incidents are reported within 10 minutes of a
suspected release; and
``(F) advanced coordination with State, local,
Tribal, and territorial governmental entities resulting
in the relevant and timely use of existing public alert
notification systems; and''.
SEC. 507. PUBLIC ALERT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR PIPELINE FACILITIES.
(a) Public Alert Notification System.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, shall develop voluntary guidance to assist owners and operators
of pipeline facilities with coordinating with State, local, Tribal, and
territorial governmental entities to make use of existing public alert
notification systems, such as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System of the Federal Emergency Management Agency described in section
526 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321o) to issue
emergency alerts and appropriate guidance via mobile phones, radio, or
television in a locally targeted area in the event of a pipeline
emergency..
(b) Emergency Response Plans.--Any procedures established by an
operator under subsection (a) shall be incorporated into the emergency
response plan maintained by the operator under section 60102(d)(5) of
title 49, United States Code.
TITLE VI--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 601. PROHIBITION ON PHMSA OPERATION, PROCUREMENT, OR CONTRACTING
ACTION WITH RESPECT TO COVERED UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44815. Prohibition on PHMSA operation, procurement, or
contracting action with respect to covered unmanned
aircraft systems
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Administration.--The term `Administration' means the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
``(2) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the Administration.
``(3) Covered foreign country.--The term `covered foreign
country' means any of the following:
``(A) The People's Republic of China.
``(B) The Russian Federation.
``(C) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
``(D) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
``(E) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
``(F) The Republic of Cuba.
``(4) Covered unmanned aircraft system.--The term `covered
unmanned aircraft system' means an unmanned aircraft system
that is, or is owned by an entity that is--
``(A) included on the Consolidated Screening List
or Entity List as designated by the Secretary of
Commerce;
``(B) domiciled in a covered foreign country; or
``(C) subject to influence or control by the
government of a covered foreign country.
``(b) Restrictions.--Subject to subsection (c), the Administrator
shall not--
``(1) operate a covered unmanned aircraft system; or
``(2) enter into, extend, or renew a contract--
``(A) for the procurement of a covered unmanned
aircraft system; or
``(B) with an entity that operates (as determined
by the Secretary of Transportation) a covered unmanned
aircraft system in the performance of any
Administration contract.
``(c) Exemption.--The restrictions under subsection (b) shall not
apply if the operation, procurement, or contracting action is for the
purpose of intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare
operations, testing, analysis, and training.
``(d) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the restrictions under
subsection (b) on a case by case basis by certifying, in writing, to
the Secretary of Homeland Security and the appropriate committees of
Congress that the operation, procurement, or contracting action is
required in the public interest of the United States.
``(e) Replacement of Covered Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--Subject to
available appropriations, not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall replace any covered
unmanned aircraft system that is owned or operated by the
Administration as of that date of enactment with an unmanned aircraft
system manufactured in the United States or an allied country (as
defined in section 2350f(d) of title 10).
``(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes--
``(1) a description of the changes the Administration has
made to its operation, procurement, and contracting processes
to ensure that the Administration does not acquire any covered
unmanned aircraft system;
``(2) the number of covered unmanned aircraft systems that
needed to be replaced in accordance with subsection (e),
including--
``(A) an explanation of the purposes for which such
covered unmanned aircraft systems were used;
``(B) a description of the unmanned aircraft
systems that the Administrator will purchase to replace
such covered unmanned aircraft systems; and
``(C) the cost to purchase the unmanned aircraft
systems described in subparagraph (B); and
``(3) any other information determined appropriate by the
Administrator.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 44814 the following:
``44815. Prohibition on PHMSA operation, procurement, or contracting
action with respect to covered unmanned
aircraft systems.''.
SEC. 602. NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE SAFETY AND
MODERNIZATION GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may provide grants to assist
publicly owned natural gas distribution pipeline systems in repairing,
rehabilitating, or replacing pipeline systems to improve pipeline
safety.
(b) Eligible Entities.--An entity eligible to receive a grant under
this section is a utility that--
(1) is owned by a community or municipality; and
(2) is not a for-profit entity.
(c) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this
section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require, including a description of the projects or activities proposed
to be funded by the grant.
(d) Uses.--A grant provided under this section may be used--
(1) to repair, rehabilitate, or replace a natural gas
distribution pipeline system or portions of a natural gas
distribution pipeline system; or
(2) to acquire equipment for use in a repair,
rehabilitation, or replacement project under paragraph (1).
(e) Considerations.--The Secretary shall establish procedures for
awarding grants under this section that take into consideration--
(1) the risk profile of the existing pipeline system,
including pipe material, operated by the applicant; and
(2) supporting communities that have limited ability to
invest in the infrastructure of the community through increased
utility rates due to economic conditions, including high
poverty rates, high unemployment, or low median wages.
(f) Limitations.--
(1) Awards to a single utility.--The Secretary may not
award more than 12.5 percent of the total amount made available
to carry out this section to a single eligible entity described
in subsection (b).
(2) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 2 percent of
the amounts appropriated under subsection (h)(1) for a fiscal
year may be used by the Secretary for the administrative costs
of carrying out this section.
(3) Cost sharing.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), any grant provided by the Secretary under this
section shall not represent more than 50 percent of the
actual total cost of the repair, rehabilitation, or
replacement project for which the grant is provided.
(B) Exception.--In the case of a grant under this
section for a project in an area with a population of
less than 50,000 residents, based on the most recent
decennial census, the Secretary may increase the grant
share of the cost of the project under subparagraph (A)
to not more than 80 percent.
(g) Congressional Notification.--Not later than 3 days before the
date on which the Secretary publishes the selection of projects and
activities for which a grant will be provided under this section, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a written notice that
includes--
(1) a list of all applications reviewed by the Secretary as
part of the selection process; and
(2) a report that describes each project or activity for
which a grant will be provided under this section for that
round of selection.
(h) Funding.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section
$75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030, to
remain available until expended.
(2) Requirement.--Any amounts used to carry out this
section--
(A) shall be derived from general revenues; and
(B) shall not be derived from user fees collected
under section 60301.
SEC. 603. ISSUES AFFECTING FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED INDIAN TRIBES.
(a) Indian and Tribal Definitions.--Section 60101 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Indian and Tribal Definitions.--In this chapter:
``(1) Indian land.--The term `Indian land' has the meaning
given the term `Indian lands' in section 4 of the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2703).
``(2) Indian Tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).''.
(b) Safety Standards and Reports.--Section 60102 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking ``located,'' and
inserting ``located and any affected Indian Tribe'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), in the
first sentence, by striking ``and an appropriate State
official as determined by the Secretary'' and inserting
``, an appropriate State official (as determined by the
Secretary), and an appropriate Tribal official (as
determined by the Secretary) from any affected Indian
Tribe'';
(B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or, with respect to an
affected Indian Tribe, on affected Indian land,'' after
``location in the State'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and
Tribal officials from any affected Indian
Tribe'' after ``State and local authorities'';
and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting
``and Tribal officials from any affected Indian
Tribe'' after ``State and local officials'';
and
(D) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by inserting ``or an affected Indian
Tribe'' after ``inform a State''; and
(ii) by inserting ``or on affected Indian
land'' before the period at the end;
(3) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``the
appropriate Tribe'' and inserting ``any affected Indian
Tribe with respect to the location''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(B), by inserting ``or Tribal
official if no such commission or committee exists''
before the semicolon at the end; and
(4) in subsection (r)(1), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, including Tribal officials''
after ``public officials''.
(c) Inspection and Maintenance.--Section 60108(c)(6)(C) of title
49, United States Code, is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting
``and Tribal officials from any affected Indian Tribe'' after ``to the
Secretary''.
(d) High-density Population Areas and Environmentally Sensitive
Areas.--Section 60109(e)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
``(C) Deadlines.--
``(i) Emergency response plan.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of the
PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, each operator of a
distribution system shall make available to the
Secretary or the relevant State authority with
a certification in effect under section 60105,
as applicable, and to any affected Indian
Tribe, a copy of the emergency response plan
under section 60102(d)(5).
``(ii) Other documents.--Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of the
PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, each operator of a
distribution system shall make available to the
Secretary or the relevant State authority with
a certification in effect under section 60105,
as applicable, a copy of--
``(I) the distribution integrity
management plan of the operator; and
``(II) the procedural manual for
operations, maintenance, and
emergencies under section 60102(d)(4).
``(iii) Updates.--Not later than 60 days
after the date of a significant update, as
determined by the Secretary, to a plan or
manual described in clause (i) or (ii), the
operator of the applicable distribution system
shall--
``(I) in the case of an emergency
response plan described in clause (i),
make available to the Secretary or make
available for inspection to the
relevant State authority described in
that clause (if applicable), and make
available for inspection to any
affected Indian Tribe, an updated copy
of the emergency response plan; and
``(II) in the case of a plan or
manual described in clause (ii), make
available to the Secretary or make
available for inspection to the
relevant State authority described in
that clause (if applicable) an updated
copy of the applicable plan or manual.
``(iv) Applicability of foia.--Nothing in
this subsection shall be construed to authorize
the disclosure of any information that is
exempt from disclosure under section 552(b) of
title 5.''.
(e) Pipeline Facilities Hazardous to Life and Property.--Section
60112(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended, in the second
sentence, by inserting ``and a Tribal official from any affected Indian
Tribe'' after ``affected local officials''.
(f) Technical Safety Standards Committees.--Section 60115(b)(3)(A)
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``and of'' and
inserting ``, Indian Tribes, and''.
(g) Public Education Programs.--Section 60116(b) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``Not later than 12
months after the date of enactment of the Pipeline Safety
Improvement Act of 2002'' and inserting ``Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of the PIPELINE Safety Act of
2025''; and
(2) in the second sentence, by inserting ``affected Indian
Tribes,'' after ``advise''.
(h) Administrative.--Section 60117 of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting ``and an appropriate
Tribal official from any affected Indian Tribe'' after ``is
located'';
(2) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Indian
Tribes,'' after ``States,''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``Indian
Tribes,'' after ``local governments,'';
(3) in subsection (l), in the first sentence, by inserting
``Indian Tribes,'' after ``local government,'';
(4) in subsection (n)(1), by inserting ``Indian Tribes,''
after ``the States,''; and
(5) in subsection (p)(2)(B), by inserting ``Indian
Tribes,'' after ``State agencies,''.
(i) Judicial Review.--Section 60119(a)(1) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting ``,
including an Indian Tribe,'' before ``adversely affected''.
(j) Emergency Response Grants.--Section 60125(b)(1) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting ``,
and affected Indian Tribes,'' after ``local governments''.
(k) National Pipeline Mapping System.--Section 60132 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by striking ``State and local'' and
inserting ``State, local, and Tribal''; and
(2) in subsection (e), in the first sentence, by striking
``State and local'' and inserting ``State, local, and Tribal''.
(l) Coordination of Environmental Reviews.--Section 60133 of title
49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ``and local'' and
inserting ``, local, and Tribal''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ``Tribal,'' after
``State,''.
SEC. 604. IDENTIFICATION OF AND JUSTIFICATION FOR REDACTIONS.
If the Administration redacts any portion of a document produced to
another person, the Administration shall cite a specific statute
authorizing the withholding of the information redacted.
SEC. 605. FEES FOR LOAN GUARANTEES.
Section 116(d) of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act (15 U.S.C.
720n(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``(1) The Secretary'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) Loan terms.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), in the
second sentence, by striking ``The term'' and inserting
the following:
``(B) Duration.--The term''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(2) An eligible'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Fees.--
``(A) Administrative expenses.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the Secretary shall
charge, and collect on or after the date of the
financial close of an obligation, a fee for a
guarantee in an amount that the Secretary
determines is sufficient to cover applicable
administrative expenses (including any costs
associated with third-party consultants engaged
by the Secretary).
``(ii) Availability.--Fees collected under
this paragraph shall--
``(I) be deposited by the Secretary
into the Treasury; and
``(II) remain available to the
Secretary, without further
appropriation, until expended to cover
applicable administrative expenses
described in clause (i).
``(iii) Reduction in fee amount.--
Notwithstanding clause (i), and subject to the
availability of appropriations, the Secretary
may reduce the amount of a fee for a guarantee
under this subparagraph.
``(B) Debt obligations.--An eligible''.
SEC. 606. IMPROVING PIPELINE CYBERSECURITY.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish in the Federal
Register a final rule pursuant to the rulemaking proceeding entitled
``Enhancing Surface Cyber Risk Management'' (Docket Number TSA-2022-
0001; Regulation Identifier Number 1652-AA74) relating to the
cybersecurity of pipelines.
SEC. 607. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 60101(a) of title 49, United States Code
(as amended by section 212(b)), is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``chapter--'' and inserting ``chapter:'';
(2) in each of paragraphs (1) through (16), (18), (19),
(20), (22) (23), (25), and (27), by striking the semicolon at
the end of the paragraph and inserting a period;
(3) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking the paragraph designation and all
that follows through ``(A) means'' in subparagraph (A)
and inserting the following:
``(1) Existing liquefied natural gas facility.--
``(A) In general.--The term `existing liquefied
natural gas facility' means'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``; but''
and inserting a period; and
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``(B) does not'' and
inserting the following:
``(B) Exclusions.--The term `existing liquefied
natural gas facility' does not''; and
(ii) by inserting ``described in
subparagraph (A)'' after ``approval'';
(4) in paragraph (14)--
(A) by striking the paragraph designation and all
that follows through ``(A) means'' in subparagraph (A)
and inserting the following:
``(14) Liquefied natural gas pipeline facility.--
``(A) In general.--The term `liquefied natural gas
pipeline facility' means'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; but'' and
inserting a period; and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(B) does
not'' and inserting the following:
``(B) Exclusions.--The term `liquefied natural gas
pipeline facility' does not'';
(5) in paragraph (24) (relating to the term ``Secretary''),
by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period;
(6) in paragraph (27)--
(A) by striking the paragraph designation and all
that follows through ``(A) means'' in subparagraph (A)
and inserting the following:
``(27) Transporting hazardous liquid.--
``(A) In general.--The term `transporting hazardous
liquid' means'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``; but''
and inserting a period; and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(B) does
not'' and inserting the following:
``(B) Exclusions.--The term `transporting hazardous
liquid' does not''; and
(7) in each of paragraphs (2) through (13), (15), (16),
(18), (19), (20), (22) through (25), and (28)--
(A) by inserting ``The term'' after the paragraph
designation; and
(B) by inserting a paragraph heading, the text of
which comprises the term defined in the paragraph.
(b) Report.--Section 60102(b) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by striking paragraph (7).
<all>