#aadth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bbgf ,,an ,,act ,to amend title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 to provide enhanced safety in pipeline transportation1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents2 references 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,securing ,america's ,future ,energy3 ,protecting our ,infrastructure of ,pipelines and ,enhancing ,safety ,act or the ,,safe ,,pipes ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents2 references4,sec4 #b4 ,authorization of appropriations4,sec4 #c4 ,regulatory updates4,sec4 #d4 ,hazardous materials identification numbers4,sec4 #e4 ,statutory preference4,sec4 #f4 ,natural gas integrity management review4,sec4 #g4 ,hazardous liquid integrity management review4,sec4 #h4 ,technical safety standards committees4,sec4 #i4 ,inspection report information4,sec4 #aj4 ,pipeline odorization study4,sec4 #aa4 ,improving damage prevention technology4,sec4 #ab4 ,workforce of ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration4,sec4 #ac4 ,research and development4,sec4 #ad4 ,information sharing system4,sec4 #ae4 ,nationwide integrated pipeline safety regulatory database4,sec4 #af4 ,underground natural gas storage facilities4,sec4 #ag4 ,joint inspection and oversight4,sec4 #ah4 ,response plans4,sec4 #ai4 ,high consequence areas4,sec4 #bj4 ,surface transportation security review4,sec4 #ba4 ,small scale liquefied natural gas facilities4,sec4 #bb4 ,report on natural gas leak reporting4,sec4 #bc4 ,comptroller ,general review of ,state policies relating to natural gas leaks4,sec4 #bd4 ,provision of response plans to appropriate committees of ,congress4,sec4 #be4 ,consultation with ,,ferc as part of pre-filing procedures and permitting process for new natural gas pipeline infrastructure4,sec4 #bf4 ,maintenance of effort4,sec4 #bg4 ,aliso ,canyon natural gas leak task force4 7c7 ,references to title #di1 ,united ,states ,code ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 wherever in this ,act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to1 or repeal of1 a section or other provision1 the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #b4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,gas and hazardous liquid ,section #fjabe7;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,transportation for each of fiscal years #bjab through #bjae1 from fees collected under section #fjcja1 #ij1fgi1jjj1 of which #d1gdf1jjj is for carrying out such section #ab and #cf1aid1jjj is for making grants4 and inserting the following3 8there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,transportation from fees collected under section #fjcja-- 7,a7 #abg1jfj1jjj for fiscal year #bjaf1 of which #i1cbe1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #db1eae1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,b7 #abi1fga1jjj for fiscal year #bjag1 of which #i1dah1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #db1ida1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,c7 #acb1ccd1jjj for fiscal year #bjah1 of which #i1eab1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #dc1cga1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 and 7,d7 #ace1jea1jjj for fiscal year #bjai1 of which #i1fjg1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #dc1hje1jjj shall be expended for making grants4 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking there is authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years #bjab through #bjae from the ,oil ,spill ,liability ,trust ,fund to carry out the provisions of this chapter related to hazardous liquid and section #ab of the ,pipeline ,safety ,improvement ,act of #bjjb 7#di ,u4,s4,c4 #fjaja note2 ,public ,law #ajg-cee71 #ah1egc1jjj1 of which #b1agd1jjj is for carrying out such section #ab and #d1eeh1jjj is for making grants4 and inserting the following3 there are authorized to be appropriated from the ,oil ,spill ,liability ,trust ,fund to carry out the provisions of this chapter related to hazardous liquid and section #ab of the ,pipeline ,safety ,improvement ,act of #bjjb 7#di ,u4,s4,c4 #fjaja note2 ,public ,law #ajg-cee7-- 7,a7 #ai1hij1jjj for fiscal year #bjaf1 of which #c1ajh1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #h1gjh1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,b7 #bj1bhh1jjj for fiscal year #bjag1 of which #c1aci1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #h1gie1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,c7 #bj1fid1jjj for fiscal year #bjah1 of which #c1aga1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #h1hhc1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 and 7,d7 #ba1ajh1jjj for fiscal year #bjai1 of which #c1bjc1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #h1igb1jjj shall be expended for making grants4 4 7b7 ,emergency response grants ,section #fjabe7;b77#b7 is amended by striking #bjab through #bjae and inserting #bjaf through #bjai4 7c7 ,one-call notification programs ,section #fajg is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking #a1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjab through #bjae and inserting #a1jfj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjaf through #bjai2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by striking #bjab through #bjae and inserting #bjaf through #bjai4 7d7 ,state damage prevention programs ,section #fjacd7;i7 is amended by striking #bjab through #bjae and inserting #bjaf through #bjai4 7e7 ,community pipeline safety information grants ,section #fjacj7;c7 is amended by striking #bjab through #bjae and inserting #bjaf through #bjai4 7f7 ,pipeline integrity program ,section #ab7;f7 of the ,pipeline ,safety ,improvement ,act of #bjjb 7#di ,u4,s4,c4 #fjaja note7 is amended by striking #bjab through #bjae and inserting #bjaf through #bjai4 #c4 ,regulatory updates 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #ij days thereafter until a final rule has been issued for each of the requirements described under paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c71 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall publish an update on a public website regarding the status of a final rule for-- 7#a7 regulations required under the ,pipeline ,safety ,regulatory ,certainty and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjaa 7,public ,law #aab-ij2 #abe ,stat4 #aijd7 for which no interim final rule or direct final rule has been issued2 7#b7 any regulation relating to pipeline safety required by law1 other than a regulation described under paragraph 7#a71 for which for more than #b years after the date of the enacting statute or statutory deadline no interim final rule or direct final rule has been issued2 and 7#c7 any other pipeline safety rulemaking categorized as significant4 7b7 ,contents ,each report under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a description of the work plan for the outstanding regulation2 7#b7 an updated rulemaking timeline for the outstanding regulation2 7#c7 current staff allocations2 7#d7 any other information collection request with substantial changes2 7#e7 current data collection or research relating to the development of the rulemaking2 7#f7 current collaborative efforts with safety experts and other stakeholders2 7#g7 any resource constraints impacting the rulemaking process for the outstanding regulation2 and 7#h7 any other details associated with the development of the rulemaking that impact the progress of the rulemaking4 #d4 ,hazardous materials identification numbers ,the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration shall-- 7#a7 rescind the implementation of the ,june #bf1 #bjae ,,phmsa interpretative letter 7#ad-jagh72 and 7#b7 reinstate paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e7 of section #agb4ccf7;c7 of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 without the reference to gasohol1 as was originally intended in the ,march #g1 #bjac final rule 7,,phmsa-#bjaa-jadb74 #e4 ,statutory preference ,the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration shall prioritize the use of ,office of ,pipeline ,safety resources for the development of each outstanding pipeline safety statutory requirement1 including requirements for rulemakings and information collection requests1 for a rulemaking described in a report under section #c before beginning any new rulemaking required after the date of the enactment of this ,act unless the ,secretary of ,transportation certifies to ,congress that there is a significant need to move forward with a new rulemaking4 #f4 ,natural gas integrity management review 7a7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the publication of a final rule regarding the safety of gas transmission pipelines 7#gf ,fed4 ,reg4 #ecjhf71 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report to ,congress regarding the natural gas integrity management program4 7b7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 an analysis of the extent to which the natural gas integrity management program under section #fjaji7;c7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 has improved the safety of natural gas transmission pipelines2 7#b7 an analysis or recommendations1 including consideration of technical1 operational1 and economic feasibility1 regarding changes to the program that would prevent inadvertent releases from pipelines and mitigate any adverse consequences of an inadvertent release1 including changes to the current definition of high consequence area1 or would expand integrity management beyond high consequence areas2 7#c7 a review of the cost effectiveness of the legacy class location regulations2 7#d7 an analysis of and recommendations regarding what impact pipeline features and conditions1 including the age1 condition1 materials1 and construction of a pipeline1 should have on risk analysis of a particular pipeline2 7#e7 a description of any challenges affecting ,federal or ,state regulators in their oversight of the program and how the challenges are being addressed2 and 7#f7 a description of any challenges affecting the natural gas industry in complying with the program1 and how the challenges are being addressed4 7c7 ,definition of high consequence area ,in this section and in section #g1 the term high consequence area means an area described in section #fjaji7;a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #g4 ,hazardous liquid integrity management review 7a7 ,safety study ,not later than #ah months after the publication of a final rule regarding the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines 7#hj ,fed4 ,reg4 #fafaj71 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report to ,congress regarding the hazardous liquid integrity management program4 7b7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 an analysis of the extent to which liquid pipeline integrity management in high consequence areas for operators of certain hazardous liquid pipeline facilities1 as regulated under sections #aie4dej and #aie4deb of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 has improved the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines2 7#b7 recommendations1 including consideration of technical1 operational1 and economic feasibility1 regarding changes to the program that could prevent inadvertent releases from pipelines and mitigate any adverse consequences of an inadvertent release1 including changes to the current definition of high consequence area2 7#c7 an analysis of how surveying1 assessment1 mitigation1 and monitoring activities1 including real-time hazardous liquid pipeline monitoring during significant flood events and information sharing with other ,federal agencies1 are being used to address risks associated with the dynamic and unique nature of rivers1 flood plains1 and lakes2 7#d7 an analysis of and recommendations regarding what impact pipeline features and conditions1 including the age1 condition1 materials1 and construction of a pipeline1 should have on risk analysis of a particular pipeline and what changes to the definition of high consequence area could be made to improve pipeline safety2 and 7#e7 a description of any challenges affecting ,federal or ,state regulators in their oversight of the program and how the challenges are being addressed4 #h4 ,technical safety standards committees ,section #fjaae7;b77#d77;,a7 is amended by striking ,state commissioners4 ,the ,secretary shall consult with the national organization of ,state commissions before selecting those #b individuals4 and inserting ,state officials4 ,the ,secretary shall consult with national organizations representing ,state commissioners or governors when making a selection under this subparagraph4 #i4 ,inspection report information 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after the completion of a pipeline safety inspection1 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration1 or the ,state authority certified under section #fjaje of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall-- 7#a7 conduct a post-inspection briefing with the operator outlining concerns1 and to the extent practicable1 provide written preliminary findings of the inspection2 or 7#b7 issue to the operator a final report1 notice of amendment of plans or procedures1 safety order1 or corrective action order1 or such other applicable report1 notice1 or order4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall submit an annual report to ,congress regarding-- 7,a7 the actions that the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration has taken to ensure that inspections by ,state authorities provide effective and timely oversight2 and 7,b7 statistics relating to the timeliness of the actions described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,cessation of effectiveness ,paragraph 7#a7 shall cease to be effective on ,september #cj1 #bjai4 #aj4 ,pipeline odorization study ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives that assesses-- 7#a7 the feasibility of odorizing all combustible gas in transportation2 7#b7 the impacts of the odorization of all combustible gas in transportation on manufacturers1 agriculture1 and other end users2 and 7#c7 the relative benefits and costs associated with odorizing all combustible gas in transportation1 including impacts on health and safety1 compared to using other methods to mitigate pipeline leaks4 #aa4 ,improving damage prevention technology 7a7 ,study ,the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in consultation with stakeholders1 shall conduct a study on improving existing damage prevention programs through technological improvements in location1 mapping1 excavation1 and communications practices to prevent accidental excavation damage to a pipe or its coating1 including considerations of technical1 operational1 and economic feasibility and existing damage prevention programs4 7b7 ,contents ,the study under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 an identification of any methods that could improve existing damage prevention programs through location and mapping practices or technologies in an effort to reduce unintended releases caused by excavation2 7#b7 an analysis of how increased use of ,,gps digital mapping technologies1 predictive analytic tools1 public awareness initiatives including one-call initiatives1 the use of mobile devices1 and other advanced technologies could supplement existing one-call notification and damage prevention programs to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents caused by excavation damage2 7#c7 an identification of any methods that could improve excavation practices or technologies in an effort to reduce pipeline damages2 7#d7 an analysis of the feasibility of a national data repository for pipeline excavation accident data that creates standardized data models for storing and sharing pipeline accident information2 and 7#e7 an identification of opportunities for stakeholder engagement in preventing excavation damage4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives regarding the study under this section1 including recommendations1 that include the consideration of technical1 operational1 and economic feasibility1 on how to incorporate1 into existing damage prevention programs1 technological improvements and practices that may help prevent accidental excavation damage4 #ab4 ,workforce of ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration 7a7 ,review ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration shall submit to ,congress a review of ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration staff resource management1 including geographic allocation plans1 hiring challenges1 and expected retirement rates and strategies4 ,the review shall include recommendations to address hiring challenges1 training needs1 and any other identified staff resource challenges4 7b7 ,critical hiring needs 7#a7 ,in general ,beginning on the date on which the review is submitted under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may certify to ,congress1 not less frequently than annually1 that a severe shortage of qualified candidates or a critical hiring need exists for a position or group of positions in the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,material ,safety ,administration4 7#b7 ,direct hire authority ,notwithstanding sections #ccji through #ccah of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,administrator1 after making a certification under paragraph 7#a71 may hire a candidate for the position or candidates for the group of positions indicated in the certification1 as applicable4 7#c7 ,terminations of effectiveness ,the direct hire authority provided under paragraph 7#b7 shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjai4 #ac4 ,research and development 7a7 ,in general ,in developing a research and development program plan under paragraph 7#c7 of section #ab7;d7 of the ,pipeline ,safety ,improvement ,act of #bjjb 7#di ,u4,s4,c4 #fjaja note71 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,material ,safety ,administration1 in consultation with the ,assistant ,secretary for ,research and ,technology1 shall-- 7#a7 detail compliance with the consultation requirement under paragraph 7#b7 of such section2 7#b7 provide opportunities for joint research ventures with non-,federal entities1 whenever practicable and appropriate1 to leverage limited ,federal research resources2 and 7#c7 permit collaborative research and development projects with appropriate non-,federal organizations4 7b7 ,collaborative safety research report ,section #fjabd7;a77#f7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 research activities in collaboration with non-,federal entities1 including the intended improvements to safety technology1 inspection technology1 operator response time1 and emergency responder incident response time4 4 #ad4 ,information sharing system 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall convene a working group to consider the development of a voluntary no-fault information sharing system to encourage collaborative efforts to improve inspection information feedback and information sharing with the purpose of improving natural gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipeline integrity risk analysis4 7b7 ,membership ,the working group described in subsection 7a7 shall include representatives from-- 7#a7 the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration2 7#b7 industry stakeholders1 including operators of pipeline facilities1 inspection technology vendors1 and pipeline inspection organizations2 7#c7 safety advocacy groups2 7#d7 research institutions2 7#e7 ,state public utility commissions or ,state officials responsible for pipeline safety oversight2 7#f7 ,state pipeline safety inspectors2 and 7#g7 labor representatives4 7c7 ,considerations ,the working group described in subsection 7a7 shall consider and provide recommendations1 if applicable1 to the ,secretary on-- 7#a7 the need for and the identification of a system to ensure that dig verification data is shared with inline inspection operators to the extent consistent with the need to maintain proprietary and security sensitive data in a confidential manner to improve pipeline safety and inspection technology2 7#b7 ways to encourage the exchange of pipeline inspection information and the development of advanced pipeline inspection technologies and enhanced risk analysis2 7#c7 opportunities to share data1 including dig verification data between operators of pipeline facilities and in-line inspector vendors to expand knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of in-line inspection technology and methodologies2 7#d7 options to create a secure system that protects proprietary data while encouraging the exchange of pipeline inspection information and the development of advanced pipeline inspection technologies and enhanced risk analysis2 and 7#e7 regulatory1 funding1 and legal barriers to sharing the information described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d74 7d7 ,,faca ,the working group shall not be subject to the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7e7 ,publication ,the ,secretary shall publish the recommendations provided under subsection 7c7 on a publicly available website4 #ae4 ,nationwide integrated pipeline safety regulatory database 7a7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall submit a report to ,congress on the feasibility of a national integrated pipeline safety regulatory inspection database to improve communication and collaboration between the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration and ,state pipeline regulators4 7b7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a description of any efforts currently underway to test a secure information-sharing system for the purpose described in subsection 7a72 7#b7 a description of any progress in establishing common standards for maintaining1 collecting1 and presenting pipeline safety regulatory inspection data1 and a methodology for the sharing of the data2 7#c7 a description of any existing inadequacies or gaps in ,state and ,federal inspection1 enforcement1 geospatial1 or other pipeline safety regulatory inspection data2 7#d7 a description of the potential safety benefits of a national integrated pipeline database2 and 7#e7 recommendations for how to implement a secure information-sharing system that protects proprietary and security sensitive information and data for the purpose described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,consultation ,in preparing the report under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall consult with stakeholders1 including each ,state authority operating under a certification to regulate intrastate pipelines under section #fjaje of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #af4 ,underground natural gas storage facilities 7a7 ,defined term ,section #fjaja7;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#ba77;,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#bd71 by striking and at the end2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#be71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#bg7 underground natural gas storage facility means a gas pipeline facility that stores gas in an underground facility1 including-- 7,a7 a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir2 7,b7 an aquifer reservoir2 or 7,c7 a solution mined salt cavern reservoir4 4 7b7 ,standards for underground natural gas storage facilities ,chapter #fja is amended by inserting after section #fjajc the following3 #fjajc;,a4 ,standards for underground natural gas storage facilities 7a7 ,minimum uniform safety standards ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of the ,,safe ,,pipes ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in consultation with the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall issue minimum uniform safety standards1 incorporating1 to the extent practicable1 consensus standards for the operation1 environmental protection1 and integrity management of underground natural gas storage facilities4 7b7 ,considerations ,in developing uniform safety standards under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 consider the economic impacts of the regulations on individual gas customers to the extent practicable2 7#b7 ensure that the regulations do not have a significant economic impact on end users to the extent practicable2 7#c7 consider existing consensus standards2 and 7#d7 consider the recommendations of the ,aliso ,canyon ,task ,force under section #bg of the ,securing ,america's ,future ,energy3 ,protecting our ,infrastructure of ,pipelines and ,enhancing ,safety ,act4 7c7 ,user fees 7#a7 ,in general ,a fee shall be imposed on an entity operating an underground natural gas storage facility to which this section applies4 ,any such fee imposed shall be collected before the end of the fiscal year to which it applies4 7#b7 ,means of collection ,the ,secretary shall prescribe procedures to collect fees under this subsection4 ,the ,secretary may use a department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,united ,states ,government or of a ,state or local government to collect the fee and may reimburse the department1 agency1 or instrumentality a reasonable amount for its services4 7#c7 ,use of fees 7,a7 ,account ,there is established an underground natural gas storage facility safety account in the ,pipeline ,safety ,fund established under section #fjcja1 in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,use of fees ,a fee collected under this subsection-- 7i7 shall be deposited in the underground natural gas storage facility safety account2 and 7ii7 if the fee is related to an underground natural gas storage facility1 may be used only for an activity related to underground natural gas storage safety under this section4 7,c7 ,limitation ,amounts collected under this subsection shall be made available only to the extent provided in advance in an appropriation law for an activity related to underground natural gas storage safety4 7d7 ,rules of construction 7#a7 ,in general ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect any ,federal regulation relating to gas pipeline facilities that is in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the ,,safe ,,pipes ,act4 7#b7 ,limitations ,nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the ,secretary-- 7,a7 to prescribe the location of an underground natural gas storage facility2 or 7,b7 to require the ,secretary's permission to construct a facility referred to in subparagraph 7,a74 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #fja is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #fjajc the following3 #fjajc;,a4 ,standards for underground natural gas storage facilities4 4 #ag4 ,joint inspection and oversight ,to ensure the safety of pipeline transportation1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall coordinate with ,states to ensure safety through the following3 7#a7 ,at the request of a ,state authority1 the ,secretary shall allow for a certified state authority under section #fjaje of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 to participate in the inspection of an interstate pipeline facility4 7#b7 ,where appropriate1 may provide temporary authority for a certified ,state authority under that section to participate in oversight of interstate pipeline safety transportation to ensure proper safety oversight and prevent an adverse impact on public safety4 #ah4 ,response plans ,in preparing or reviewing a response plan under part #aid of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration and an operator shall each address1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the impact of a worse case discharge of oil1 or the substantial threat of such a discharge1 into or on any navigable waters or adjoining shorelines that may be covered in whole or in part by ice4 #ai4 ,high consequence areas ,the ,secretary of ,transportation shall revise section #aie4f7;b7 of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations to explicitly state that the ,great ,lakes are a ,,usa ecological resource 7as defined in section #aie4f7;b7 of that title7 for purposes of determining whether a pipeline is in a high consequence area 7as defined in section #aie4dej of that title74 #bj4 ,surface transportation security review ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report to ,congress on the staffing1 resource allocation1 oversight strategy1 and management of the ,transportation ,security ,administration's pipeline security program and other surface transportation programs4 ,the report shall include information on the coordination between the ,transportation ,security ,administration1 other ,federal stakeholders1 and industry4 #ba4 ,small scale liquefied natural gas facilities 7a7 ,defined term ,section #fjaja7;a71 as amended by section #af1 is further amended by inserting after paragraph 7#be7 the following3 7#bf7 small scale liquefied natural gas facility means a permanent intrastate liquefied natural gas facility 7other than a peak shaving facility7 that produces liquefied natural gas for-- 7,a7 use as a fuel in the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 transportation in the ,united ,states by a means other than a pipeline facility2 and 4 7b7 ,siting standards for permanent small scale liquefied natural gas facilities ,section #fjajc7;a7 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,location standards 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation shall prescribe minimum safety standards for deciding on the permanent location of a new liquefied natural gas pipeline facility or small scale liquefied natural gas facility4 7#b7 ,liquefied natural gas facilities ,in prescribing a minimum safety standard for deciding on the permanent location of a new liquefied natural gas facility1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall consider-- 7,a7 the kind and use of the facility2 7,b7 the existing and projected population and demographic characteristics of the location2 7,c7 the existing and proposed land uses near the location2 7,d7 the natural physical aspects of the location2 7,e7 medical1 law enforcement1 and fire prevention capabilities near the location that can cope with a risk caused by the facility2 and 7,f7 the need to encourage remote siting4 7#c7 ,small scale liquefied natural gas facilities 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of the ,,safe ,,pipes ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall prescribe minimum safety standards for permanent small scale liquefied natural gas facilities4 7,b7 ,considerations ,in prescribing minimum safety standards under this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall consider-- 7i7 the value of establishing risk-based approaches2 7ii7 the benefit of incorporating industry standards and best practices2 7iii7 the need to encourage the use of best available technology2 and 7iv7 the factors prescribed in paragraph 7#b71 as appropriate4 4 #bb4 ,report on natural gas leak reporting 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration shall submit to ,congress a report on the metrics provided to the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration and other ,federal and ,state agencies related to lost and unaccounted for natural gas from distribution pipelines and systems4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required under subsection 7a7 shall include the following elements3 7#a7 ,an examination of different reporting requirements or standards for lost and unaccounted for natural gas to different agencies1 the reasons for any such discrepancies1 and recommendations for harmonizing and improving the accuracy of reporting4 7#b7 ,an analysis of whether separate or alternative reporting could better measure the amounts and identify the location of lost and unaccounted for natural gas from natural gas distribution systems4 7#c7 ,a description of potential safety issues associated with natural gas that is lost and unaccounted for from natural gas distribution systems4 7#d7 ,an assessment of whether alternate reporting and measures will resolve any safety issues identified under paragraph 7#c71 including an analysis of the potential impact1 including potential savings1 on rate payers and end users of natural gas products of such reporting and measures4 7c7 ,consideration of recommendations ,if the ,administrator determines that alternate reporting structures or recommendations included in the report required under subsection 7a7 would significantly improve the reporting and measurement of lost and unaccounted for gas or safety of systems1 the ,administrator shall1 not later than #ahj days after making such determination1 issue regulations1 as the ,administrator determines appropriate1 to implement the recommendations4 #bc4 ,comptroller ,general review of ,state policies relating to natural gas leaks 7a7 ,review ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a ,state-by-,state review of ,state-level policies that-- 7#a7 encourage the repair and replacement of leaking natural gas distribution pipelines or systems that pose a safety threat1 such as timelines to repair leaks and limits on cost recovery from ratepayers2 and 7#b7 that may create barriers for entities to conduct work to repair and replace leaking natural gas pipelines or distribution systems4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to ,congress and the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration a report summarizing the findings of the review conducted under subsection 7a7 and making recommendations on ,federal or ,state policies or best practices that may improve safety by accelerating the repair and replacement of natural gas pipelines or systems that are leaking or releasing natural gas1 including policies within the jurisdiction of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration4 ,the report shall consider the potential impact1 including potential savings1 of the implementation of its recommendations on ratepayers or end users of the natural gas pipeline system4 7c7 ,consideration of recommendations ,if the ,comptroller ,general makes recommendations in the report submitted under subsection 7a7 on ,federal or ,state policies or best practices within the jurisdiction of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration1 the ,administrator shall1 not later than #ij days after such submission1 review such recommendations and report to ,congress on the feasibility of implementing such recommendations4 ,if the ,administrator determines that the recommendations would significantly improve pipeline safety1 the ,administrator shall1 not later than #ahj days after making such determination and in coordination with the heads of other relevant agencies as appropriate1 issue regulations1 as the ,administrator determines appropriate1 to implement the recommendations4 #bd4 ,provision of response plans to appropriate committees of ,congress 7a7 ,provision of plans 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subsection 7a77#b7 of section #fjach of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 and subject to paragraph 7#b71 upon the request of the ,chairperson or ,ranking ,member of an appropriate committee of ,congress1 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration shall provide the ,chairperson or ,ranking ,member1 as applicable1 a uniquely identifiable1 unredacted copy of an oil response plan under that section4 7#b7 ,protection of information ,any information subject to exclusion under section #fjach7;a77#b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 that is provided under paragraph 7#a7 shall be afforded appropriate protection against unauthorized public disclosure1 consistent with the rules and practices related to the protection of confidential information received by ,congress4 7b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the provision of any other report1 data1 or other information to ,congress1 or its handling thereof4 #be4 ,consultation with ,,ferc as part of pre-filing procedures and permitting process for new natural gas pipeline infrastructure ,where appropriate1 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration shall consult with the ,federal ,energy ,regulatory ,commission during its pre-filing procedures and permitting process for new natural gas pipeline infrastructure to ensure the protection of people and the environment from the potential risks of hazardous materials transportation by pipeline4 #bf4 ,maintenance of effort ,section #fjajg7;b7 is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,payments ,after notifying and consulting with a ,state authority1 the ,secretary may withhold any part of a payment when the ,secretary decides that the authority is not carrying out satisfactorily a safety program or not acting satisfactorily as an agent4 ,the ,secretary may pay an authority under this section only when the authority ensures the ,secretary that it will provide the remaining costs of a safety program1 except when the ,secretary waives this requirement4 4 #bg4 ,aliso ,canyon natural gas leak task force 7a7 ,establishment of task force ,not later than #ae days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall lead and establish an ,aliso ,canyon ,task ,force 7referred to in this section as the task force74 7b7 ,membership of task force ,in addition to the ,secretary1 the task force shall be composed of-- 7#a7 #a representative from the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration2 7#b7 #a representative from the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services2 7#c7 #a representative from the ,environmental ,protection ,agency2 7#d7 #a representative from the ,department of the ,interior2 7#e7 #a representative from the ,department of ,commerce2 and 7#f7 #a representative from the ,federal ,energy ,regulatory ,commission4 7c7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the task force shall submit a final report that contains the information described in paragraph 7#b7 to-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives2 7,c7 the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works of the ,senate2 7,d7 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives2 7,e7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 7,f7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives2 7,g7 the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate2 7,h7 the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce of the ,house of ,representatives2 7,i7 the ,president2 and 7,j7 relevant ,federal and ,state agencies4 7#b7 ,information included ,the report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 an analysis and conclusion of the cause and contributing factors of the ,aliso ,canyon natural gas leak2 7,b7 an analysis of measures taken to stop the natural gas leak1 with an immediate focus on other1 more effective measures that could be taken2 7,c7 an assessment of the impact of the natural gas leak on health1 safety1 the environment1 and the economy of the residents and property surrounding ,aliso ,canyon1 on wholesale and retail electricity prices1 and on the reliability of the bulk-power system2 7,d7 an analysis of how ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies responded to the natural gas leak2 7,e7 in order to lessen the negative impacts of natural gas leaks from underground storage facilities1 recommendations on how to improve-- 7i7 the response to a future leak2 and 7ii7 coordination between all appropriate ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies in the response to the ,aliso ,canyon natural gas leak and future natural gas leaks2 7,f7 an analysis of the potential for a similar natural gas leak to occur at other underground natural gas storage facilities in the ,united ,states2 7,g7 recommendations on how to prevent any future natural gas leaks2 7,h7 recommendations on whether to continue operations at ,aliso ,canyon and other underground storage facilities in close proximity to residential populations based on an assessment of the risk of a future natural gas leak2 and 7,i7 a recommendation on information that is not currently collected but that would be in the public interest to collect and distribute to agencies and institutions for the continued study and monitoring of natural gas storage infrastructure in the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,publication ,the final report under paragraph 7#a7 shall be made available to the public in an electronically accessible format4 7#d7 ,findings ,if1 before the final report is submitted under paragraph 7#a71 the task force finds methods to solve the natural gas leak at ,aliso ,canyon1 finds methods to better protect the affected communities1 or finds methods to help prevent other leaks1 the task force shall immediately submit such findings to the entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,j7 of paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary4 ,passed the ,senate ,march #c1 #bjaf4,secretary