,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #eabj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,november #ae1 #bjai,mr4 ,de,fazio 7for himself and ,mr4 ,pallone7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to amend title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 to provide enhanced safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,safe1 ,accountable1 ,fair1 and ,environmentally ,responsible ,pipelines ,act of #bjai or the ,,safer ,pipelines ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,sec4 #c4 ,purpose and general authority4 ,sec4 #d4 ,state pipeline safety program certifications4 ,sec4 #e4 ,state pipeline safety grants4 ,sec4 #f4 ,inspection and maintenance4 ,sec4 #g4 ,risk analysis and integrity management programs4 ,sec4 #h4 ,community right-to-know and emergency preparedness4 ,sec4 #i4 ,cost recovery for design reviews4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,actions by private persons4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,civil penalties4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,criminal penalties4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,emergency response grants4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,verification of pipeline qualification programs4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,national pipeline mapping system4 ,sec4 #af4 ,congressional access to oil spill response plans4 ,sec4 #ag4 ,leak detection technology4 ,sec4 #ah4 ,gas pipeline repair criteria4 ,sec4 #ai4 ,methane release mitigation4 ,sec4 #bj4 ,unusually sensitive areas4 ,sec4 #ba4 ,user fees for underground natural gas storage facilities4 ,sec4 #bb4 ,seismicity4 ,sec4 #bc4 ,pipeline safety testing4 ,sec4 #bd4 ,workforce4 ,sec4 #be4 ,hiring report4 ,sec4 #bf4 ,plan to combine ,state damage prevention and one-call notification programs4 ,sec4 #bg4 ,gas gathering lines4 ,sec4 #bh4 ,regulatory updates4 ,sec4 #bi4 ,component verification4 ,sec4 #cj4 ,codification of final rule4 #b4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,operational expenses ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,transportation for the necessary operational expenses of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration the following amounts3 7#a7 #bd1bae1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj4 7#b7 #bd1ida1dej for fiscal year #bjba4 7#c7 #bf1dfj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb4 7#d7 #bg1bed1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 7b7 ,gas and hazardous liquid ,section #fjabe7;a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 #afj1hjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj1 of which #aj1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #fj1jjj1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,b7 #afe1fbd1jjj for fiscal year #bjba of which #aj1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #fa1hjj1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,c7 #agj1fjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb1 of which #aj1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #fc1fej1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 and 7,d7 #age1gjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc1 of which #aj1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #fe1efj1jjj shall be expended for making grants4 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 #be1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj1 of which #e1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #i1jjj1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,b7 #be1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba1 of which #e1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #i1jjj1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 7,c7 #bf1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb1 of which #e1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #i1jjj1jjj shall be expended for making grants2 and 7,d7 #bf1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc1 of which #e1jjj1jjj shall be expended for carrying out such section #ab and #i1jjj1jjj shall be expended for making grants4 2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking #h1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjai and inserting #i1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbc4 7c7 ,emergency response grants ,section #fjabe7;b77#b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjab through #bjae and inserting #ab1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbc4 7d7 ,pipeline safety information grants to communities ,section #fjacj7;c7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #b7;b7 of the ,,pipes ,act of #bjaf1 the ,secretary shall expend #a1ejj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjaf through #bjai to carry out this section4 ,such amounts shall not be derived from user fees collected under section #fjcja and inserting section #b7;a7 of the ,,safer ,pipelines ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary shall expend #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbc to carry out this section4 7e7 ,state damage prevention programs ,section #fjacd7;i7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #a1ejj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjab through #bjae and inserting #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbc4 7f7 ,one-,call notification programs ,section #fajg of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #a1jeh1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjaf through #bjai and inserting #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbc4 #c4 ,purpose and general authority 7a7 ,cost-,benefit analysis ,section #fjajb7;b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by striking subparagraphs 7,c7 through 7,e72 and 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,f7 and 7,g7 as subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#g74 7b7 ,safety-,related condition reporting 7#a7 ,availability of information to first responders ,section #fjajb7;h7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7 by striking ,notice of the condition shall be given concurrently to appropriate ,state authorities42 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 7,a7 ,notice of the condition of an intrastate or interstate pipeline facility shall be given concurrently to appropriate ,state authorities4 7,b7 ,the ,secretary shall require that1 upon receipt of a report on a safety-related condition submitted under this section1 a ,state agency shall provide the report1 upon request1 to any relevant ,state emergency response commission1 tribal emergency response commission1 tribal emergency planning committee1 local emergency planning committee1 local government1 or public agency responsible for emergency response1 including any updates to the report received by the ,state agency4 4 7#b7 ,exemption removal ,section #fjajb7;h7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,regulations prescribed by the ,secretary under this section may not exempt a condition from being subject to reporting requirements if the exemption of such condition would reduce or eliminate the value of the reports as leading indicators of safety or environmental hazards4 4 7c7 ,automatic or remote-,controlled shut-,off valves ,section #fjajb7n77#a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7#a7 ,high consequence areas 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,safer ,pipelines ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations to require operators of transmission pipeline facilities to install and use automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves for such pipeline facilities that are located in high consequence areas 7as defined in part #aib or #aie of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 as applicable74 7,b7 ,other areas ,the ,secretary may issue regulations to require operators of transmission pipeline facilities to install and use automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves for such pipeline facilities that are not located in areas described in subparagraph 7,a74 4 7d7 ,crack management ,section #fjajb of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7q7 ,crack management 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,high consequence areas ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this subsection1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations to require operators of gas pipeline facilities and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities that are located in high consequence areas 7as defined in part #aib or #aie of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 as applicable7 to address and repair cracks in such facilities4 7,b7 ,other areas ,the ,secretary may issue regulations to require operators of gas pipeline facilities and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities that are not located in areas described in subparagraph 7,a7 to address and repair cracks in such facilities4 7#b7 ,requirements ,regulations issued under paragraph 7#a7 shall specify-- 7,a7 under what conditions an engineering assessment of cracks1 including environmentally assisted cracks1 must be performed2 7,b7 acceptable methods for performing an engineering assessment on a pipeline1 including the assessment of cracks coinciding with corrosion2 7,c7 criteria for determining whether the excavation of a pipeline segment is required due to a probable crack1 and deadlines for completing any excavation so required2 7,d7 pressure restriction limits for pipelines for which a determination is made to excavate such pipeline pursuant to the requirements of subparagraph 7,c72 and 7,e7 acceptable methods for determining crack growth for any cracks not required to be repaired under the regulations1 including growth caused by fatigue1 corrosion fatigue1 or stress corrosion cracking1 as applicable4 4 #d4 ,state pipeline safety program certifications ,section #fjaje7;e7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary may request that a ,state authority provide records of any inspection of a pipeline facility made by the ,state authority or any investigation described in subsection 7c77#a77;,b74 after with the certification42 and 7#b7 by inserting after under this subsection the following3 1 including1 upon request by the ,secretary1 by authorizing the ,secretary to participate in such an inspection or investigation4 #e4 ,state pipeline safety grants ,section #fjajg of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,grants for rendering aid ,the ,secretary may make an additional payment1 to a ,state receiving a payment under subsection 7a71 to pay the costs incurred by the ,state in rendering aid to another ,state to respond to a natural disaster or major pipeline incident4 4 #f4 ,inspection and maintenance ,section #fjajh of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,pipeline construction project data collection ,the ,secretary may require the owner or operator of a pipeline facility to provide to the ,secretary information the ,secretary determines appropriate regarding construction of the pipeline facility1 including relating to any shutdown of such construction4 4 #g4 ,risk analysis and integrity management programs ,section #fjaji7;c7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#ab7 ,use of direct assessments 7,a7 ,transmission pipeline facilities regulation ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations for appropriate methods of assessment of transmission pipeline facilities under paragraph 7#c7 that prioritize methods that provide a greater level of safety than direct assessment1 including the use of internal inspection devices or pressure testing4 7,b7 ,distribution pipelines study ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report containing-- 7i7 the results of a study of methods of assessment of distribution pipelines that may be used under paragraph 7#c71 other than direct assessment1 to determine whether any such methods-- 7,i7 would provide a greater level of safety than direct assessment of such pipelines2 and 7,,ii7 are feasible2 and 7ii7 any recommendations based on such study4 4 #h4 ,community right-to-know and emergency preparedness 7a7 ,in general ,section #fjaaf of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #fjaaf4 ,community right-to-know and emergency preparedness 7a7 ,public education programs 7#a7 ,in general ,each owner or operator of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility shall carry out a continuing program to educate the public on-- 7,a7 the use of a one-call notification system prior to excavation and other damage prevention activities2 7,b7 the possible hazards associated with unintended releases from the pipeline facility2 and 7,c7 the physical indications that a release from a pipeline facility may have occurred1 the steps that should be taken for public safety in the event of such a release1 and how to report such a release4 7#b7 ,review and modification of existing programs ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,,safer ,pipelines ,act of #bjai1 each owner or operator of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility shall-- 7,a7 review its existing public education program for effectiveness1 and modify the program as necessary2 and 7,b7 submit to the ,secretary for review a detailed description of its public education program1 including any modifications made to the program under subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,standards2 material ,the ,secretary may-- 7,a7 issue standards for public education programs under this subsection1 including standards providing for periodic review of such programs and modification of such programs as needed2 and 7,b7 develop material for use in the programs4 7b7 ,liaison with ,state1 local1 and ,tribal emergency response entities 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,,safer ,pipelines ,act of #bjai1 an operator of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility shall establish liaison with-- 7,a7 any ,state entity with responsibility for pipeline emergency response in each ,state in which the pipeline facility is located2 7,b7 the appropriate local emergency planning entity in each emergency planning district in which the pipeline facility is located2 and 7,c7 any ,tribal entity with responsibility for pipeline emergency response or planning in the area in which the pipeline facility is located4 7#b7 ,communities without local or ,tribal emergency planning or response entities ,in a community for which a local or ,tribal entity described in paragraph 7#a7 does not exist1 the operator of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility shall liaise1 to the extent practicable1 with the local fire1 police1 and other emergency response entities4 7#c7 ,availability of information 7,a7 ,evaluation ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,safer ,pipelines ,act of #bjai1 and based on the consultation required under subparagraph 7,c71 the ,secretary shall conduct an evaluation and determine whether ,state1 local1 and ,tribal entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 have sufficient access to pipeline emergency response information4 7,b7 ,regulation ,if the ,secretary determines under subparagraph 7,a7 that ,state1 local1 and ,tribal entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 do not have sufficient access to pipeline emergency response information1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations not later than #c years after the date of enactment of the ,,safer ,pipelines ,act of #bjai specifying relevant emergency response information and requiring each operator of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility to make such information available to the applicable ,state1 local1 and ,tribal entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b74 7,c7 ,consultation ,in conducting the evaluation under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall consult with national organizations representing ,state1 local1 and ,tribal entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and the technical safety standards committees described in section #fjaae4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #fja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #fjaaf and inserting the following3 #fjaaf4 ,community right-to-know and emergency preparedness4 4 #i4 ,cost recovery for design reviews ,section #fjaag7n77#a77;,b77i7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #b1ejj1jjj1jjj and inserting #bej1jjj1jjj4 #aj4 ,actions by private persons ,section #fjaba of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,mandamus ,a person may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the ,united ,states to compel the ,secretary to perform a nondiscretionary duty under this chapter that the ,secretary has failed to perform4 4 #aa4 ,civil penalties ,section #fjabb7;a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by striking #bjj1jjj and inserting #bj1jjj1jjj2 and 7,b7 by striking ,the maximum civil penalty under this paragraph for a related series of violations is #b1jjj1jjj42 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b7 by striking #ej1jjj and inserting #bj1jjj1jjj4 #ab4 ,criminal penalties ,section #fjabc7;a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking knowingly and willfully and inserting knowingly or recklessly4 #ac4 ,emergency response grants ,section #fjabe7;b77#a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking and local governments in high consequence areas1 as defined by the ,secretary1 and inserting local1 and ,tribal governments1 and nonprofit organizations providing pipeline emergency response training14 #ad4 ,verification of pipeline qualification programs ,section #fjaca7;g7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following paragraph3 7#c7 with respect to any pipeline facility1 means a construction task that is performed on the pipeline facility4 4 #ae4 ,national pipeline mapping system 7a7 ,information ,to be provided ,section #fjacb7;a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,not later than #f months after the date of enactment of this section1 the and inserting ,the2 and 7#b7 by striking 7except distribution lines and gathering lines7 and inserting 1 including a distribution line or a gathering line 7but not including any gathering lines that are not regulated under part #aib or part #aie of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations714 7b7 ,requirements for provision of information ,section #fjacb of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7 by striking under subsection 7a7 and inserting under this section for inclusion in the ,national ,pipeline ,mapping ,system2 7#b7 in subsection 7f71 by striking to subsection 7a7 and inserting to this section for inclusion in the ,national ,pipeline ,mapping ,system2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,requirements for covered facilities ,not later than #a year after a pipeline facility described in subsection 7a7 becomes covered by such subsection1 the operator of such facility shall provide to the ,secretary the information required under paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d7 of such subsection with respect to such facility4 7h7 ,additional information on distribution lines ,not later than #b years after a distribution line becomes covered by subsection 7a71 the operator of such distribution line shall provide to the ,secretary1 in addition to the information required under paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d7 of subsection 7a71 information on the distribution systems that could lead to a point of failure1 including-- 7#a7 sensing lines2 7#b7 regulator stations2 7#c7 automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves2 and 7#d7 any other distribution pipeline technology or feature that the ,secretary determines is appropriate to ensure safety4 7i7 ,update to system 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this subsection-- 7,a7 the ,secretary shall determine whether the inclusion of additional information in the ,national ,pipeline ,mapping ,system would improve the preparation and response efforts of emergency responders with access to the ,system2 and 7,b7 if the ,secretary determines under subparagraph 7,a7 that inclusion of additional information in the ,national ,pipeline ,mapping ,system would improve the preparation and response efforts of emergency responders with access to the ,system1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations-- 7i7 identifying such additional information as the ,secretary determines would improve emergency preparedness and response efforts2 and 7ii7 requiring each person providing information under subsection 7a7 to provide such additional information4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall consider inclusion1 to the extent practicable1 of the following information3 7,a7 ,a description of the pipeline facility1 including the length of the facility and origin and termination points4 7,b7 ,a #e-year incident1 and inspection and enforcement1 history for the pipeline facility4 7,c7 ,if applicable1 a summary of any integrity management program activities related to the pipeline facility4 4 7c7 ,additional information on distribution lines ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall issue such regulations as are necessary to specify the information required to be provided pursuant to section #fjacb7;h7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #af4 ,congressional access to oil spill response plans ,section #fjach7;a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7 by striking and2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,d7 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 provide to a ,member of ,congress1 upon request from such ,member1 a copy of any such plan1 the contents of which the ,secretary may not redact but may note1 as the ,secretary determines appropriate-- 7,a7 proprietary information2 and 7,b7 security-sensitive information1 including information described in section #aebj4e7;a7 of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 4 #ag4 ,leak detection technology 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #fja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fjadb4 ,leak detection technology 7a7 ,leak detection technology ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations requiring each operator of a gas pipeline facility to install and use advanced leak detection technology on all gas pipelines it operates4 7b7 ,requirements ,the advanced leak detection technology required under subsection 7a7 shall1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 have a high accuracy of identifying leak location2 7#b7 be capable of measuring methane concentrations in parts per billion2 and 7#c7 be capable of correlating methane concentration measurements to data produced by geographic information systems technology4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #fja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #fjadb4 ,leak detection technology4 4 #ah4 ,gas pipeline repair criteria 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #fja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #fjadc4 ,gas pipeline repair criteria 7a7 ,leak repair for large loss event ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations requiring each operator of a gas pipeline facility to-- 7#a7 immediately repair a leak in a gas pipeline facility it operates that results in a large loss event2 and 7#b7 report information to the ,secretary with respect to such large loss event1 including-- 7,a7 the location of such large loss event2 7,b7 the total estimated volume of gas released during such event2 7,c7 the cause of the failure2 and 7,d7 the time from the detection of a gas leak to the completion of the repair of such leak4 7b7 ,large loss event defined ,in this section1 the term large loss event means the loss of #cjj1jjj cubic feet or more of gas4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #fja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #fjadc4 ,gas pipeline repair criteria4 4 #ai4 ,methane release mitigation 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #fja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #fjadd4 ,methane release mitigation 7a7 ,methane capture from routine operations or maintenance ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall issue regulations requiring each operator of a gas pipeline facility to use the best available technology to capture gas released when performing routine operations or maintenance on the pipeline facility4 7b7 ,regulations ,in issuing regulations under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall establish-- 7#a7 requirements for the capture of gas released from routine operations1 including venting to relieve pressure2 7#b7 requirements for the capture of gas released from maintenance operations1 including blowdowns2 and 7#c7 procedures for emergency situations that result in a release of gas4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #fja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #fjadd4 ,methane release mitigation4 4 #bj4 ,unusually sensitive areas 7a7 ,coastal waters2 coastal beaches ,section #ai of the ,,pipes ,act of #bjaf 7#di ,u4,s4,c4 #fjaji note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7 by striking marine coastal waters and inserting coastal waters2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,coastal beaches ,the term coastal beaches means the land between high and low water marks of coastal waters4 7#b7 ,coastal waters ,the term coastal waters has the meaning given such term in section #daja of the ,shore ,protection ,act of #aihh 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bfja74 4 7b7 ,coastal waters ,section #fjaji7;b77#b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking marine coastal waters and inserting coastal waters4 7c7 ,updates ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall complete the revision required under section #ai7;b7 of the ,,pipes ,act of #bjaf 7#di ,u4,s4,c4 #fjaji note71 as amended by this section4 #ba4 ,user fees for underground natural gas storage facilities ,section #fjcjb of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c77#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a7 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 may only be used to the extent provided in advance in an appropriations ,act4 2 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#c7 of subsection 7c72 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,limitations ,fees imposed under subsection 7a7 shall be sufficient to pay for the costs of activities described in subsection 7c71 except that the total amount collected for a fiscal year may not be more than #aje percent of the total amount of the appropriations made for the fiscal year activities to be financed by fees4 4 #bb4 ,seismicity 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in consultation with the ,federal ,energy ,regulatory ,commission1 shall enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academy of ,sciences under which the ,national ,academy of ,sciences shall prepare a report containing-- 7#a7 the results of a study that-- 7,a7 evaluates the current ,federal requirements for pipeline facility design1 siting1 construction1 operation and maintenance1 and integrity management1 relating to seismicity1 land subsidence1 landslides1 slope instability1 frost heave1 soil settlement1 erosion1 and other dynamic geologic conditions that may pose a safety risk2 7,b7 identifies any discrepancy in such requirements that apply to operators of gas pipeline facilities and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities2 and 7,c7 identifies any deficiencies in industry practices related to such requirements2 and 7#b7 any recommendations of the ,national ,academy of ,sciences based on such results4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,upon completion of the report prepared pursuant to subsection 7a71 the ,national ,academy of ,sciences shall submit to the ,secretary of ,transportation1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate the report4 7c7 ,pipeline facilities ,in this section1 the term pipeline facility has the meaning given that term in section #fjaja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bc4 ,pipeline safety testing 7a7 ,evaluation ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives a report that evaluates concepts for the development of a pipeline safety research and testing facility under the ,department of ,transportation4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the facility described in subsection 7a7 shall be to support the ,department of ,transportation and other governmental entities in product evaluation1 personnel training1 and research and development of technology and practices to improve the safety1 security1 efficiency1 and environmental impact of-- 7#a7 transporting hazardous liquids and gas by pipeline2 and 7#b7 storing hazardous liquids or gas for transportation4 7c7 ,use of existing facilities ,in conducting the evaluation pursuant to subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall examine the opportunity to use existing facilities operated by the ,department of ,transportation or other ,federal agencies for research and testing4 7d7 ,report contents ,the report described in subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 the projected costs to establish such a facility2 7#b7 the projected annual costs to operate such a facility2 7#c7 recommendations for sharing or recovering any establishment and operational expenses from private-sector1 non-profit1 or academic entities that may use the facility2 7#d7 an evaluation of the feasibility of a partnership with a private-sector1 non-profit1 or academic entity to manage or operate the facility2 7#e7 data and information management protocols for test results2 and 7#f7 potential benefits and opportunities for enhancing the training and development of pipeline safety personnel4 #bd4 ,workforce 7a7 ,staffing 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation shall increase the number of full-time equivalent employees 7as compared to the number of positions on the date of enactment of this ,act7 by-- 7,a7 #h full-time employees with subject matter expertise in pipeline safety1 pipeline facilities1 and pipeline systems to finalize outstanding rulemakings and fulfill mandates for the ,office of ,pipeline ,safety of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration2 and 7,b7 #c full-time attorneys1 with environmental expertise1 in the ,office of ,chief ,counsel of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration4 7#b7 ,pipeline inspection and enforcement personnel ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the number of positions for pipeline inspection and enforcement personnel in the ,office of ,pipeline ,safety of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration does not fall below the following3 7,a7 #bbb for fiscal year #bjbj4 7,b7 #bcc for fiscal year #bjba4 7,c7 #bde for fiscal year #bjbb4 7,d7 #beh for fiscal year #bjbc4 7,e7 #bgb for fiscal year #bjbd4 7b7 ,recruitment and retention authorities ,the ,secretary shall request authority from the ,office of ,personnel ,management to use incentives1 as necessary1 to recruit and retain a qualified workforce1 including for inspection and enforcement personnel and subject matter experts dedicated to rulemaking activities in the ,office of ,pipeline ,safety of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration-- 7#a7 special pay rates permitted under section #ecje of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7#b7 repayment of student loans accompanied by a continued service agreement1 permitted under section #ecgi of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #be4 ,hiring report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter through calendar year #bjbc1 the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration shall submit to ,congress a report on the efforts of the ,administration to hire women1 minorities1 and veterans as inspectors since ,january #a1 #bjab4 #bf4 ,plan to combine ,state damage prevention and one-call notification programs ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall submit to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a plan to combine the activities carried out by the ,secretary under sections #fajf and #fjacd of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bg4 ,gas gathering lines 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall issue final regulations on gas gathering lines based on the notice of proposed rulemaking published on ,april #h1 #bjaf1 titled ,pipeline ,safety3 ,safety of ,gas ,transmission and ,gathering ,pipelines 7#ha ,fed4 ,reg4 #bjgbb74 7b7 ,regulations ,the final regulations issued under subsection 7a7 shall cover-- 7#a7 all gas gathering lines in class #d1 class #c1 and class #b locations1 as classified in section #aib4e of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations2 and 7#b7 gas gathering lines with a diameter of at least #h inches that are located in a class #a location1 as classified in section #aib4e of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 #bh4 ,regulatory updates 7a7 ,definition of outstanding regulation ,in this section1 the term outstanding regulation means-- 7#a7 a final rule required to be issued under the ,pipeline ,safety1 ,regulatory ,certainty1 and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjaa 7,public ,law #aab-ij2 #abe ,stat4 #aijd7 that has not been published in the ,federal ,register2 7#b7 a final rule required to be issued under the ,protecting our ,infrastructure of ,pipelines and ,enhancing ,safety ,act of #bjaf 7,public ,law #aad-ahc2 #acj ,stat4 #ead7 that has not been published in the ,federal ,register2 and 7#c7 any other final rule regarding gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities required to be issued under this ,act or an ,act enacted before the date of enactment of this ,act that has not been published by the date required in such ,act in the ,federal ,register4 7b7 ,requirement ,not later than #e days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #cj days thereafter until an outstanding regulation is published in the ,federal ,register1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall provide an update on the status of each outstanding regulation by-- 7#a7 publishing on a publicly available website of the ,department of ,transportation information regarding the status of each outstanding regulation2 and 7#b7 submitting notification to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 7c7 ,contents ,the information described in section 7b77#a7 shall include-- 7#a7 with respect to an outstanding regulation under review by the ,office of the ,secretary for not more than #de days-- 7,a7 the date that such outstanding regulation was submitted to the ,office of the ,secretary for review2 and 7,b7 the staff allocations within the ,office of the ,secretary with respect to each such outstanding regulation and any resource constraints affecting the review2 7#b7 with respect to an outstanding regulation under review by the ,office of the ,secretary for more than #de days-- 7,a7 the information described in paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 a description of why such outstanding regulation is under extended review2 7,c7 a work plan for finalizing review of such outstanding regulation2 and 7,d7 the date of anticipated completion of such review2 7#c7 with respect to an outstanding regulation that has been transmitted to neither the ,office of ,management and ,budget nor the ,office of the ,secretary-- 7,a7 a description of the work plan for such outstanding regulation2 7,b7 the anticipated date on which such regulation will be transmitted to the ,office of ,management and ,budget and the ,office of the ,secretary2 7,c7 the staff allocations with respect to such outstanding regulation2 7,d7 any resource constraints affecting the rulemaking process for such outstanding regulation2 and 7,e7 any other details associated with the development of such outstanding regulation that affect the progress of the rulemaking process with respect to such outstanding regulation2 and 7#d7 with respect to an outstanding regulation that has been transmitted to the ,office of ,management and ,budget-- 7,a7 the date such outstanding regulation was submitted to the ,office of ,management and ,budget for review2 and 7,b7 a statement of whether the outstanding regulation remains under review by the ,office of ,management and ,budget or has been transmitted for further review by the ,office of the ,secretary or the ,administrator of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration4 #bi4 ,component verification 7a7 ,in general ,section #fjajb7;e7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b72 7#b7 by striking ,the ,secretary shall and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall 2 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 for facilities identified under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 shall include1 for all pipes and related components for which the regulations of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration require compliance with a standard incorporated by reference for such pipe or related component1 documentation of verification that such pipe or related component meets such standard4 7#b7 ,verification ,the verification described in paragraph 7#a77;,c7 shall be conducted by-- 7,a7 an independent third party on behalf of the operator2 7,b7 the operator1 so long as such operator does not pay1 or receive payment from1 a manufacturer1 distributor1 or supplier of a pipe or related component described in paragraph 7#a77;,c7 for such verification2 or 7,c7 a ,united ,states manufacturer of a pipe or related component described in paragraph 7#a77;,c7 that is accredited by the ,international ,organization for ,standardization4 7#c7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,verification ,the term verification means sufficient testing and auditing to confirm that a standard has been met in the production of a pipe or related component4 7,b7 ,independent third party ,the term independent third party means an entity that-- 7i7 does not have a commercial relationship with the manufacturer or supplier of a pipe or related component2 and 7ii7 is accredited by the ,international ,organization for ,standardization4 2 and 7#d7 ,applicability ,the amendments made by this subsection shall only apply to pipes and components that are-- 7,a7 covered by the amendments made by such subsection2 and 7,b7 purchased on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,review of compliance of flanges and fittings 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall complete a review of the compliance of flanges and fittings of a pipeline facility 7as such term is defined in section #fjaja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code7 with ,federal requirements4 7#b7 ,contents of review ,the review required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a compilation of the existing standards that are incorporated by reference in regulations of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration and apply to the manufacturing1 operation1 and maintenance of such flanges and fittings2 7,b7 a review of the existing oversight authority of the ,secretary of ,transportation over manufacturers and distributors of such flanges and fittings and any lack of oversight authority that could lead to incidents or accidents2 7,c7 an analysis of the degree of compliance by such manufacturers and distributors with the standards described in subparagraph 7,a71 the identification of any instances of non-compliance with such standards1 and the form1 degree1 and scope of such non-compliance2 7,d7 a review of the extent to which verification 7as such term is defined in section #fjajb7;e7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by this section7 by operators of pipeline facilities of whether such flanges and fittings of pipeline facilities meet the applicable standards described in subparagraph 7,a7 is occurring2 7,e7 a review of the safety benefits of requiring pipeline incident reports to include the identification of the manufacturer of the flanges and fittings involved in those incidents2 and 7,f7 identification and recommendation of any additional authorities or responsibilities for the ,secretary of ,transportation1 or additional standards1 necessary to improve the safety and integrity of flanges and fittings through manufacturing and distribution4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #baj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,secretary of ,transportation a report containing the results of the review completed under paragraph 7#a7 and any recommendations for legislation or changes to existing regulations4 7#d7 ,public comment process 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after submission of the report required under paragraph 7#c7 to the ,secretary1 the ,secretary shall provide a period of not fewer than #fj days for public comment regarding such report4 7,b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the end of the public comment period described in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register a report responding to the public comments submitted4 7,c7 ,contents of report ,in the report described in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall indicate any anticipated actions the ,secretary will take with respect to flanges and fittings of a pipeline facility based on the comments submitted under this paragraph and the report under paragraph 7#c74 #cj4 ,codification of final rule ,the amendments to the ,code of ,federal ,regulations made pursuant to the final rule of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 titled ,oil and ,natural ,gas ,sector3 ,emission ,standards for ,new1 ,reconstructed1 and ,modified ,sources and published in the ,federal ,register on ,june #c1 #bjaf 7#ha ,fed4 ,reg4 #cehbd71 shall have the same force and effect of law as if such amendments had been enacted by an ,act of ,congress1 except that the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency may revise such regulations1 as provided for under the ,clean ,air ,act1 if such revision would result in a reduction in gas release4