114 S2276 RS: Securing America’s Future Energy: Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act U.S. Senate 2015-11-10 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

Short title; references

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Securing America’s Future Energy: Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act

or the

SAFE PIPES Act

. (b)

References to title 49, United States Code

Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 49, United States Code.

Authorization of appropriations

(a)

Gas and hazardous liquid

Section 60125(a) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking there is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015, from fees collected under section 60301, $90,679,000, of which $4,746,000 is for carrying out such section 12 and $ 36,194,000 is for making grants. and inserting the following:

there are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation from fees collected under section 60301—(A)$127,060,000 for fiscal year 2016, of which $9,325,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $42,515,000 shall be expended for making grants; (B)$129,671,000 for fiscal year 2017, of which $9,418,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $42,941,000 shall be expended for making grants; (C)$132,334,000 for fiscal year 2018, of which $9,512,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $43,371,000 shall be expended for making grants; and (D)$135,051,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which $9,607,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $43,805,000 shall be expended for making grants.

; and

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 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107–355)—(A)$19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016, of which $3,108,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,708,000 shall be expended for making grants; (B)$20,288,000 for fiscal year 2017, of which $3,139,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,795,000 shall be expended for making grants; (C)$20,694,000 for fiscal year 2018, of which $3,171,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,883,000 shall be expended for making grants; and (D)$21,108,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which $3,203,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,972,000 shall be expended for making grants.

(b)

Emergency response grants

Section 60125(b)(2) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019. (c)

One-Call notification programs

Section 6107 is amended— (1)in subsection (a), by striking $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015 and inserting $1,060,000 for each of the fiscal years 2016 through 2019; and (2)in subsection (b), by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019. (d)

State damage prevention programs

Section 60134(i) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019. (e)

Community pipeline safety information grants

Section 60130(c) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019. (f)

Pipeline integrity program

Section 12(f) of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019.

Regulatory updates

(a)

In general

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until a final rule has been issued for each of the requirements described under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives regarding the status of a final rule for— (1)regulations required under the Pipeline Safety Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 (Public Law 112–90; 125 Stat. 1904) for which no interim final rule or direct final rule has been issued; (2)any regulation relating to pipeline safety required by law, other than a regulation described under paragraph (1), for which for more than 2 years after the date of the enacting statute or statutory deadline no interim final rule or direct final rule has been issued; and (3)any other rulemaking categorized as significant. (b)

Contents

Each report under subsection (a) shall include— (1)a description of the work plan for the outstanding regulation; (2)an updated rulemaking timeline for the outstanding regulation; (3)current staff allocations; (4)current data collection or research relating to the development of the rulemaking; (5)current collaborative efforts with safety experts and other stakeholders; (6)any resource constraints impacting the rulemaking process for the outstanding regulation; and (7)any other details associated with the development of the rulemaking that impact the progress of the rulemaking.

Statutory preference

The Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall prioritize the use of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration resources for the completion of each outstanding statutory requirement for a rulemaking described in a report under section 3 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 rulemaking.

Natural gas integrity management review

(a)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the publication of a final rule regarding the safety of gas transmission pipelines (76 Fed. Reg. 53086), the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress regarding the natural gas integrity management program. (b)

Contents

The report under subsection (a) shall include— (1)an analysis of the extent to which the natural gas integrity management program under section 60109(c) of title 49, United States Code, has improved the safety of natural gas transmission pipelines; (2)an analysis or recommendations regarding changes to the program that would prevent inadvertent releases from pipelines and mitigate any adverse consequences of an inadvertent release, including changes to the current definition of high consequence area, or would expand integrity management beyond high consequence areas; (3)a review of the cost effectiveness of the legacy class location regulations; (4)an analysis of and recommendations regarding what impact the age of a pipeline should have on risk analysis of a particular pipeline; (5)a description of any challenges affecting Federal or State regulators in their oversight of the program and how the challenges are being addressed; and (6)a description of any challenges affecting the natural gas industry in complying with the program, and how the challenges are being addressed. (c)

Definition of high consequence area

In this section and in section 6, the term high consequence area means an area described in section 60109(a) of title 49, United States Code.

Hazardous liquid integrity management review

(a)

Safety study

Not later than 18 months after the publication of a final rule regarding the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines (80 Fed. Reg. 61610), the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress regarding the hazardous liquid integrity management program. (b)

Contents

The report under subsection (a) shall include— (1)an analysis of the extent to which liquid pipeline integrity management in high consequence areas for operators of certain hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, as regulated under sections 195.450 and 195.452 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, has improved the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines; (2)recommendations, including consideration of technical, operational, and economic feasibility, regarding changes to the program that could prevent inadvertent releases from pipelines and mitigate any adverse consequences of an inadvertent release, including changes to the current definition of high consequence area; (3)an analysis of how surveying, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring activities, including real-time hazardous liquid pipeline monitoring during significant flood events and information sharing with other Federal agencies, are being used to address risks associated with the dynamic and unique nature of rivers, flood plains, and lakes; (4)an analysis of and recommendations regarding what impact pipeline features and conditions, including the age, condition, materials, and construction of a pipeline 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 safety; and (5)a description of any challenges affecting Federal or State regulators in their oversight of the program and how the challenges are being addressed.

Technical safety standards committees

Section 60115(b)(4)(A) is amended by striking State commissioners. The Secretary shall consult with the national organization of State commissions before selecting those 2 individuals. and inserting State officials. The Secretary shall consult with national organizations representing State commissioners or governors when making a selection under this subparagraph..

Inspection report information

(a)

In general

Not later than 30 days after the completion of a pipeline safety inspection, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or the head of the agency leading the inspection, shall— (1)conduct a post-inspection briefing with the operator outlining concerns, and to the extent practicable, provide written preliminary findings of the inspection; or (2)issue to the operator a final report, notice of amendment of plans or procedures, safety order, or corrective action order. (b)

Report

(1)

In general

The Administrator shall submit an annual report to Congress regarding— (A)the actions that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has taken to ensure that inspections by State authorities provide effective and timely oversight; and (B)statistics relating to the timeliness of the actions described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a). (2)

Cessation of effectiveness

Paragraph (1) shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2019.

Improving location mapping technology

(a)

Study

The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with stakeholders, shall conduct a study on improving damage prevention through technological improvements in location and communications practices to prevent accidental excavation damage to a pipe or its coating, including considerations of technical, operational, and economic feasibility. (b)

Contents

The study under subsection (a) shall include— (1)an identification of any methods that could improve damage prevention through location and mapping data in an effort to reduce unintended releases caused by excavation; (2)an analysis of how increased use of GPS digital mapping technologies, predictive analytic tools, public awareness initiatives, including one-call initiatives, the use of mobile devices, 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 damage; (3)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 information; and (4)an identification of opportunities for stakeholder engagement in preventing excavation damage. (c)

Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives regarding the study under this section, including recommendations, that include the consideration of technical, operational, and economic feasibility, on how to incorporate technological improvements and practices that may help prevent accidental excavation damage.

10.

Workforce of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

(a)

Review

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 management, including geographic allocation plans, hiring challenges, and expected retirement rates and strategies. The review shall include recommendations to address hiring challenges, training needs, and any other identified staff resource challenges. (b)

Critical hiring needs

(1)

In general

Beginning on the date on which the review is submitted under subsection (a), the Administrator may certify to Congress, not less frequently than annually, 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 Materials Safety Administration. (2)

Direct hire authority

Notwithstanding sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, the Administrator, after making a certification under paragraph (1), may hire a candidate for the position or candidates for the group of positions, as applicable. (3)

Terminations of effectiveness

The direct hire authority provided under paragraph (2) shall terminate on September 30, 2019.

11.

Research and development

(a)

In general

In developing a research and development program plan under paragraph (3) of section 12(d) of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note), the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, shall— (1)detail compliance with the consultation requirement under paragraph (2) of such section; (2)provide opportunities for joint research ventures with non-Federal entities, whenever practicable and appropriate, to leverage limited Federal research resources; and (3)permit collaborative research and development projects with appropriate non-Federal organizations. (b)

Collaborative safety research report

Section 60124(a)(6) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (2)in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following:

(C)research activities in collaboration with non-Federal entities, including the intended improvements to safety technology, inspection technology, operator response time, and emergency responder incident response time.

12.

Information sharing system

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 analysis. (b)

Membership

The working group described in subsection (a) shall include representatives from— (1)the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; (2)industry stakeholders, including operators of pipeline facilities, inspection technology vendors, and pipeline inspection organizations; (3)safety advocacy groups; (4)research institutions; (5)State public utility commissions or State officials responsible for pipeline safety oversight; (6)State pipeline safety inspectors; and (7)labor representatives. (c)

Considerations

The working group described in subsection (a) shall consider and provide recommendations, if applicable, to the Secretary on— (1)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 data in a confidential manner to improve pipeline safety and inspection technology; (2)ways to encourage the exchange of pipeline inspection information and the development of advanced pipeline inspection technologies and enhanced risk analysis; (3)opportunities to share data, 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 methodologies; (4)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 analysis; and (5)regulatory, funding, and legal barriers to sharing the information described in paragraphs (1) through (4). (d)

FACA

The working group shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). (e)

Publication

The Secretary shall publish the recommendations provided under subsection (c) on a publicly available website.

13.

Nationwide integrated pipeline safety regulatory database

(a)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to subsection (c), 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 regulators. (b)

Contents

The report under subsection (a) shall include— (1)a description of any efforts currently underway to test a secure information-sharing system for the purpose described in subsection (a); (2)a description of any progress in establishing common standards for maintaining, collecting, and presenting pipeline safety regulatory inspection data, and a methodology for the sharing of the data; (3)a description of any existing inadequacies or gaps in State and Federal inspection, enforcement, geospatial, or other pipeline safety regulatory inspection data; (4)a description of the potential safety benefits of a national integrated pipeline database; and (5)recommendations for how to implement a secure information-sharing system for the purpose described in subsection (a). (c)

Consultation

In preparing the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with stakeholders, including each State authority operating under a certification to regulate intrastate pipelines under section 60105 of title 49, United States Code.

14.

Underground natural gas storage facilities

(a)

Definition of underground natural gas storage facility

In this section, the term underground natural gas storage facility means a gas pipeline facility (as defined in section 60101 of title 49, United States Code) that stores gas in an underground facility, including— (1)a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir; (2)an aquifer reservoir; or (3)a solution mined salt cavern reservoir. (b)

Minimum uniform safety standards

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall issue minimum uniform safety standards, incorporating, to the extent practicable, consensus standards for the operation, environmental protection, and integrity management of underground natural gas storage facilities. (c)

Considerations

In developing the uniform safety standards under subsection (b), the Secretary shall— (1)consider the economic impacts of the regulations on individual gas customers to the extent practicable; (2)ensure that the regulations do not have a significant economic impact on end users to the extent practicable; and (3)consider existing consensus standards. (d)

Certifications

The Secretary may authorize an intrastate underground natural gas storage safety program by a State authority that annually submits a certification to the Secretary in the same manner as provided under subsections (b) and (c) of section 60105 of title 49, United States Code. (e)

Agreements

(1)

In general

The Secretary may make an agreement, in the same manner as provided in section 60106 of title 49, United States Code, with a State authority authorizing the State authority to take necessary action to provide or participate in the oversight of interstate underground natural gas storage facilities. (2)

Rule of construction

Notwithstanding the limitation under section 60104(b) of title 49, United States Code, to the extent a State has oversight of the wellbore piping and hole drilled to connect the surface wellhead with the underground reservoir, the standards adopted under subsection (b) may be enforced by the State. (f)

Grants

If a State authority with responsibility for regulating gas pipelines in that State under a certification under section 60105 of title 49, United States Code, an agreement under section 60106 of that title, or both, files an application in such form and manner as prescribed by the Secretary not later than September 30 of a calendar year, the Secretary shall pay not more than 80 percent of the cost of the personnel, equipment, and activities the authority reasonably requires during the next calendar year— (1)to carry out an intrastate underground natural gas storage safety program under a certification under subsection (d); or (2)to act as an agent of the Secretary on interstate underground natural gas storage facilities under an agreement under subsection (e). (g)

User fees

(1)

In general

A fee shall be imposed on an entity operating an underground natural gas storage facility to which this section applies. Any such fee imposed shall be collected before the end of the fiscal year to which it applies. (2)

Means of collection

The Secretary shall prescribe procedures to collect fees under this subsection. The Secretary may use a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government or of a State or local government to collect the fee and may reimburse the department, agency, or instrumentality a reasonable amount for its services. (3)

Use of fees

(A)

Account

There is established an underground natural gas storage facility safety account in the Pipeline Safety Fund established under section 60301 of title 49, United States Code, in the Treasury of the United States. (B)

Use of fees

A fee collected under this subsection— (i)shall be deposited in the underground natural gas storage facility safety account; and (ii)if the fee is related to an underground natural gas storage facility, may be used only for an activity related to underground natural gas storage safety under this section. (C)

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 safety. (h)

Rules of construction

(1)

In general

Nothing in this section may be construed to affect any regulation relating to gas pipeline facilities that is in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act. (2)

Limitations

Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the Secretary to prescribe the location of an underground natural gas storage facility or to require the Secretary’s permission to construct such a facility.

15.

Response plans

(a)

In general

In preparing or reviewing a response plan under part 194 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and an operator shall each consider, to the maximum extent practicable, the impact of a worst-case discharge of hazardous liquid, or the substantial threat of such a discharge, into or on any navigable waters or adjoining shorelines that may be covered in whole or in part by ice. (b)

Definitions

In this section, any applicable definitions set forth in section 194.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act), shall apply.

16.

High consequence areas

The Secretary of Transportation shall revise section 195.6(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to explicitly state that the Great Lakes are a U.S.A. ecological resource (as defined in section 195.6(b) of that title) for purposes of determining whether a pipeline is in a high consequence area (as defined in section 195.450 of that title).

17.

Surface transportation security review

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress on the staffing, resource allocation, oversight strategy, and management of the Transportation Security Administration’s pipeline security program and other surface transportation programs. The report shall include information on the coordination between the Transportation Security Administration, other Federal stakeholders, and industry.

Short title; references; table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Securing America’s Future Energy: Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act

or the

SAFE PIPES Act

. (b)

References to title 49, United States Code

Table of contents

The table of contents of this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; references; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Authorization of appropriations.

Sec. 3. Regulatory updates.

Sec. 4. Hazardous materials identification numbers.

Sec. 5. Statutory preference.

Sec. 6. Natural gas integrity management review.

Sec. 7. Hazardous liquid integrity management review.

Sec. 8. Technical safety standards committees.

Sec. 9. Inspection report information.

Sec. 10. Pipeline odorization study.

Sec. 11. Improving damage prevention technology.

Sec. 12. Workforce of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Sec. 13. Research and development.

Sec. 14. Information sharing system.

Sec. 15. Nationwide integrated pipeline safety regulatory database.

Sec. 16. Underground natural gas storage facilities.

Sec. 17. Joint inspection and oversight.

Sec. 18. Response plans.

Sec. 19. High consequence areas.

Sec. 20. Surface transportation security review.

Sec. 21. Small scale liquefied natural gas facilities.

Sec. 22. Report on natural gas leak reporting.

Sec. 23. Comptroller General review of State policies relating to natural gas leaks.

Sec. 24. Provision of pipeline oil spill response plans to congressional committees.

Sec. 25. Consultation with FERC as part of pre-filing procedures and permitting process for new natural gas pipeline infrastructure.

Authorization of appropriations

(a)

Gas and hazardous liquid

(A)$127,060,000 for fiscal year 2016, of which $9,325,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $42,515,000 shall be expended for making grants; (B)$129,671,000 for fiscal year 2017, of which $9,418,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $42,941,000 shall be expended for making grants; (C)$132,334,000 for fiscal year 2018, of which $9,512,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $43,371,000 shall be expended for making grants; and (D)$135,051,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which $9,607,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $43,805,000 shall be expended for making grants.

; and

(2)in paragraph (2), by striking there is authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015 from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to carry out the provisions of this chapter related to hazardous liquid and section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107–355), $18,573,000, of which $2,174,000 is for carrying out such section 12 and $4,558,000 is for making grants. and inserting the following: 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 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107–355)—

(A)$19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016, of which $3,108,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,708,000 shall be expended for making grants; (B)$20,288,000 for fiscal year 2017, of which $3,139,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,795,000 shall be expended for making grants; (C)$20,694,000 for fiscal year 2018, of which $3,171,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,883,000 shall be expended for making grants; and (D)$21,108,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which $3,203,000 shall be expended for carrying out such section 12 and $8,972,000 shall be expended for making grants.

(b)

Emergency response grants

Section 60125(b)(2) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019. (c)

One-call notification programs

State damage prevention programs

Section 60134(i) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019. (e)

Community pipeline safety information grants

Section 60130(c) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019. (f)

Pipeline integrity program

Section 12(f) of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note) is amended by striking 2012 through 2015 and inserting 2016 through 2019.

Regulatory updates

(a)

In general

Contents

Each report under subsection (a) shall include— (1)a description of the work plan for the outstanding regulation; (2)an updated rulemaking timeline for the outstanding regulation; (3)current staff allocations; (4)any other information collection request with substantial changes; (5)current data collection or research relating to the development of the rulemaking; (6)current collaborative efforts with safety experts and other stakeholders; (7)any resource constraints impacting the rulemaking process for the outstanding regulation; and (8)any other details associated with the development of the rulemaking that impact the progress of the rulemaking.

Hazardous materials identification numbers

The Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall— (1)rescind the implementation of the June 26, 2015 PHMSA interpretative letter (#14-0178); and (2)reinstate paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 172.336(c) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, without the reference to gasohol, as was originally intended in the March 7, 2013 final rule (PHMSA–2011–0142).

Statutory preference

The Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall prioritize the use of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration resources for the completion of each outstanding statutory requirement, including requirements for rulemakings and information collection requests, for a rulemaking described in a report under section 3 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 rulemaking.

Natural gas integrity management review

(a)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the publication of a final rule regarding the safety of gas transmission pipelines (76 Fed. Reg. 53086), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to Congress regarding the natural gas integrity management program. (b)

Contents

The report under subsection (a) shall include— (1)an analysis of the extent to which the natural gas integrity management program under section 60109(c) of title 49, United States Code, has improved the safety of natural gas transmission pipelines; (2)an analysis or recommendations, including consideration of technical, operational, and economic feasibility, regarding changes to the program that would prevent inadvertent releases from pipelines and mitigate any adverse consequences of an inadvertent release, including changes to the current definition of high consequence area, or would expand integrity management beyond high consequence areas; (3)a review of the cost effectiveness of the legacy class location regulations; (4)an analysis of and recommendations regarding what impact pipeline features and conditions, including the age, condition, materials, and construction of a pipeline, should have on risk analysis of a particular pipeline; (5)a description of any challenges affecting Federal or State regulators in their oversight of the program and how the challenges are being addressed; and (6)a description of any challenges affecting the natural gas industry in complying with the program, and how the challenges are being addressed. (c)

Definition of high consequence area

In this section and in section 7, the term high consequence area means an area described in section 60109(a) of title 49, United States Code.

Hazardous liquid integrity management review

(a)

Safety study

Not later than 18 months after the publication of a final rule regarding the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines (80 Fed. Reg. 61610), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to Congress regarding the hazardous liquid integrity management program. (b)

Contents

The report under subsection (a) shall include— (1)an analysis of the extent to which liquid pipeline integrity management in high consequence areas for operators of certain hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, as regulated under sections 195.450 and 195.452 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, has improved the safety of hazardous liquid pipelines; (2)recommendations, including consideration of technical, operational, and economic feasibility, regarding changes to the program that could prevent inadvertent releases from pipelines and mitigate any adverse consequences of an inadvertent release, including changes to the current definition of high consequence area; (3)an analysis of how surveying, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring activities, including real-time hazardous liquid pipeline monitoring during significant flood events and information sharing with other Federal agencies, are being used to address risks associated with the dynamic and unique nature of rivers, flood plains, and lakes; (4)an analysis of and recommendations regarding what impact pipeline features and conditions, including the age, condition, materials, and construction of a pipeline, 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 safety; and (5)a description of any challenges affecting Federal or State regulators in their oversight of the program and how the challenges are being addressed.

Technical safety standards committees

Inspection report information

(a)

In general

Not later than 30 days after the completion of a pipeline safety inspection, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or the State authority certified under section 60105 of title 49, United States Code, shall— (1)conduct a post-inspection briefing with the operator outlining concerns, and to the extent practicable, provide written preliminary findings of the inspection; or (2)issue to the operator a final report, notice of amendment of plans or procedures, safety order, or corrective action order, or such other applicable report, notice, or order. (b)

Report

(1)

In general

Cessation of effectiveness

Paragraph (1) shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2019.

10.

Pipeline odorization study

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that assesses— (1)the feasibility of odorizing all combustible gas in transportation; (2)the impacts of the odorization of all combustible gas in transportation on manufacturers, agriculture, and other end users; and (3)the relative benefits and costs associated with odorizing all combustible gas in transportation compared to using other methods to mitigate pipeline leaks.

11.

Improving damage prevention technology

(a)

Study

The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with stakeholders, shall conduct a study on improving existing damage prevention programs through technological improvements in location, mapping, excavation, and communications practices to prevent accidental excavation damage to a pipe or its coating, including considerations of technical, operational, and economic feasibility and existing damage prevention programs. (b)

Contents

The study under subsection (a) shall include— (1)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 excavation; (2)an analysis of how increased use of GPS digital mapping technologies, predictive analytic tools, public awareness initiatives including one-call initiatives, the use of mobile devices, 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 damage; (3)an identification of any methods that could improve excavation practices or technologies in an effort to reduce pipeline damages; (4)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 information; and (5)an identification of opportunities for stakeholder engagement in preventing excavation damage. (c)

Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives regarding the study under this section, including recommendations, that include the consideration of technical, operational, and economic feasibility, on how to incorporate, into existing damage prevention programs, technological improvements and practices that may help prevent accidental excavation damage.

12.

Workforce of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

(a)

Review

Critical hiring needs

(1)

In general

Direct hire authority

Terminations of effectiveness

The direct hire authority provided under paragraph (2) shall terminate on September 30, 2019.

13.

Research and development

(a)

In general

In developing a research and development program plan under paragraph (3) of section 12(d) of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note), the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, shall— (1)detail compliance with the consultation requirement under paragraph (2) of such section; (2)provide opportunities for joint research ventures with non-Federal entities, whenever practicable and appropriate, to leverage limited Federal research resources; and (3)permit collaborative research and development projects with appropriate non-Federal organizations. (b)

Collaborative safety research report

14.

Information sharing system

(a)

In general

Membership

Considerations

The working group described in subsection (a) shall consider and provide recommendations, if applicable, to the Secretary on— (1)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 technology; (2)ways to encourage the exchange of pipeline inspection information and the development of advanced pipeline inspection technologies and enhanced risk analysis; (3)opportunities to share data, 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 methodologies; (4)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 analysis; and (5)regulatory, funding, and legal barriers to sharing the information described in paragraphs (1) through (4). (d)

FACA

The working group shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). (e)

Publication

The Secretary shall publish the recommendations provided under subsection (c) on a publicly available website.

15.

Nationwide integrated pipeline safety regulatory database

(a)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 regulators. (b)

Contents

Consultation

16.

Underground natural gas storage facilities

(a)

Defined term

Section 60101(a) is amended— (1)in paragraph (21)(B), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; (2)in paragraph (24), by striking and at the end; (3)in paragraph (25), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (4)by adding at the end the following:

(27)underground natural gas storage facility means a gas pipeline facility that stores gas in an underground facility, including— (A)a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir; (B)an aquifer reservoir; or (C)a solution mined salt cavern reservoir.

(b)

Standards for underground natural gas storage facilities

Chapter 601 is amended by inserting after section 60103 the following:

60103A.

Standards for underground natural gas storage facilities

(a)

Minimum uniform safety standards

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the SAFE PIPES Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall issue minimum uniform safety standards, incorporating, to the extent practicable, consensus standards for the operation, environmental protection, and integrity management of underground natural gas storage facilities. (b)

Considerations

In developing uniform safety standards under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1)consider the economic impacts of the regulations on individual gas customers to the extent practicable; (2)ensure that the regulations do not have a significant economic impact on end users to the extent practicable; and (3)consider existing consensus standards. (c)

User fees

(1)

In general

Means of collection

Use of fees

(A)

Account

There is established an underground natural gas storage facility safety account in the Pipeline Safety Fund established under section 60301, in the Treasury of the United States. (B)

Use of fees

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 safety. (d)

Rules of construction

(1)

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 Act. (2)

Limitations

Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the Secretary— (A)to prescribe the location of an underground natural gas storage facility; or (B)to require the Secretary’s permission to construct a facility referred to in subparagraph (A).

(c)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections for chapter 601 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 60103 the following:

60103A. Standards for underground natural gas storage facilities.

17.

Joint inspection and oversight

To ensure the safety of pipeline transportation, the Secretary of Transportation shall coordinate with States to ensure safety through the following: (1)At the request of a State authority, the Secretary shall allow for a certified state authority under section 60105 of title 49, United States Code, to participate in the inspection of an interstate pipeline facility. (2)Where appropriate, 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 safety.

18.

Response plans

In preparing or reviewing a response plan under part 194 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and an operator shall each consider, to the maximum extent practicable, the impact of a worse case discharge of oil, or the substantial threat of such a discharge, into or on any navigable waters or adjoining shorelines that may be covered in whole or in part by ice.

19.

High consequence areas

The Secretary of Transportation shall revise section 195.6(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations to explicitly state that the Great Lakes are a USA ecological resource (as defined in section 195.6(b) of that title) for purposes of determining whether a pipeline is in a high consequence area (as defined in section 195.450 of that title).

20.

Surface transportation security review

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to Congress on the staffing, resource allocation, oversight strategy, and management of the Transportation Security Administration’s pipeline security program and other surface transportation programs. The report shall include information on the coordination between the Transportation Security Administration, other Federal stakeholders, and industry.

21.

Small scale liquefied natural gas facilities

(a)

Defined term

Section 60101(a), as amended by section 16, is further amended by inserting after paragraph (25) the following:

(26)small scale liquefied natural gas facility means an intrastate liquefied natural gas facility (other than a peak shaving facility) that produces liquefied natural gas for— (A)use as a fuel in the United States; or (B)transportation in the United States by a means other than a pipeline facility; and

(b)

Siting standards for small scale liquefied natural gas facilities

Section 60103(a) is amended to read as follows:

(a)

Location standards

(1)

In general

The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe minimum safety standards for deciding on the location of a new liquefied natural gas pipeline facility or small scale liquefied natural gas facility. (2)

Liquefied natural gas facilities

In prescribing a minimum safety standard for deciding on the location of a new liquefied natural gas facility, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider— (A)the kind and use of the facility; (B)the existing and projected population and demographic characteristics of the location; (C)the existing and proposed land uses near the location; (D)the natural physical aspects of the location; (E)medical, law enforcement, and fire prevention capabilities near the location that can cope with a risk caused by the facility; and (F)the need to encourage remote siting. (3)

Small scale liquefied natural gas facilities

(A)

In general

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the SAFE PIPES Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe minimum safety standards for small scale liquefied natural gas facilities. (B)

Considerations

In prescribing minimum safety standards under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider— (i)the value of establishing risk-based approaches; (ii)the benefit of incorporating industry standards and best practices; (iii)the need to encourage the use of best available technology; and (iv)the factors prescribed in paragraph (2), as appropriate.

22.

Report on natural gas leak reporting

(a)

In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 systems. (b)

Elements

The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements: (1)An examination of different reporting requirements or standards for lost and unaccounted for natural gas to different agencies, the reasons for any such discrepancies, and recommendations for harmonizing and improving the accuracy of reporting. (2)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 systems. (3)A description of potential safety issues associated with natural gas that is lost and unaccounted for from natural gas distribution systems. (4)An assessment of whether alternate reporting and measures will resolve any safety issues identified under paragraph (3), including an analysis of the potential impact, including potential savings, on rate payers and end users of natural gas products of such reporting and measures. (c)

Consideration of recommendations

If the Administrator determines that alternate reporting structures or recommendations included in the report required under subsection (a) would significantly improve the reporting and measurement of lost and unaccounted for gas or safety of systems, the Administrator shall, not later than 180 days after making such determination, issue regulations, as the Administrator determines appropriate, to implement the recommendations.

23.

Comptroller General review of State policies relating to natural gas leaks

(a)

Review

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a State-by-State review of State-level policies that— (1)encourage the repair and replacement of leaking natural gas distribution pipelines or systems that pose a safety threat, such as timelines to repair leaks and limits on cost recovery from ratepayers; and (2)that may create barriers for entities to conduct work to repair and replace leaking natural gas pipelines or distribution systems. (b)

Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 (a) 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 gas, including policies within the jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The report shall consider the potential impact, including potential savings, of the implementation of its recommendations on ratepayers or end users of the natural gas pipeline system. (c)

Consideration of recommendations

If the Comptroller General makes recommendations in the report submitted under subsection (a) on Federal or State policies or best practices within the jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Administrator shall, not later than 90 days after such submission, review such recommendations and report to Congress on the feasibility of implementing such recommendations. If the Administrator determines that the recommendations would significantly improve pipeline safety, the Administrator shall, not later than 180 days after making such determination and in coordination with the heads of other relevant agencies as appropriate, issue regulations, as the Administrator determines appropriate, to implement the recommendations.

24.

Provision of pipeline oil spill response plans to congressional committees

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall, upon request of the Chairman or Ranking Member of an appropriate congressional committee, provide to such committee full and unredacted copies of oil spill response plans. (b)

Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (2)the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.

25.

Consultation with FERC as part of pre-filing procedures and permitting process for new natural gas pipeline infrastructure

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 risks of hazardous materials transportation.

February 24, 2016

Reported with an amendment