[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 22 (Tuesday, March 5, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1542-S1548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 2979. Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Hollings, Mrs. Murray, Mr. 
Bingaman, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Smith of Oregon, Mr. Domenici, Mrs. 
Hutchison, and Mr. Wyden) submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 2917 submitted by Mr. Daschle and intended to 
be proposed to the bill (S. 517) to authorize funding the Department of 
Energy to enhance its mission areas through technology transfer and 
partnerships for fiscal years 2002 through 2006, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title VII, add the following:

                      Subtitle C--Pipeline Safety

               PART 1--SHORT TITLE: AMENDMENT OF TITLE 49

Sec. 741. Short title: amendment of title 49, United States Code.

            PART 2--PIPELINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2002

Sec. 761. Implementation of inspector general recommendations.
Sec. 762. NTSB safety recommendations.
Sec. 763. Qualifications of pipeline personnel.
Sec. 764. Pipeline integrity inspection program.
Sec. 765. Enforcement.
Sec. 766. Public education, emergency preparedness, and community right 
              to know.
Sec. 767. Penalties.
Sec. 768. State oversight role.
Sec. 769. Improved data and data availability.
Sec. 770. Research and development.
Sec. 771. Pipeline integrity technical advisory committee.
Sec. 772. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 773. Operator assistance in investigations.
Sec. 774. Protection of employees providing pipeline safety 
              information.
Sec. 775. State pipeline safety advisory committees.
Sec. 776. Fines and penalties.
Sec. 777. Study of rights-of-way.
Sec. 778. Study of natural gas reserve.
Sec. 779. Study and report on natural gas pipeline and storage 
              facilities in New England.

            PART 3--PIPELINE SECURITY SENSITIVE INFORMATION

Sec. 781. Meeting community right to know without security risks.
Sec. 782. Technical assistance for security of pipeline facilities.

               Part 1--Short Title; Amendment of Title 49

     SEC. 741. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF TITLE 49, UNITED STATES 
                   CODE.

       (a) Short Title.--This subtitle may be cited as the 
     ``Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002''.
       (b) Amendment of Title 49, United States Code.--Except as 
     otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this subtitle an 
     amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, 
     or a 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 State Code.

            Part 2--Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002

     SEC. 761. IMPLEMENTATION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 
                   RECOMMENDATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Except as otherwise required by this 
     subtitle, the Secretary shall implement the safety 
     improvement recommendations provided for in the Department of 
     Transportation Inspector General's Report (RT-2000-069).
       (b) Reports by the Secretary.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days 
     thereafter until each of the recommendations referred to in 
     subsection (a) has been implemented, the Secretary shall 
     transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the specific actions taken to 
     implement such recommendations.
       (c) Reports by the Inspector General.--The Inspector 
     General shall periodically transmit to the Committees 
     referred to in subsection (b) a report assessing the 
     Secretary's progress in implementing the recommendations 
     referred to in subsection (a) and identifying options for the 
     Secretary to consider in accelerating recommendation 
     implementation.

     SEC. 762. NTSB SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation, the 
     Administrator of Research and Special Program Administration, 
     and the Director of the Office of Pipeline Safety shall fully 
     comply with section 1135 of title 49, United States Code, to 
     ensure timely responsiveness to National Transportation 
     Safety Board recommendations about pipeline safety.
       (b) Public Availability.--The Secretary, Administrator, or 
     Director, respectively, shall make a copy of each 
     recommendation on pipeline safety and response, as described 
     in sections 1135(a) and (b) of title 49, United States Code, 
     available to the public at reasonable cost.
       (c) Reports to Congress.--The Secretary, Administrator, or 
     Director, respectively, shall submit to the Congress by 
     January 1 of each year a report containing each 
     recommendation on pipeline safety made by the Board during 
     the prior year and a copy of the response to each such 
     recommendation.

     SEC. 763. QUALIFICATIONS OF PIPELINE PERSONNEL

       (a) Qualification Plan.--Each pipeline operator shall make 
     available to the Secretary of Transportation, or, in the case 
     of an intrastate pipeline facility operator, the appropriate 
     State regulatory agency, a plan that is designed to enhance 
     the qualifications of pipeline personnel and to reduce the 
     likelihood of accidents and injuries. The plan shall be made 
     available not more than 6 months after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, and the operator shall revise or update the plan 
     as appropriate.
       (b) Requirements.--The enhanced qualification plan shall 
     include, at a minimum, criteria to demonstrate the ability of 
     an individual to safely and properly perform tasks identified 
     under section 60102 of title 49, United States Code. The plan 
     shall also provide for training and periodic reexamination of 
     pipeline personnel qualifications and provide for 
     requalification as appropriate. The Secretary, or, in the 
     case of an intrastate pipeline facility operator, the 
     appropriate State regulatory agency, may review and 
     certify the plans to determine if they are sufficient to 
     provide a safe operating environment and shall 
     periodically review the plans to ensure the continuation 
     of a safe operation. The Secretary may establish minimum 
     standards for pipeline personnel training and evaluation, 
     which may include written examination, oral examination, 
     work performance history review, observation during 
     performance on the job, on the job training, simulations, 
     or other forms of assessment.
       (c) Report to Congress.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall submit a report to the 
     Congress evaluating the effectiveness of operator 
     qualification and training efforts, including--
       (A) actions taken by inspectors;
       (B) recommendations made by inspectors for changes to 
     operator qualification and training programs; and
       (C) industry and employee organization responses to those 
     actions and recommendations.
       (2) Criteria.--The Secretary may establish criteria for use 
     in evaluating and reporting

[[Page S1543]]

     on operator qualification and training for purposes of this 
     subsection.
       (3) Due date.--The Secretary shall submit the report 
     required by paragraph (1) to the Congress 3 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 764. PIPELINE INTEGRITY INSPECTION PROGRAM.

       Section 60109 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       (c) Integrity Management.--
       (1) General requirement.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations requiring operators of hazardous liquid pipelines 
     and natural gas transmission pipelines to evaluate the risks 
     to the operator's pipeline facilities in areas identified 
     pursuant to subsection (a)(1), and to adopt and implement a 
     program for integrity management that reduces the risk of an 
     incident in those areas. The regulations shall be issued no 
     later than one year after the Secretary has issued standards 
     pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section or by 
     December 31, 2003, whichever is sooner.
       ``(2) Standards for program.--In promulgating regulations 
     under this section, the Secretary shall require an operator's 
     integrity management plan to be based on risk analysis and 
     each plan shall include, at a minimum--
       ``(A) periodic assessment of the integrity of the pipeline 
     through methods including internal inspection, pressure 
     testing, direct assessment, or other effective methods. The 
     assessment period shall be no less than every 5 years unless 
     the Department of Transportation Inspector General, after 
     consultation with the Secretary determines there is not a 
     sufficient capability or it is deemed unnecessary because of 
     more technically appropriate monitoring or creates undue 
     interruption of necessary supply to fulfill the requirements 
     under this paragraph;
       ``(B) clearly defined criteria for evaluating the results 
     of the periodic assessment methods carried out under 
     subparagraph (A) and procedures to ensure identified problems 
     are corrected in a timely manner; and
       ``(C) measures, as appropriate, that prevent and mitigate 
     unintended releases, such as leak detection, integrity 
     evaluation, restrictive flow devices, or other measures.
       ``(3) Criteria for program standards.--In deciding how 
     frequently the integrity assessment methods carried out under 
     paragraph (2)(A) must be conducted, an operator shall take 
     into account the potential for new defects developing or 
     previously identified structural defects caused by 
     construction or installation, the operational characteristics 
     of the pipeline, and leak history. In addition, the Secretary 
     may establish a minimum testing requirement for operators of 
     pipelines to conduct internal inspections.
       ``(4) State role.--A State authority that has an agreement 
     in effect with the Secretary under section 60106 is 
     authorized to review and assess an operator's risk analyses 
     and integrity management plans required under this section 
     for interstate pipelines located in that State. The reviewing 
     State authority shall provide the Secretary with a written 
     assessment of the plans, make recommendations, as 
     appropriate, to address safety concerns not adequately 
     addressed in the operator's plans, and submit documentation 
     explaining the State-proposed plan revisions. The Secretary 
     shall carefully consider the State's proposals and work in 
     consultation with the States and operators to address safety 
     concerns.
       ``(5) Montioring implementation.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall review the risk analysis and program for 
     integrity management required under this section and 
     provide for continued monitoring of such plans. Not later 
     than 2 years after the implementation of integrity 
     management plans under this section, the Secretary shall 
     complete an assessment and evaluation of the effects on 
     safety and the environment of extending all of the 
     requirements mandated by the regulations described in 
     paragraph (1) to additional areas. The Secretary shall 
     submit the assessment and evaluation to Congress along 
     with any recommendations to improve and expand the 
     utilization of integrity management plans.
       ``(6) Opportunity for local input on integrity 
     management.--Within 18 months after the date of enactment of 
     the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, the Secretary 
     shall, by regulation, establish a process for raising and 
     addressing local safety concerns about pipeline integrity and 
     the operator's pipeline integrity plan. The process shall 
     include--
       ``(A) a requirement that an operator of a hazardous liquid 
     or natural gas transmission pipeline facility provide 
     information about the risk analysis and integrity management 
     plan required under this section to local officials in a 
     State in which the facility is located;
       ``(B) a description of the local officials required to be 
     informed, the information that is to be provided to them and 
     the manner, which may include traditional or electronic 
     means, in which it is provided;
       ``(C) the means for receiving input from the local 
     officials that may include a public forum sponsored by the 
     Secretary or by the State, or the submission of written 
     comments through traditional or electronic means;
       ``(D) the extent to which an operator of a pipeline 
     facility must participate in a public forum sponsored by the 
     Secretary or in another means for receiving input from the 
     local officials or in the evaluation of that input; and
       ``(E) the manner in which the Secretary will notify the 
     local officials about how their concerns are being 
     addressed.''.

     SEC. 765. ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 60112 is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) General Authority.--After notice and an opportunity 
     for a hearing, the Secretary of Transportation may decide a 
     pipeline facility is hazardous if the Secretary decides 
     that--
       ``(1) operation of the facility is or would be hazardous to 
     life, property, or the environment; or
       ``(2) the facility is, or would be, constructed or 
     operated, or a component of the facility is, or would be, 
     constructed or operated with equipment, material, or a 
     technique that the Secretary decides is hazardous to life, 
     property, or the environment.''; and
       (2) by striking ``is hazardous,'' in subsection (d) and 
     inserting ``is, or would be, hazardous,''.

     SEC. 766. PUBLIC EDUCATION, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, AND 
                   COMMUNITY RIGHT TO KNOW.

       (a) Section 60116 is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 60116. Public education, emergency preparedness, and 
       community right to know

       ``(a) Public Education Programs.--
       ``(1) Each owner or operator of a gas or hazardous liquid 
     pipeline facility shall carry out a continuing program to 
     educate the public on the use of a one-call notification 
     system prior to excavation and other damage prevention 
     activities, the possible hazards associated with unintended 
     releases from the pipeline facility, the physical indications 
     that such a release may have occurred, what steps should be 
     taken for public safety in the event of a pipeline release, 
     and how to report such an event.
       ``(2) Within 12 months after the date of enactment of the 
     Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, each owner or 
     operator of a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility shall 
     review its existing public education program for 
     effectiveness and modify the program as necessary. The 
     completed program shall include activities to advise affected 
     municipalities, school districts, businesses, and residents 
     of pipeline facility locations. The completed program shall 
     be submitted to the Secretary or, in the case of an 
     intrastate pipeline facility operator, the appropriate State 
     agency and shall be periodically reviewed by the Secretary 
     or, in the case of an intrastate pipeline facility operator, 
     the appropriate State agency.
       ``(3) The Secretary may issue standards prescribing the 
     elements of an effective public education program. The 
     Secretary may also develop material for use in the program.
       ``(b) Emergency Preparedness.--
       ``(1) Operator liaison.--Within 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, an 
     operator of a gas transmission or hazardous liquid pipeline 
     facility shall initiate and maintain liaison with the State 
     emergency response commissions, and local emergency planning 
     committees in the areas of pipeline right-of-way, established 
     under section 301 of the Emergency Planning and Community 
     Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11001) in each State in 
     which it operates.
       ``(2) Information.--An operator shall, upon request, make 
     available to the State emergency response commissions and 
     local emergency planning committees, and shall make available 
     to the Office of Pipeline Safety in a standardized form for 
     the purpose of providing the information to the public, the 
     information described in section 60102(d), the operator's 
     program for integrity management, and information about 
     implementation of that program. The information about the 
     facility shall also include, at a minimum--
       ``(A) the business name, address, telephone number of the 
     operator, including a 24-hour emergency contact number;
       ``(B) a description of the facility, including pipe 
     diameter, the product or products carried, and the operating 
     pressure;
       ``(C) with respect to transmission pipeline facilities, 
     maps showing the location of the facility and, when 
     available, any high consequence areas which the pipeline 
     facility traverses or adjoins and abuts;
       ``(D) a summary description of the integrity measures the 
     operator uses to assure safety and protection for the 
     environment; and
       ``(E) a point of contact to respond to questions from 
     emergency response representative.
       ``(3) Smaller communities.--In a community without a local 
     emergency planning committee, the operator shall maintain 
     liaison with the local fire, police, and other emergency 
     response agencies.
       ``(4) Public access.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
     requirements for public access, as appropriate, to this 
     information, including a requirement that the information be 
     made available to the public by widely accessible 
     computerized database.
       ``(c) Community Right To Know.--Not later than 12 months 
     after the date of enactment of the Pipeline Safety 
     Improvement Act of 2002, and annually thereafter, the owner 
     or operator of each gas transmission or hazardous liquid 
     pipeline facility shall provide to the governing body of 
     each municipality in which the pipeline facility is 
     located, a map identifying the location of such facility.

[[Page S1544]]

     The map may be provided in electronic form. The Secretary 
     may provide technical assistance to the pipeline industry 
     on developing public safety and public education program 
     content and best practices for program delivery, and on 
     evaluating the effectiveness of the programs. The 
     Secretary may also provide technical assistance to State 
     and local officials in applying practices developed in 
     these programs to their activities to promote pipeline 
     safety.
       ``(d) Public Availability of Reports.--The Secretary 
     shall--
       ``(1) make available to the public--
       ``(A) a safety-related condition report filed by an 
     operator under section 60102(h);
       ``(B) a report of a pipeline incident filed by an operator;
       ``(C) the results of any inspection by the Office of 
     Pipeline Safety or a State regulatory official; and
       ``(D) a description of any corrective action taken in 
     response to a safety-related condition reported under 
     subparagraph (A), (B), or (C); and
       ``(2) prescribe requirements for public access, as 
     appropriate, to integrity management program information 
     prepared under this chapter, including requirements that will 
     ensure data accessibility to the greatest extent feasible.''
       (b) Safety Condition Reports.--Section 60102(h)(2) is 
     amended by striking ``authorities.'' and inserting 
     ``officials, including the local emergency responders.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     601 is amended by striking the item relating to section 60116 
     and inserting the following:

``60116. Public education, emergency preparedness, community right to 
              know.''.

     SEC. 767. PENALTIES.

       (a) Civil Penalties.--Section 60122 is amended--
       (1) by striking ``$25,000'' in subsection (a)(1) and 
     inserting ``$500,000'';
       (2) by striking ``$500,000'' in subsection (a)(1) and 
     inserting ``$1,000,000'';
       (3) by adding at the end of subsection (a)(1) the 
     following: ``The preceding sentence does not apply to 
     judicial enforcement action under section 60120 or 60121.''; 
     and
       (4) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Penalty Considerations.--In determining the amount of 
     a civil penalty under this section--
       ``(1) the Secretary shall consider--
       ``(A) the nature, circumstances, and gravity of the 
     violation, including adverse impact on the environment;
       ``(B) with respect to the violator, the degree of 
     culpability, any history of prior violations, the ability to 
     pay, any effect on ability to continue doing business; and
       ``(C) good faith in attempting to comply; and
       ``(2) the Secretary may consider--
       ``(A) the economic benefit gained from the violation 
     without any discount because of subsequent damages; and
       ``(B) other matters that justice requires.''.
       (b) Excavator Damage.--Section 60123(d) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``knowingly and willfully'';
       (2) by inserting ``knowingly and willfully'' before 
     ``engages'' in paragraph (1); and
       (3) striking paragraph (2)(B) and inserting the following:
       ``(B) a pipeline facility, is aware of damage, and does not 
     report the damage promptly to the operator of the pipeline 
     facility and to other appropriate authorities; or''.
       (c) Civil Actions.--Section 60120(a)(1) is amended to read 
     as follows:
       ``(1) On the request of the Secretary of Transportation, 
     the Attorney General may bring a civil action in an 
     appropriate district court of the United States to enforce 
     this chapter, including section 60112 of this chapter, or a 
     regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter. The 
     court may award appropriate relief, including a temporary or 
     permanent injunction, punitive damages, and assessment of 
     civil penalties considering the same factors as prescribed 
     for the Secretary in an administrative case under section 
     60122.''.

     SEC. 768. STATE OVERSIGHT ROLE.

       (a) State Agreements With Certification.--Section 60106 is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``General Authority.--'' in subsection (a) 
     and inserting ``Agreements Without Certification.--'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as 
     subsections (c), (d), and (e); and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Agreements With Certification.--
       ``(1) In general.--If the Secretary accepts a certification 
     under section 60105 of this title and makes the determination 
     required under this subsection, the Secretary may make an 
     agreement with a State authority authorizing it to 
     participate in the oversight of interstate pipeline 
     transportation. Each such agreement shall include a plan for 
     the State authority to participate in special investigations 
     involving incidents or new construction and allow the State 
     authority to participate in other activities overseeing 
     interstate pipeline transportation or to assume additional 
     inspection or investigatory duties. Nothing in this section 
     modifies section 60104(c) or authorizes the Secretary to 
     delegate the enforcement of safety standards prescribed under 
     this chapter to a State authority.
       ``(2) Determination required.--The Secretary may not enter 
     into an agreement under this subsection, unless the Secretary 
     determines that--
       ``(A) the agreement allowing participation of the State 
     authority is consistent with the Secretary's program for 
     inspection and consistent with the safety policies and 
     provisions provided under this chapter;
       ``(B) the interstate participation agreement would not 
     adversely affect the oversight responsibilities of intrastate 
     pipeline transportation by the State authority;
       ``(C) the State is carrying out a program demonstrated to 
     promote preparedness and risk prevention activities that 
     enable communities to live safely with pipelines;
       ``(D) the State meets the minimum standards for State one-
     call notification set forth in chapter 61; and
       ``(E) the actions planned under the agreement would not 
     impede interstate commerce or jeopardize public safety.
       ``(3) Existing agreements.--If requested by the State 
     Authority, the Secretary shall authorize a State Authority 
     which had an interstate agreement in effect after January, 
     1999, to oversee interstate pipeline transportation pursuant 
     to the terms of that agreement until the Secretary determines 
     that the State meets the requirements of paragraph (2) and 
     executes a new agreement, or until December 31, 2003, 
     whichever is sooner. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent 
     the Secretary, after affording the State notice, hearing, and 
     an opportunity to correct any alleged deficiencies, from 
     terminating an agreement that was in effect before enactment 
     of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 if--
       ``(A) the State Authority fails to comply with the terms of 
     the agreement;
       ``(B) implementation of the agreement has resulted in a gap 
     in the oversight responsibilities of intrastate pipeline 
     transportation by the State Authority; or
       ``(C) continued participation by the State Authority in the 
     oversight of interstate pipeline transportation has had an 
     adverse impact on pipeline safety.''.
       ``(b) Ending Agreements.--Subsection (e) of section 60106, 
     as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(e) Ending Agreements.--
       ``(1) Permissive termination.--The Secretary may end an 
     agreement under this section when the Secretary finds that 
     the State authority has not complied with any provision of 
     the agreement.
       ``(2) Mandatory termination of agreement.--The Secretary 
     shall end an agreement for the oversight of interstate 
     pipeline transportation if the Secretary finds that--
       ``(A) implementation of such agreement has resulted in a 
     gap in the oversight responsibilities of intrastate pipeline 
     transportation by the State authority;
       ``(B) the State actions under the agreement have failed to 
     meet the requirements under subsection (b); or
       ``(C) continued participation by the State authority in the 
     oversight of interstate pipeline transportation would not 
     promote pipeline safety.
       ``(3) Procedural requirements.--The Secretary shall give 
     the notice and an opportunity for a hearing to a State 
     authority before ending an agreement under this section. The 
     Secretary may provide a State an opportunity to correct any 
     deficiencies before ending an agreement. The finding and 
     decision to end the agreement shall be published in the 
     Federal Register and may not become effective for at least 15 
     days after the date of publication unless the Secretary 
     finds that continuation of an agreement poses an imminent 
     hazard.''.

     SEC. 769. IMPROVED DATA AND DATA AVAILABILITY.

       (a) In General.--Within 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and 
     implement a comprehensive plan for the collection and use of 
     gas and hazardous liquid pipeline data to revise the causal 
     categories on the incident report forms to eliminate 
     overlapping and confusing categories and include 
     subcategories. The plan shall include components to provide 
     the capability to perform sound incident trend analysis and 
     evaluations of pipeline operator performance using normalized 
     accident data.
       (b) Report of Releases Exceeding 5 Gallons.--Section 
     60117(b) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``To'';
       (2) redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs 
     (A) and (B);
       (3) inserting before the last sentence the following:
       ``(2) A person owning or operating a hazardous liquid 
     pipeline facility shall report to the Secretary each release 
     to the environment greater than five gallons of the hazardous 
     liquid or carbon dioxide transported. This section applies to 
     releases from pipeline facilities regulated under this 
     chapter. A report must include the location of the release, 
     fatalities and personal injuries, type of product, amount of 
     product release, cause or causes of the release, extent of 
     damage to property and the environment, and the response 
     undertaken to clean up the release.
       ``(3) During the course of an incident investigation, a 
     person owning or operating a pipeline facility shall make 
     records, reports, and information required under subsection 
     (a) of this section or other reasonably described records, 
     reports, and information relevant to the incident 
     investigation, available to the Secretary within the time 
     limits prescribed in a written request.''; and
       (4) indenting the first word of the last sentence and 
     inserting ``(4)'' before ``The Secretary'' in that sentence.

[[Page S1545]]

       (c) Penalty Authorities.--(1) Section 60122(a) is amended 
     by striking ``60114(c)'' and inserting ``60117(b)(3)''.
       (2) Section 60123(a) is amended by striking ``60114(c),'' 
     and inserting ``60117(b)(3),''.
       (d) Establishment of National Depository.--Section 60117 is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) National Depository.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     national depository of data on events and conditions, 
     including spill histories and corrective actions for specific 
     incidents, that can be used to evaluate the risk of, and to 
     prevent pipeline failures and releases. The Secretary shall 
     administer the program through the Bureau of Transportation 
     Statistics, in cooperation with the Research and Special 
     Programs Administration, and shall make such information 
     available for use by State and local planning and emergency 
     response authorities and the public.''.

     SEC. 770. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) Innovative Technology Development.
       (1) In general.--As part of the Department of 
     Transportation's research and development program, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall direct research attention 
     to the development of alternative technologies--
       (A) to expand the capabilities of internal inspection 
     devices to identify and accurately measure defects and 
     anomalies;
       (B) to inspect pipelines that cannot accommodate internal 
     inspection devices available on the date of enactment;
       (C) to develop innovative techniques measuring the 
     structural integrity of pipelines;
       (D) to improve the capability, reliability, and 
     practicality of external leak detection devices; and
       (E) to develop and improve alternative technologies to 
     identify and monitor outside force damage to pipelines.
       (2) Cooperative.--The Secretary may participate in 
     additional technological development through cooperative 
     agreements with trade associations, academic institutions, or 
     other qualified organizations.
       (b) Pipeline Safety and Reliability Research and 
     Development.
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Energy, shall develop and 
     implement an accelerated cooperative program of research and 
     development to ensure the integrity of natural gas and 
     hazardous liquid pipelines. This research and development 
     program--
       (A) shall include materials inspection techniques, risk 
     assessment methodology, and information systems surety; and
       (B) shall complement, and not replace, the research program 
     of the Department of Energy addressing natural gas pipeline 
     issues existing on the date of enactment of this Act.
       (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the cooperative research 
     program shall be to promote pipeline safety research and 
     development to--
       (A) ensure long-term safety, reliability and service life 
     for existing pipelines;
       (B) expand capabilities of internal inspection devices to 
     identify and accurately measure defects and anomalies;
       (C) develop inspection techniques for pipelines that cannot 
     accommodate the internal inspection devices available on the 
     date of enactment;
       (D) develop innovative techniques to measure the structural 
     integrity of pipelines to prevent pipeline failures;
       (E) develop improved materials and coatings for use in 
     pipelines;
       (F) improve the capability, reliability, and practicality 
     of external leak detection devices;
       (G) identify underground environments that might lead to 
     shortened service life;
       (H) enhance safety in pipeline siting and land use;
       (I) minimize the environmental impact of pipelines;
       (J) demonstrate technologies that improve pipeline safety, 
     reliability, and integrity;
       (K) provide risk assessment tools for optimizing risk 
     mitigation strategies; and
       (L) provide highly secure information systems for 
     controlling the operation of pipelines.
       (3) Areas.--In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary 
     of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of 
     Energy, shall consider research and development on natural 
     gas, crude oil and petroleum product pipelines for--
       (A) early crack, defect, and damage detection, including 
     real-time damage monitoring;
       (B) automated internal pipeline inspection sensor systems;
       (C) land use guidance and set back management along 
     pipeline rights-of-way for communities;
       (D) internal corrosion control;
       (E) corrosion-resistant coatings;
       (F) improve cathodic protection;
       (G) inspection techniques where internal inspection is not 
     feasible, including measurement of structural integrity;
       (H) external leak detection, including portable real-time 
     video imaging technology, and the advancement of computerized 
     control center leak detection systems utilizing real-time 
     remote field data input;
       (I) longer life, high strength, non-corrosive pipeline 
     materials;
       (J) assessing the remaining strength of existing pipes;
       (K) risk and reliability analysis models, to be used to 
     identify safety improvements that could be realized in the 
     near term resulting from analysis of data obtained from a 
     pipeline performance tracking initiative;
       (L) identification, monitoring, and prevention of outside 
     force damage, including satellite surveillance; and
       (M) any other areas necessary to ensuring the public safety 
     and protecting the environment.
       (4) Points of contact.--
       (A) In general.--To coordinate and implement the research 
     and development programs and activities authorized under this 
     subsection--
       (i) the Secretary of Transportation shall designate, as the 
     point of contact for the Department of Transportation, an 
     officer of the Department of Transportation who has been 
     appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate; and
       (ii) the Secretary of Energy shall designate, as the point 
     of contact for the Department of Energy, an officer of the 
     Department of Energy who has been appointed by the President 
     and confirmed by the Senate.
       (B) Duties.--
       (i) The point of contact for the Department of 
     Transportation shall have the primary responsibility for 
     coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the 
     research, development, and demonstration program plan under 
     paragraphs (5) and (6).
       (ii) The points of contact shall jointly assist in 
     arranging cooperative agreements for research, development 
     and demonstration involving their respective Departments, 
     national laboratories, universities, and industry research 
     organizations.
       (5) Research and development program plan.--Within 240 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy 
     and the Pipeline Integrity Technical Advisory Committee, 
     shall prepare and submit to the Congress a 5-year program 
     plan to guide activities under this subsection. In preparing 
     the program plan, the Secretary shall consult with 
     appropriate representatives of the natural gas, crude oil, 
     and petroleum product pipeline industries to select and 
     priortize appropriate project proposals. The Secretary may 
     also seek the advice of utilities, manufacturers, 
     institutions of higher learning, Federal agencies, the 
     pipeline research institutions, national laboratories, State 
     pipeline safety officials, environmental organizations, 
     pipeline safety advocates, and professional and technical 
     societies.
       (6) Implementation.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     have primary responsibility for ensuring the 5-year plan 
     provided for in paragraph (5) is implemented as intended. In 
     carrying out the research, development, and demonstration 
     activities under this paragraph, the Secretary of 
     Transportation and the Secretary of Energy may use, to the 
     extent authorized under applicable provisions of law, 
     contracts, cooperative agreements, cooperative research and 
     development agreements under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
     Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.), grants, 
     joint ventures, other transactions, and any other form of 
     agreement available to the Secretary consistent with the 
     recommendations of the Advisory Committee.
       (7) Reports to congress.--The Secretary of Transportation 
     shall report to the Congress annually as to the status and 
     results to date of the implementation of the research and 
     development program plan. The report shall include the 
     activities of the Department of Transportation and Energy, 
     the national laboratories, universities, and any other 
     research organizations, including industry research 
     organizations.

     SEC. 771. PIPELINE INTEGRITY TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy 
     of Sciences to establish and manage the Pipeline Integrity 
     Technical Committee for the purpose of advising the Secretary 
     of Transportation and the Secretary of Energy on the 
     development and implementation of the 5-year research, 
     development, and demonstration program plan under section 
     770(b)(5). The Advisory Committee shall have an ongoing role 
     in evaluating the progress and results of the research, 
     development, and demonstration carried out under that 
     section.
       (b) Membership.--The National Academy of Sciences shall 
     appoint the members of the Pipeline Integrity Technical 
     Advisory Committee after consultation with the Secretary of 
     Transportation and the Secretary of Energy. Members appointed 
     to the Advisory Committee should have the necessary 
     qualifications to provide technical contributions to the 
     purposes of the Advisory Committee.

     SEC. 772. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Gas and Hazardous Liquids.--Section 60125(a) is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(a) Gas and Hazardous Liquid.--To carry out this chapter 
     and other pipeline-related damage prevention activities of 
     this title (except for section 60107), there are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation--
     $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005 
     of which $23,000,000 is to be derived from user fees for 
     fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005 collected under section 
     60301 of this title.''.
       (b) Grants to States.--Section 60125(c) is amended to read 
     as follows:
       ``(c) State Grants.--Not more than the following amounts 
     may be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out section 
     60107--$20,000,000 for the fiscal years 2003, 2004, and

[[Page S1546]]

     2005 of which $18,000,000 is to be derived from user fees for 
     fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005 collected under section 
     60301 of this title.''.
       (c) Oil Spills.--Section 60125 is amended by redesignating 
     subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (e), (f), (g) 
     and inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.--Of the amounts 
     available in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, $8,000,000 
     shall be transferred to the Secretary of Transportation, as 
     provided in appropriation Acts, to carry out programs 
     authorized in this title for each of fiscal years 2003, 2004, 
     and 2005.''.
       (d) Pipeline Integrity Program.--(1) There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation for 
     carrying out sections 770(b) and 771 of this subtitle 
     $3,000,000, to be derived from user fees under section 60301 
     of title 49, United States Code, for each of the fiscal years 
     2003 through 2007.
       (2) Of the amounts available in the Oil Spill Liability 
     Trust Fund established by section 9509 of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9509), $3,000,000 shall be 
     transferred to the Secretary of Transportation, as provided 
     in appropriation Acts, to carry out programs for detection, 
     prevention and mitigation of oil spills under sections 770(b) 
     and 771 of this subtitle for each of the fiscal years 2003 
     through 2007.
       (3) There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Secretary of Energy for carrying out sections 770(b) and 771 
     of this subtitle such sums as may be necessary for each of 
     the fiscal years 2003 through 2007.

     SEC. 773. OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IN INVESTIGATIONS.

       (a) In General.--If the Department of Transportation or the 
     National Transportation Safety Board investigate an accident, 
     the operator involved shall make available to the 
     representative of the Department or the Board all records and 
     information that in any way pertain to the accident 
     (including integrity management plans and test results), and 
     shall afford all reasonable assistance in the investigation 
     of the accident.
       (b) Corrective Action Orders.--Section 60112(d) is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``Corrective Action 
     Orders.--''; and
       (2) by adding at the end of the following:
       ``(2) If, in the case of a corrective action order issued 
     following an accident, the Secretary determines that the 
     actions of an employee carrying out an activity regulated 
     under this chapter, including duties under section 60102(a), 
     may have contributed substantially to the cause of the 
     accident, the Secretary shall direct the operator to relieve 
     the employee from performing those activities, reassign the 
     employee, or place the employee on leave until the earlier of 
     the date on which--
       ``(A) the Secretary determines, after notice and an 
     opportunity for a hearing, that the employee's performance of 
     duty in carrying out the activity did not contribute 
     substantially to the cause of the accident; or
       ``(B) the Secretary determines the employees has been re-
     qualified or re-trained as provided for in section 763 of the 
     Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and can safety 
     perform those activities.
       ``(3) Action taken by an operator under paragraph (2) shall 
     be in accordance with the terms and conditions of any 
     applicable collective bargaining agreement to the extent it 
     is not inconsistent with the requirements of this section.''.

     SEC. 774. PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES PROVIDING PIPELINE SAFETY 
                   INFORMATION.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 601 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``Sec. 60129. Protection of employees providing pipeline 
       safety information

       ``(a) Discrimination Against Pipeline Employees.--No 
     pipeline operator or contractor or subcontractor of a 
     pipeline may discharge an employee or otherwise discriminate 
     against an employee with respect to compensation, terms, 
     conditions, or privileges or employment because the employee 
     (or any person acting pursuant to a request of the 
     employee)--
       ``(1) provided, caused to be provided, or is about to 
     provide (with any knowledge of the employer) or cause to be 
     provided to the employer or Federal Government information 
     relating to any violation or alleged violation of any older, 
     regulation, or standard of the Research and Special Programs 
     Administration or any other provision of Federal law relating 
     to pipeline safety under this chapter or any other law of the 
     United States;
       ``(2) has filed, caused to be filed, or is about to file 
     (with any knowledge of the employer) or cause to be filed a 
     proceeding relating to any violation or alleged violation of 
     any order, regulation, or standard of the Administration or 
     any other provision of Federal law relating to pipeline 
     safety under this chapter or any other law of the United 
     States;
       ``(3) testified or is about to testify in such a 
     proceeding; or
       ``(4) assisted or participated or is about to assist or 
     participate in such a proceeding.
       ``(b) Department of Labor Complaint Procedure.--
       ``(1) Filing and notification.--A person who believes that 
     he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated 
     against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, not 
     later than 90 days after the date on which such violation 
     occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a 
     complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discharge 
     or discrimination. Upon receipt of such a complaint, the 
     Secretary of Labor shall notify, in writing, the person named 
     in the complaint and the Administrator of the Research and 
     Special Programs Administration of the filing of the 
     complaint, of the allegations contained in the complaint, of 
     the substance of evidence supporting the complaint, and of 
     the opportunities that will be afforded to such person under 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Investigation; preliminary order.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     receipt of a complaint filed under paragraph (1) and after 
     affording the person named in the complaint an opportunity to 
     submit to the Secretary of Labor a written response to the 
     complaint and an opportunity to meet with a representative of 
     the Secretary to present statements from witnesses, the 
     Secretary of Labor shall conduct an investigation and 
     determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that 
     the complaint has merit and notify in writing the complainant 
     and the person alleged to have committed a violation of 
     subsection (a) of the Secretary's findings. If the Secretary 
     of Labor concludes that there is reasonable cause to believe 
     that a violation of subsection (a) has occurred, the 
     Secretary shall accompany the Secretary's findings with a 
     preliminary order providing the relief prescribed by 
     paragraph (3)(B). Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     notification of findings under this paragraph, either the 
     person alleged to have committed the violation or the 
     complainant may file objections to the findings or 
     preliminary order, or both, and request a hearing on the 
     record. The filing of such objections shall not operate to 
     stay any reinstatement remedy contained in the preliminary 
     order. Such hearings shall be conducted expeditiously. If 
     a hearing is not requested in such 30-day period, the 
     preliminary order shall be deemed a final order that is 
     not subject to judicial review.
       ``(B) Requirements.--
       ``(i) Required showing by complainant.--The Secretary of 
     labor shall dismiss a complaint filed under this subsection 
     and shall not conduct an investigation otherwise required 
     under subparagraph (A) unless the complainant makes a prima 
     facie showing that any behavior described in paragraphs (1) 
     through (4) of subsection (a) was a contributing factor in 
     the unfavorable personnel action alleged in the complaint.
       ``(ii) Showing by employer.--Notwithstanding a finding by 
     the Secretary that the complainant has made the showing 
     required under clause (i), no investigation otherwise 
     required under subparagraph (A) shall be conducted if the 
     employer demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that 
     the employer would have taken the same unfavorable personnel 
     action in the absence of that behavior.
       ``(iii) Criteria for determination by secretary.--The 
     Secretary may determine that a violation of subsection (a) 
     has occurred only if the complainant demonstrates that any 
     behavior described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of 
     subsection (a) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable 
     personnel action alleged in the complaint.
       ``(iv) Prohibition.--Relief may not be ordered under 
     subparagraph (A) if the employer demonstrates by clear and 
     convincing evidence that the employer would have taken the 
     same unfavorable personnel action in the absence of that 
     behavior.
       ``(3) Final order.--
       ``(A) Deadline for issuance; settlement agreements.--Not 
     later than 120 days after the date of conclusion of a hearing 
     under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Labor shall issue a 
     final order providing the relief prescribed by this paragraph 
     or denying the complaint. At any time before issuance of a 
     final order, a proceeding under this subsection may be 
     terminated on the basis of a settlement agreement entered 
     into the Secretary of Labor, the complainant, and the person 
     alleged to have committed the violation.
       ``(B) Remedy.--If, in response to a complaint filed under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor determines that a 
     violation of subsection (a) has occurred, the Secretary of 
     Labor shall order the person who committed such violation 
     to--
       ``(i) take affirmative action to abate the violation;
       ``(ii) reinstate the complainant to his or her former 
     position together with the compensation (including back pay) 
     and restore the terms, conditions, and privileges associated 
     with his or her employment; and
       ``(iii) provide compensatory damages to the complainant.

     If such an order is issued under this paragraph, the 
     Secretary of Labor, at the request of the complainant, shall 
     assess against the person whom the order is issued a sum 
     equal to the aggregate amount of all costs and expenses 
     (including attorney's and expert witness fees) reasonably 
     incurred, as determined by the Secretary of Labor, by the 
     complainant for, or in connection with, the bringing the 
     complaint upon which the order was issued.
       ``(C) Frivolous complaints.--If the Secretary of Labor 
     finds that a complaint under paragraph (1) is frivolous or 
     has been brought in bad faith, the Secretary of Labor may 
     award to the prevailing employer a reasonably attorney's fee 
     not exceeding $1,000.
       ``(4) Review.--
       ``(A) Appeal to court of appeals. Any person adversely 
     affected or aggrieved by an order issued under paragraph (3) 
     may obtain review of the order in the United States Court of 
     Appeals for the circuit in which the violation, with 
     respect to which the order was issued, allegedly occurred 
     or the circuit in which the complainant resided on the 
     date

[[Page S1547]]

     of such violation, The petition for review must be filed 
     not later than 60 days after the date of issuance of the 
     final order of the Secretary of Labor. Review shall 
     conform to chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code. The 
     commencement of proceedings under this subparagraph shall 
     not, unless ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the 
     order.
       ``(B) Limitation on collateral attack.--An order of the 
     Secretary of Labor with respect to which review could have 
     been obtained under subparagraph (A) shall not be subject to 
     judicial review in any criminal or other civil proceeding.
       ``(5) Enforcement of order by secretary of labor.--Whenever 
     any person has failed to comply with an order issued under 
     paragraph (3), the Secretary of Labor may file a civil action 
     in the United States district court for the district in which 
     the violation was found to occur to enforce such order. In 
     actions brought under this paragraph, the district courts 
     shall have jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief, 
     including, but not to be limited to, injunctive relief and 
     compensatory damages.
       ``(6) Enforcemence of order by parties.--
       ``(A) Commencemnt of action.--A person on whose behalf an 
     order-was issued under paragraph (3) may commence a civil 
     action against the person to whom such order was issued to 
     require compliance with such order. The appropriate United 
     States district court shall have jurisdiction, without regard 
     to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the 
     parties, to enforce such order.
       ``(B) Attorney fees.--The court, in issuing any final order 
     under this paragraph, may award costs of litigation 
     (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to 
     any party whenever the court determines such award costs is 
     appropriate.
       ``(c) Manadamus.--any nondiscretionary duty impose by this 
     section shall be enforceable in a mandamus proceeding brought 
     under section 1361 of title 28, United States Code.
       ``(d) Nonapplicability to Deliberate Violation.--Subsection 
     (a) shall not apply with respect to an employee of a 
     pipeline, contractor or subcontractor who, acting without 
     direction from the pipeline contractor or subcontractor (or 
     such person's agent), deliberately causes a violation of any 
     requirement relating to pipeline safety under this chapter or 
     any other law of the United States.
       ``(e) Contractor Defined.--In this section, the term 
     `contractor' means a company that performs safety-sensitive 
     functions by contract for a pipeline.''.
       (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 60122(a) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(3) A person violating section 60129, or an order issued 
     thereunder, is liable to the Government for a civil penalty 
     of not more than $1,000 for each violation. The penalties 
     provided by paragraph (1) do not apply to a violation of 
     section 60129 or an order issued thereunder.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     601 is amended by adding at the end the following:

``60129. Protection of employees providing pipeline safety 
              information.''.

     SEC. 775. STATE PIPELINE SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

       Within 90 days after receiving recommendations for 
     improvements to pipeline safety from an advisory committee 
     appointed by the Governor of any State, the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall respond in writing to the committee 
     setting forth what action, if any, the Secretary will take on 
     those recommendations and the Secretary's reasons for acting 
     or not acting upon any of the recommendations.

     SEC. 776. FINES AND PENALTIES.

       The Inspector General of the Department of Transportation 
     shall conduct an analysis of the Department's assessment of 
     fines and penalties on gas transmission and hazardous liquid 
     pipelines, including the cost of corrective actions required 
     by the Department in lieu of fines, and, no later than 6 
     months after the date of enactment of this Act, shall provide 
     a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure on any findings and recommendations for 
     actions by the Secretary or Congress to ensure the fines 
     assessed are an effective deterrent for reducing safety 
     risks.

     SEC. 777. STUDY OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY.

       The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to conduct a 
     study on how best to preserve environmental resources in 
     conjunction with maintaining pipeline rights-of-way. The 
     study shall recognize pipeline operators' regulatory 
     obligations to maintain rights-of-way and to protect public 
     safety.

     SEC. 778. STUDY OF NATURAL GAS RESERVE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that:
       (1) In the last few months, natural gas prices across the 
     country have tripled.
       (2) In California, natural gas prices have increased 
     twenty-fold, from $3 per million British thermal units to 
     nearly $60 per million British thermal units.
       (3) One of the major causes of these price increases is a 
     lack of supply, including a lack of natural gas reserves.
       (4) The lack of a reserve was compounded by the rupture of 
     an El Paso Natural Gas Company pipeline in Carlsbad, New 
     Mexico on August 1, 2000.
       (5) Improving pipeline safety will help prevent similar 
     accidents that interrupt the supply of natural gas and will 
     help save lives.
       (6) It is also necessary to find solutions for the lack of 
     natural gas reserves that could be used during emergencies.
       (b) Study by the National Academy of Sciences.--The 
     Secretary of Energy shall request the National Academy of 
     Sciences to--
       (1) conduct a study to--
       (A) determine the causes of recent increases in the price 
     of natural gas, including whether the increases have been 
     caused by problems with the supply of natural gas or by 
     problems with the natural gas transmission system;
       (B) identify any Federal or State policies that may have 
     contributed to the price increases; and
       (C) determine what Federal action would be necessary to 
     improve the reserve supply of natural gas for use in 
     situations of natural gas shortages and price increases, 
     including determining the feasibility and advisability of a 
     Federal strategic natural gas reserve system; and
       (2) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, submit to Congress a report on the results of the 
     study.

     SEC. 779. STUDY AND REPORT ON NATURAL GAS PIPELINE AND 
                   STORAGE FACILITIES IN NEW ENGLAND.

       (a) Study.--The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in 
     consultation with the Department of Energy, shall conduct a 
     study on the natural gas pipeline transmission network in New 
     England and natural gas storage facilities associated with 
     that network. In carrying out the study, the Commission shall 
     consider--
       (1) the ability of natural gas pipeline and storage 
     facilities in New England to meet current and projected 
     demand by gas-fired power generation plants and other 
     consumers;
       (2) capacity constraints during unusual weather periods;
       (3) potential constraint points in regional, interstate, 
     and international pipeline capacity serving New England; and
       (4) the quality and efficiency of the Federal environmental 
     review and permitting process for natural gas pipelines.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory 
     Commission shall prepare and submit to the Senate Committee 
     on Energy and Natural Resources and the appropriate committee 
     of the House of Representatives a report containing the 
     results of the study conducted under subsection (a), 
     including recommendations for addressing potential natural 
     gas transmission and storage capacity problems in New 
     England.

            Part 3--Pipeline Security Sensitive Information

     SEC. 781. MEETING COMMUNITY RIGHT TO KNOW WITHOUT SECURITY 
                   RISKS.

       Section 60117 is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(1) Withholding certain information.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this chapter requiring the Secretary to provide information 
     obtained by the Secretary or an officer, employee, or agent 
     in carrying out this chapter to State or local government 
     officials, the public or any other person, the Secretary 
     shall withhold such information if it is information that is 
     described in section 552(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States 
     Code.
       ``(2) Conditional release.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), 
     upon, the receipt of assurances satisfactory to the Secretary 
     that the information will be handled appropriately, the 
     Secretary may provide information permitted to be withheld 
     under that paragraph--
       ``(A) to the owner or operator of the affected pipeline 
     system;
       ``(B) to an officer, employee or agent of a Federal, State, 
     Tribal, or local government, including a volunteer fire 
     department, concerned with carrying out this chapter, with 
     protecting the facilities, with protecting public safety, or 
     with national security issues.
       ``(C) in an administrative or judicial proceeding brought 
     under this chapter or an administrative or judicial 
     proceeding that addresses terrorist actions or threats of 
     such actions; or
       ``(D) to such other persons as the Secretary determines 
     necessary to protect public safety and security.
       ``(3) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall provide an 
     annual report to the Congress, in appropriate form as 
     determined by the Secretary, containing a summary of 
     determinations made by the Secretary during the preceding 
     year to withhold information from release under paragraph 
     (1).''.

     SEC. 782. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SECURITY OF PIPELINE 
                   FACILITIES.

       The Secretary of Transportation may provide technical 
     assistance to an operator of a pipeline facility or to State, 
     Tribal, or local officials to prevent or respond to acts of 
     terrorism that may impact the pipeline facility, including--
       (1) actions by the Secretary that support the use of 
     National Guard or State or Federal personnel to provide 
     additional security for a pipeline facility at risk of 
     terrorist attack or in response to such an attack;
       (2) use of resources available to the Secretary to develop 
     and implement security measures for a pipeline facility;
       (3) identification of security issues with respect to the 
     operation of a pipeline facility; and
       (4) the provision of information and guidance on security 
     practices that prevent damage to pipeline facilities from 
     terrorist attacks.

[[Page S1548]]

       Strike section 1262.

                          ____________________