[114th Congress Public Law 183]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page 513]]

    PROTECTING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE OF PIPELINES AND ENHANCING SAFETY 
                               ACT OF 2016

[[Page 130 STAT. 514]]

Public Law 114-183
114th Congress

                                 An Act


 
  To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide enhanced safety in 
   pipeline transportation, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: June 22, 
                          2016 -  [S. 2276]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Protecting our 
Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2016. 49 USC 
60101 note.>> 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting our 
Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2016'' or the 
``PIPES Act of 2016''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 3. Regulatory updates.
Sec. 4. Natural gas integrity management review.
Sec. 5. Hazardous liquid integrity management review.
Sec. 6. Technical safety standards committees.
Sec. 7. Inspection report information.
Sec. 8. Improving damage prevention technology.
Sec. 9. Workforce management.
Sec. 10. Information-sharing system.
Sec. 11. Nationwide integrated pipeline safety regulatory database.
Sec. 12. Underground gas storage facilities.
Sec. 13. Joint inspection and oversight.
Sec. 14. Safety data sheets.
Sec. 15. Hazardous materials identification numbers.
Sec. 16. Emergency order authority.
Sec. 17. State grant funds.
Sec. 18. Response plans.
Sec. 19. Unusually sensitive areas.
Sec. 20. Pipeline safety technical assistance grants.
Sec. 21. Study of materials and corrosion prevention in pipeline 
           transportation.
Sec. 22. Research and development.
Sec. 23. Active and abandoned pipelines.
Sec. 24. State pipeline safety agreements.
Sec. 25. Requirements for certain hazardous liquid pipeline facilities.
Sec. 26. Study on propane gas pipeline facilities.
Sec. 27. Standards for certain liquefied natural gas pipeline 
           facilities.
Sec. 28. Pipeline odorization study.
Sec. 29. Report on natural gas leak reporting.
Sec. 30. Review of State policies relating to natural gas leaks.
Sec. 31. Aliso Canyon natural gas leak task force.

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Gas and Hazardous Liquid.--Section 60125(a) of title 49, United 
States Code 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

[[Page 130 STAT. 515]]

        out such section 12 and $36,194,000 is for making grants.'' and 
        inserting the following: ``there is authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Department of Transportation from fees 
        collected under section 60301--
                    ``(A) $124,500,000 for fiscal year 2016, of which 
                $9,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $39,385,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants;
                    ``(B) $128,000,000 for fiscal year 2017 of which 
                $9,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $41,885,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants;
                    ``(C) $131,000,000 for fiscal year 2018, of which 
                $9,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $44,885,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants; and
                    ``(D) $134,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which 
                $9,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $47,885,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants.'';
            (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 is 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) $22,123,000 for fiscal year 2016, of which 
                $3,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $8,067,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants;
                    ``(B) $22,123,000 for fiscal year 2017, of which 
                $3,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $8,067,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants;
                    ``(C) $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2018, of which 
                $3,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $8,067,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants; and
                    ``(D) $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which 
                $3,000,000 shall be expended for carrying out such 
                section 12 and $8,067,000 shall be expended for making 
                grants.''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Underground natural gas storage facility safety 
        account.--To carry out section 60141, there is authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Department of Transportation from fees 
        collected under section 60302 $8,000,000 for each of fiscal 
        years 2017 through 2019.''.

    (b) Operational Expenses.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Secretary of Transportation for the necessary operational 
expenses of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 
the following amounts:
    (1) $21,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
    (2) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.
    (3) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.

[[Page 130 STAT. 516]]

    (4) $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.
    (c) One-Call Notification Programs.--
            (1) In general.--Section 6107 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 6107. Funding

    ``Of the amounts made available under section 60125(a)(1), the 
Secretary shall expend $1,058,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 
2019 to carry out section 6106.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 61 of 
        title 49, United States Code, <<NOTE: 49 USC prec. 6101.>>  is 
        amended by striking the item relating to section 6107 and 
        inserting the following:

``6107. Funding.''.

    (d) Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities.--The first 
sentence of section 60130(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: ``Of the amounts made available under section 2(b) 
of the PIPES Act of 2016, the Secretary shall expend $1,500,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2016 through 2019 to carry out this section.''.
    (e) 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''.
SEC. 3. REGULATORY UPDATES.

    (a) Publication.--
            (1) <<NOTE: Web posting. Notification.>>  In general.--The 
        Secretary of Transportation shall publish an update on a 
        publicly available Web site of the Department of Transportation 
        regarding the status of a final rule for each outstanding 
        regulation, and upon such publication notify the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee 
        on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives that such 
        publication has been made.
            (2) <<NOTE: Federal Register, publication.>>  Deadlines.--
        The Secretary shall publish an update under this subsection not 
        later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and 
        every 90 days thereafter until a final rule has been published 
        in the Federal Register for each outstanding regulation.

    (b) Contents.--The Secretary shall include in each update published 
under subsection (a)--
            (1) a description of the work plan for each outstanding 
        regulation;
            (2) an updated rulemaking timeline for each outstanding 
        regulation;
            (3) current staff allocations with respect to each 
        outstanding regulation;
            (4) any resource constraints affecting the rulemaking 
        process for each outstanding regulation;
            (5) any other details associated with the development of 
        each outstanding regulation that affect the progress of the 
        rulemaking process; and
            (6) a description of all rulemakings regarding gas or 
        hazardous liquid pipeline facilities published in the Federal 
        Register that are not identified under subsection (c).

[[Page 130 STAT. 517]]

    (c) Outstanding Regulation Defined.--In this section, the term 
``outstanding regulation'' means--
            (1) a final rule required under the Pipeline Safety, 
        Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (Public Law 
        112-90) that has not been published in the Federal Register; and
            (2) a final rule regarding gas or hazardous liquid pipeline 
        facilities required under this Act or an Act enacted prior to 
        the date of enactment of this Act (other than the Pipeline 
        Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 
        (Public Law 112-90)) that has not been published in the Federal 
        Register.
SEC. 4. NATURAL GAS INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT REVIEW.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of publication 
in the Federal Register of a final rule regarding the safety of gas 
transmission pipelines related to the notice of proposed rulemaking 
issued on April 8, 2016, titled ``Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas 
Transmission and Gathering Pipelines'' (81 Fed. Reg. 20721), the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report regarding the 
integrity management programs for gas pipeline facilities required under 
section 60109(c) of title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
include--
            (1) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of stakeholder 
        perspectives, taking into consideration technical, operational, 
        and economic feasibility, regarding ways to enhance pipeline 
        facility safety, prevent inadvertent releases from pipeline 
        facilities, and mitigate any adverse consequences of such 
        inadvertent releases, including changes to the definition of 
        high consequence area, or expanding integrity management beyond 
        high consequence areas;
            (2) <<NOTE: Review.>>  a review of the types of benefits, 
        including safety benefits, and estimated costs of the legacy 
        class location regulations;
            (3) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of the impact pipeline 
        facility features, including the age, condition, materials, and 
        construction of a pipeline facility, have on safety and risk 
        analysis of a particular pipeline facility;
            (4) a description of any challenges affecting Federal or 
        State regulators in the oversight of gas transmission pipeline 
        facilities and how the challenges are being addressed; and
            (5) a description of any challenges affecting the natural 
        gas industry in complying with the programs, and how the 
        challenges are being addressed, including any challenges faced 
        by publicly owned natural gas distribution systems.

    (c) Definition of High Consequence Area.--In this section, the term 
``high consequence area'' has the meaning given the term in section 
192.903 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 5. HAZARDOUS LIQUID INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT REVIEW.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of publication 
in the Federal Register of a final rule regarding the safety of 
hazardous liquid pipeline facilities related to the notice of proposed 
rulemaking issued on October 13, 2015, titled ``Pipeline Safety: Safety 
of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' (80 Fed. Reg. 61610),

[[Page 130 STAT. 518]]

the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report regarding 
the integrity management programs for hazardous liquid pipeline 
facilities, as regulated under sections 195.450 and 195.452 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  Contents.--The report required under 
subsection (a) shall include--
            (1) taking into consideration technical, operational, and 
        economic feasibility, an analysis of stakeholder perspectives 
        on--
                    (A) ways to enhance hazardous liquid pipeline 
                facility safety;
                    (B) risk factors that may warrant more frequent 
                inspections of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities; and
                    (C) changes to the definition of high consequence 
                area;
            (2) an analysis of how surveying, assessment, mitigation, 
        and monitoring activities, including real-time hazardous liquid 
        pipeline facility monitoring during significant flood events and 
        information sharing with Federal agencies, are being used to 
        address risks associated with rivers, flood plains, lakes, and 
        coastal areas;
            (3) an analysis of the impact pipeline facility features, 
        including the age, condition, materials, and construction of a 
        pipeline facility, have on safety and risk analysis of a 
        particular pipeline facility and what changes to the definition 
        of high consequence area could be made to improve pipeline 
        facility safety; and
            (4) a description of any challenges affecting Federal or 
        State regulators in the oversight of hazardous liquid pipeline 
        facilities and how those challenges are being addressed.

    (c) Definition of High Consequence Area.--In this section, the term 
``high consequence area'' has the meaning given the term in section 
195.450 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 6. TECHNICAL SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEES.

    (a) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  Appointment of Members.--Section 
60115(b)(4)(A) of title 49, United States Code, 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 
utility regulators before making a selection under this subparagraph.''.

    (b) Vacancies.--Section 60115(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) <<NOTE: Deadlines.>>  Within 90 days of the date of enactment 
of the PIPES Act of 2016, the Secretary shall fill all vacancies on the 
Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, the Technical Hazardous 
Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, and any other committee 
established pursuant to this section. After that period, the Secretary 
shall fill a vacancy on any such committee not later than 60 days after 
the vacancy occurs.''.
SEC. 7. INSPECTION REPORT INFORMATION.

    (a) Inspection and Maintenance.--Section 60108 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

[[Page 130 STAT. 519]]

    ``(e) In General.--After the completion of a Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration pipeline safety inspection, the 
Administrator of such Administration, or the State authority certified 
under section 60105 of title 49, United States Code, to conduct such 
inspection, shall--
                    ``(1) within 30 days, conduct a post-inspection 
                briefing with the owner or operator of the gas or 
                hazardous liquid pipeline facility inspected outlining 
                any concerns; and
                    ``(2) within 90 days, to the extent practicable, 
                provide the owner or operator with written preliminary 
                findings of the inspection.''.

    (b) Notification.--Not later than October 1, 2017, and each fiscal 
year thereafter for 2 years, the Administrator shall notify the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of--
            (1) the number of times a deadline under section 60108(e) of 
        title 49, United States Code, was exceeded in the prior fiscal 
        year; and
            (2) in each instance, the length of time by which the 
        deadline was exceeded.
SEC. 8. IMPROVING DAMAGE PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  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 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 to improve existing 
        damage prevention programs through location and mapping 
        practices or technologies in an effort to reduce releases caused 
        by excavation;
            (2) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of how increased use of 
        global positioning system 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 to improve excavation 
        practices or technologies in an effort to reduce pipeline 
        damage;
            (4) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  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 shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce of the House of Representatives

[[Page 130 STAT. 520]]

a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection 
(a), 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 help prevent excavation damage.
SEC. 9. <<NOTE: 49 USC 108 note.>>  WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT.

    (a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  Review.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
Department of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, a review of Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration staff resource management, 
including--
            (1) <<NOTE: Plans.>>  geographic allocation plans, hiring 
        and time-to-hire challenges, and expected retirement rates and 
        recruitment and retention strategies;
            (2) an identification and description of any previous 
        periods of macroeconomic and pipeline industry conditions under 
        which the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 
        has encountered difficulty in filling vacancies, and the degree 
        to which special hiring authorities, including direct hiring 
        authority authorized by the Office of Personnel Management, 
        could have ameliorated such difficulty; and
            (3) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  recommendations to address 
        hiring challenges, training needs, and any other identified 
        staff resource challenges.

    (b) Direct Hiring.--Upon identification of a period described in 
subsection (a)(2), the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration may apply to the Office of Personnel 
Management for the authority to appoint qualified candidates to any 
position relating to pipeline safety, as determined by the 
Administrator, without regard to sections 3309 through 3319 of title 5, 
United States Code.
    (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall preclude the 
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration from applying to the Office of Personnel Management for 
the authority described in subsection (b) prior to the completion of the 
report required under subsection (a).
SEC. 10. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60108 note. Deadline. Establishment.>>  
                      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 information-
sharing system to encourage collaborative efforts to improve inspection 
information feedback and information sharing with the purpose of 
improving gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipeline facility 
integrity risk analysis.
    (b) Membership.--The working group convened pursuant to subsection 
(a) shall include representatives from--
            (1) the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
        Administration;
            (2) industry stakeholders, including operators of pipeline 
        facilities, inspection technology, coating, and cathodic 
        protection vendors, and pipeline inspection organizations;
            (3) safety advocacy groups;
            (4) research institutions;

[[Page 130 STAT. 521]]

            (5) State public utility commissions or State officials 
        responsible for pipeline safety oversight;
            (6) State pipeline safety inspectors;
            (7) labor representatives; and
            (8) other entities, as determined appropriate by the 
        Secretary.

    (c) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  Considerations.--The working group 
convened pursuant to subsection (a) shall consider and provide 
recommendations to the Secretary on--
            (1) the need for, and the identification of, a system to 
        ensure that dig verification data are shared with in-line 
        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;
            (5) means and best practices for the protection of safety- 
        and security-sensitive information and proprietary information; 
        and
            (6) regulatory, funding, and legal barriers to sharing the 
        information described in paragraphs (1) through (4).

    (d) <<NOTE: Web posting.>>  Publication.--The Secretary shall 
publish the recommendations provided under subsection (c) on a publicly 
available Web site of the Department of Transportation.
SEC. 11. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60108 note.>>  NATIONWIDE INTEGRATED 
                      PIPELINE SAFETY REGULATORY DATABASE.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the feasibility of 
establishing 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 submitted under subsection (a) shall 
include--
            (1) a description of any efforts 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 sharing 
        the data;

[[Page 130 STAT. 522]]

            (3) a description of any 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 safety regulatory inspection 
        database; and
            (5) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  recommendations, including 
        those of stakeholders for how to implement a secure information-
        sharing system that protects proprietary and security sensitive 
        information and data for the purpose described in subsection 
        (a).

    (c) Consultation.--In implementing this section, 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.
    (d) Establishment of Database.--The Secretary may establish, if 
appropriate, a national integrated pipeline safety regulatory database--
            (1) after submission of the report required under subsection 
        (a); or
            (2) <<NOTE: Notification.>>  upon notification to the 
        Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee 
        on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
        of the need to establish such database prior to the submission 
        of the report under subsection (a).
SEC. 12. UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE FACILITIES.

    (a) Defined Term.--Section 60101(a) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (21)(B) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting a semicolon;
            (2) in paragraph (22)(B)(iii) by striking the period at the 
        end and inserting a semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (24) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (4) in paragraph (25) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (5) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(26) `underground natural gas storage facility' means a 
        gas pipeline facility that stores natural 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 Gas Storage Facilities.--Chapter 601 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``Sec. 60141. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60141.>>  Standards for underground 
                    natural gas storage facilities

    ``(a) <<NOTE: Deadline. Consultation.>>  Minimum Safety Standards.--
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the PIPES Act of 
2016, the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other relevant 
Federal agencies, shall issue minimum safety standards for underground 
natural gas storage facilities.

    ``(b) Considerations.--In developing the safety standards required 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable--

[[Page 130 STAT. 523]]

            ``(1) consider consensus standards for the operation, 
        environmental protection, and integrity management of 
        underground natural gas storage facilities;
            ``(2) consider the economic impacts of the regulations on 
        individual gas customers;
            ``(3) ensure that the regulations do not have a significant 
        economic impact on end users; and
            ``(4) consider the recommendations of the Aliso Canyon 
        natural gas leak task force established under section 31 of the 
        PIPES Act of 2016.

    ``(c) Federal-State Cooperation.--The Secretary may authorize a 
State authority (including a municipality) to participate in the 
oversight of underground natural gas storage facilities in the same 
manner as provided in sections 60105 and 60106.
    ``(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 PIPES Act of 2016.
            ``(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).

    ``(e) Preemption.--A State authority may adopt additional or more 
stringent safety standards for intrastate underground natural gas 
storage facilities if such standards are compatible with the minimum 
standards prescribed under this section.
    ``(f) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to affect the Secretary's authority under this title to 
regulate the underground storage of gas that is not natural gas.''.
    (c) User Fees.--Chapter 603 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 60301 the following:
``Sec. 60302. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60302.>>  User fees for underground 
                    natural gas storage facilities

    ``(a) In General.--A fee shall be imposed on an entity operating an 
underground natural gas storage facility subject to section 60141. Any 
such fee imposed shall be collected before the end of the fiscal year to 
which it applies.
    ``(b) <<NOTE: Procedures.>>  Means of Collection.--The Secretary of 
Transportation shall prescribe procedures to collect fees under this 
section. 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.

    ``(c) Use of Fees.--
            ``(1) Account.--There is established an Underground Natural 
        Gas Storage Facility Safety Account in the Pipeline Safety Fund 
        established in the Treasury of the United States under section 
        60301.
            ``(2) Use of fees.--A fee collected under this section--
                    ``(A) shall be deposited in the Underground Natural 
                Gas Storage Facility Safety Account; and

[[Page 130 STAT. 524]]

                    ``(B) if the fee is related to an underground 
                natural gas storage facility subject to section 60141, 
                the amount of the fee may be used only for an activity 
                related to underground natural gas storage facility 
                safety.
            ``(3) Limitation.--No fee may be collected under this 
        section, except to the extent that the expenditure of such fee 
        to pay the costs of an activity related to underground natural 
        gas storage facility safety for which such fee is imposed is 
        provided in advance in an appropriations Act.''.

    (d) Clerical Amendments.--
            (1) Chapter 601.--The table of sections for chapter 601 of 
        title 49, United States Code, <<NOTE: 49 USC prec. 60101.>>  is 
        amended by adding at the end the following:

``60141. Standards for underground natural gas storage facilities.''.

            (2) Chapter 603.--The table of sections for chapter 603 of 
        title 49, United States Code, <<NOTE: 49 USC prec. 60103.>>  is 
        amended by inserting after the item relating to section 60301 
        the following:

``60302. User fees for underground natural gas storage facilities.''.

SEC. 13. JOINT INSPECTION AND OVERSIGHT.

    Section 60106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(f) Joint Inspectors.--At the request of a State authority, the 
Secretary shall allow for a certified State authority under section 
60105 to participate in the inspection of an interstate pipeline 
facility.''.
SEC. 14. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60117 note. Deadline.>>  SAFETY DATA 
                      SHEETS.

    (a) In General.--Each owner or operator of a hazardous liquid 
pipeline facility, following an accident involving such pipeline 
facility that results in a hazardous liquid spill, shall provide safety 
data sheets on any spilled hazardous liquid to the designated Federal 
On-Scene Coordinator and appropriate State and local emergency 
responders within 6 hours of a telephonic or electronic notice of the 
accident to the National Response Center.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Federal on-scene coordinator.--The term ``Federal On-
        Scene Coordinator'' has the meaning given such term in section 
        311(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
        1321(a)).
            (2) National response center.--The term ``National Response 
        Center'' means the center described under section 300.125(a) of 
        title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (3) Safety data sheet.--The term ``safety data sheet'' means 
        a safety data sheet required under section 1910.1200 of title 
        29, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 15. <<NOTE: Deadline. Regulations. Public information.>>  
                      HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS.

    Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Transportation shall issue an advanced notice of proposed 
rulemaking to take public comment on the petition for rulemaking dated 
October 28, 2015, titled ``Corrections to Title 49 CFR 172.336 
Identification numbers; special provisions'' (P-1667).

[[Page 130 STAT. 525]]

SEC. 16. EMERGENCY ORDER AUTHORITY.

    Section 60117 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(o) Emergency Order Authority.--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  In general.--If the 
        Secretary determines that an unsafe condition or practice, or a 
        combination of unsafe conditions and practices, constitutes or 
        is causing an imminent hazard, the Secretary may issue an 
        emergency order described in paragraph (3) imposing emergency 
        restrictions, prohibitions, and safety measures on owners and 
        operators of gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities without 
        prior notice or an opportunity for a hearing, but only to the 
        extent necessary to abate the imminent hazard.
            ``(2) Considerations.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Before issuing an emergency order 
                under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider, as 
                appropriate, the following factors:
                          ``(i) The impact of the emergency order on 
                      public health and safety.
                          ``(ii) The impact, if any, of the emergency 
                      order on the national or regional economy or 
                      national security.
                          ``(iii) The impact of the emergency order on 
                      the ability of owners and operators of pipeline 
                      facilities to maintain reliability and continuity 
                      of service to customers.
                    ``(B) Consultation.--In considering the factors 
                under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consult, as 
                the Secretary determines appropriate, with appropriate 
                Federal agencies, State agencies, and other entities 
                knowledgeable in pipeline safety or operations.
            ``(3) Written order.--An emergency order issued by the 
        Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1) with respect to an imminent 
        hazard shall contain a written description of--
                    ``(A) the violation, condition, or practice that 
                constitutes or is causing the imminent hazard;
                    ``(B) the entities subject to the order;
                    ``(C) the restrictions, prohibitions, or safety 
                measures imposed;
                    ``(D) the standards and procedures for obtaining 
                relief from the order;
                    ``(E) how the order is tailored to abate the 
                imminent hazard and the reasons the authorities under 
                section 60112 and 60117(l) are insufficient to do so; 
                and
                    ``(F) how the considerations were taken into account 
                pursuant to paragraph (2).
            ``(4) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  Opportunity for review.--
        Upon receipt of a petition for review from an entity subject to, 
        and aggrieved by, an emergency order issued under this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for a 
        review of the order under section 554 of title 5 to determine 
        whether the order should remain in effect, be modified, or be 
        terminated.
            ``(5) <<NOTE: Time period. Determination.>>  Expiration of 
        effectiveness order.--If a petition for review of an emergency 
        order is filed under paragraph (4) and an agency decision with 
        respect to the petition is not issued on or before the last day 
        of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the petition 
        is filed, the order shall

[[Page 130 STAT. 526]]

        cease to be effective on such day, unless the Secretary 
        determines in writing on or before the last day of such period 
        that the imminent hazard still exists.
            ``(6) Judicial review of orders.--
                    ``(A) In general.--After completion of the review 
                process described in paragraph (4), or the issuance of a 
                written determination by the Secretary pursuant to 
                paragraph (5), an entity subject to, and aggrieved by, 
                an emergency order issued under this subsection may seek 
                judicial review of the order in a district court of the 
                United States and shall be given expedited 
                consideration.
                    ``(B) Limitation.--The filing of a petition for 
                review under subparagraph (A) shall not stay or modify 
                the force and effect of the agency's final decision 
                under paragraph (4), or the written determination under 
                paragraph (5), unless stayed or modified by the 
                Secretary.
            ``(7) <<NOTE: Deadlines.>>  Regulations.--
                    ``(A) Temporary regulations.--Not later than 60 days 
                after the date of enactment of the PIPES Act of 2016, 
                the Secretary shall issue such temporary regulations as 
                are necessary to carry out this 
                subsection. <<NOTE: Expiration date.>>  The temporary 
                regulations shall expire on the date of issuance of the 
                final regulations required under subparagraph (B).
                    ``(B) Final regulations.--Not later than 270 days 
                after such date of enactment, the Secretary shall issue 
                such regulations as are necessary to carry out this 
                subsection. Such regulations shall ensure that the 
                review process described in paragraph (4) contains the 
                same procedures as subsections (d) and (g) of section 
                109.19 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and is 
                otherwise consistent with the review process developed 
                under such section, to the greatest extent practicable 
                and not inconsistent with this section.
            ``(8) Imminent hazard defined.--In this subsection, the term 
        `imminent hazard' means the existence of a condition relating to 
        a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility that presents a 
        substantial likelihood that death, serious illness, severe 
        personal injury, or a substantial endangerment to health, 
        property, or the environment may occur before the reasonably 
        foreseeable completion date of a formal proceeding begun to 
        lessen the risk of such death, illness, injury, or endangerment.
            ``(9) Limitation and savings clause.--An emergency order 
        issued under this subsection may not be construed to--
                    ``(A) alter, amend, or limit the Secretary's 
                obligations under, or the applicability of, section 553 
                of title 5; or
                    ``(B) provide the authority to amend the Code of 
                Federal Regulations.''.
SEC. 17. STATE GRANT FUNDS.

    Section 60107 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

    ``(b) Payments.--After notifying and consulting with a State 
authority, the Secretary may withhold any part of a payment when the 
Secretary decides that the authority is not carrying out satisfactorily 
a safety program or not acting satisfactorily as an agent. The Secretary 
may pay an authority under this section only when the authority ensures 
the Secretary that it will provide the

[[Page 130 STAT. 527]]

remaining costs of a safety program, except when the Secretary waives 
this requirement.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(e) Repurposing of Funds.--If a State program's certification is 
rejected under section 60105(f) or such program is otherwise suspended 
or interrupted, the Secretary may use any undistributed, deobligated, or 
recovered funds authorized under this section to carry out pipeline 
safety activities for that State within the period of availability for 
such funds.''.
SEC. 18. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60102 note.>>  RESPONSE PLANS.

    Each owner or operator of a hazardous liquid pipeline facility 
required to prepare a response plan pursuant to part 194 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, shall--
            (1) consider the impact of a discharge into or on navigable 
        waters or adjoining shorelines, including those that may be 
        covered in whole or in part by ice; and
            (2) <<NOTE: Procedures.>>  include procedures and resources 
        for responding to such discharge in the plan.
SEC. 19. UNUSUALLY SENSITIVE AREAS.

    (a) Areas To Be Included as Unusually Sensitive.--Section 
60109(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``have been identified as'' and inserting ``are part of the Great Lakes 
or have been identified as coastal beaches, marine coastal waters,''.
    (b) <<NOTE: 49 USC 60109 note.>>  Unusually Sensitive Areas (USA) 
Ecological Resources.--The Secretary of Transportation shall revise 
section 195.6(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to explicitly 
state that the Great Lakes, coastal beaches, and marine coastal waters 
are USA ecological resources for purposes of determining whether a 
pipeline is in a high consequence area (as defined in section 195.450 of 
such title).
SEC. 20. PIPELINE SAFETY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS.

    (a) Public Participation Limitation.--Section 60130(a)(4) of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``on technical pipeline 
safety issues'' after ``public participation''.
    (b) <<NOTE: Deadline. Reports.>>  Audit.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
Department of Transportation shall submit to the Secretary of 
Transportation, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
a report evaluating the grant program under section 60130 of title 49, 
United States Code. The report shall include--
            (1) <<NOTE: List.>>  a list of the recipients of all grant 
        funds during fiscal years 2010 through 2015;
            (2) a description of how each grant was used;
            (3) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of the compliance with 
        the terms of grant agreements, including subsections (a) and (b) 
        of such section;
            (4) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  an evaluation of the competitive 
        process used to award the grant funds; and
            (5) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  an evaluation of--
                    (A) the ability of the Pipeline and Hazardous 
                Materials Safety Administration to oversee grant funds 
                and usage; and
                    (B) the procedures used for such oversight.

[[Page 130 STAT. 528]]

SEC. 21. STUDY OF MATERIALS AND CORROSION PREVENTION IN PIPELINE 
                      TRANSPORTATION.

    (a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  In General.--Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a study on materials, training, and 
corrosion prevention technologies for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline 
facilities.

    (b) Requirements.--The study required under subsection (a) shall 
include--
            (1) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of--
                    (A) the range of piping materials, including plastic 
                materials, used to transport hazardous liquids and 
                natural gas in the United States and in other developed 
                countries around the world;
                    (B) the types of technologies used for corrosion 
                prevention, including coatings and cathodic protection;
                    (C) common causes of corrosion, including interior 
                and exterior moisture buildup and impacts of moisture 
                buildup under insulation; and
                    (D) the training provided to personnel responsible 
                for identifying and preventing corrosion in pipelines, 
                and for repairing such pipelines;
            (2) the extent to which best practices or guidance relating 
        to pipeline facility design, installation, operation, and 
        maintenance, including training, are available to recognize or 
        prevent corrosion;
            (3) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  an analysis of the estimated costs 
        and anticipated benefits, including safety benefits, associated 
        with the use of such materials and technologies; and
            (4) stakeholder and expert perspectives on the effectiveness 
        of corrosion control techniques to reduce the incidence of 
        corrosion-related pipeline failures.
SEC. 22. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) <<NOTE: Deadline. Reports.>>  In General.--Not later than 18 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of 
the Department of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report regarding the Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's research and development 
program carried out under section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement 
Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note). <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  The report 
shall include an evaluation of--
            (1) compliance with the consultation requirement under 
        subsection (d)(2) of such section;
            (2) the extent to which the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
        Safety Administration enters into joint research ventures with 
        Federal and non-Federal entities, and benefits thereof;
            (3) the policies and procedures the Pipeline and Hazardous 
        Materials Safety Administration has put in place to ensure there 
        are no conflicts of interest with administering grants

[[Page 130 STAT. 529]]

        pursuant to the program, and whether those policies and 
        procedures are being followed; and
            (4) an evaluation of the outcomes of research conducted with 
        Federal and non-Federal entities and the degree to which such 
        outcomes have been adopted or utilized.

    (b) Collaborative Safety Research Report.--
            (1) Biennial reports.--Section 60124(a)(6) of title 49, 
        United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) a summary of each research and development 
                project carried out with Federal and non-Federal 
                entities pursuant to section 12 of the Pipeline Safety 
                Improvement Act of 2002 and a review of how the project 
                affects safety.''.
            (2) Pipeline safety improvement act.--Section 12 of the 
        Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note) 
        is amended--
                    (A) by striking subsection (d)(3)(C) and inserting 
                the following:
                    ``(C) Funding from non-federal sources.--The 
                Secretary shall ensure that--
                          ``(i) at least 30 percent of the costs of 
                      technology research and development activities may 
                      be carried out using non-Federal sources;
                          ``(ii) at least 20 percent of the costs of 
                      basic research and development with universities 
                      may be carried out using non-Federal sources; and
                          ``(iii) up to 100 percent of the costs of 
                      research and development for purely governmental 
                      purposes may be carried out using Federal 
                      funds.''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(h) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  Independent Experts.--Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of the PIPES Act of 2016, the Secretary 
shall--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Procedures.>>  implement processes and 
        procedures to ensure that activities listed under subsection 
        (c), to the greatest extent practicable, produce results that 
        are peer-reviewed by independent experts and not by persons or 
        entities that have a financial interest in the pipeline, 
        petroleum, or natural gas industries, or that would be directly 
        impacted by the results of the projects; and
            ``(2) <<NOTE: Reports.>>  submit to the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Energy and 
        Commerce, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
        the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing 
        the processes and procedures implemented under paragraph (1).

    ``(i) <<NOTE: Notification.>>  Conflict of Interest.--The Secretary 
shall take all practical steps to ensure that each recipient of an 
agreement under this section discloses in writing to the Secretary any 
conflict of interest on a research and development project carried out 
under this section, and includes any such disclosure as part of the 
final deliverable pursuant to such agreement. The Secretary may not make 
an award under this section directly to a pipeline owner

[[Page 130 STAT. 530]]

or operator that is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration or a State-certified regulatory authority if there 
is a conflict of interest relating to such owner or operator.''.
SEC. 23. <<NOTE: Deadline. Advisory bulletin.>>  ACTIVE AND 
                      ABANDONED PIPELINES.

    Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Transportation shall issue an advisory bulletin to owners 
and operators of gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and Federal 
and State pipeline safety personnel regarding procedures of the Pipeline 
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration required to change the 
status of a pipeline facility from active to abandoned, including 
specific guidance on the terms recognized by the Secretary for each 
pipeline status referred to in such advisory bulletin.
SEC. 24. STATE PIPELINE SAFETY AGREEMENTS.

    (a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  Study.--Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
States shall complete a study on State pipeline safety agreements made 
pursuant to section 60106 of title 49, United States Code. Such study 
shall consider the following:
            (1) The integration of Federal and State or local 
        authorities in carrying out activities pursuant to an agreement 
        under such section.
            (2) The estimated staff and other resources used by Federal 
        and State authorities in carrying out inspection activities 
        pursuant to agreements under such section.
            (3) The estimated staff and other resources used by the 
        Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in 
        carrying out interstate inspections in areas where there is no 
        interstate agreement with a State pursuant to such section.

    (b) Notice Requirement for Denial.--Section 60106(b) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Notice upon denial.--If a State authority requests an 
        interstate agreement under this section and the Secretary denies 
        such request, the Secretary shall provide written notification 
        to the State authority of the denial that includes an 
        explanation of the reasons for such denial.''.
SEC. 25. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINE 
                      FACILITIES.

    Section 60109 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(g) Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Facilities.--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Applicability.>>  Integrity assessments.--
        Notwithstanding any pipeline integrity management program or 
        integrity assessment schedule otherwise required by the 
        Secretary, each operator of a pipeline facility to which this 
        subsection applies shall ensure that pipeline integrity 
        assessments--
                    ``(A) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  using internal inspection 
                technology appropriate for the integrity threat are 
                completed not less often than once every 12 months; and
                    ``(B) using pipeline route surveys, depth of cover 
                surveys, pressure tests, external corrosion direct 
                assessment, or other technology that the operator 
                demonstrates can further the understanding of the 
                condition of the pipeline facility are completed on a 
                schedule based on the risk

[[Page 130 STAT. 531]]

                that the pipeline facility poses to the high consequence 
                area in which the pipeline facility is located.
            ``(2) Application.--This subsection shall apply to any 
        underwater hazardous liquid pipeline facility located in a high 
        consequence area--
                    ``(A) that is not an offshore pipeline facility; and
                    ``(B) any portion of which is located at depths 
                greater than 150 feet under the surface of the water.
            ``(3) High consequence area defined.--For purposes of this 
        subsection, the term `high consequence area' has the meaning 
        given that term in section 195.450 of title 49, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
            ``(4) <<NOTE: Determination. Applicability.>>  Inspection 
        and enforcement.--The Secretary shall conduct inspections under 
        section 60117(c) to determine whether each operator of a 
        pipeline facility to which this subsection applies is complying 
        with this section.''.
SEC. 26. STUDY ON PROPANE GAS PIPELINE FACILITIES.

    (a) <<NOTE: Contracts.>>  In General.--The Secretary of 
Transportation shall enter into an agreement with the Transportation 
Research Board of the National Academies to conduct a study examining 
the safety, regulatory requirements, techniques, and best practices 
applicable to pipeline facilities that transport or store only petroleum 
gas or mixtures of petroleum gas and air to 100 or fewer customers, in 
accordance with the requirements of this section.

    (b) Requirements.--In conducting the study pursuant to subsection 
(a), the Transportation Research Board shall analyze--
            (1) Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements 
        applicable to pipeline facilities described in subsection (a);
            (2) techniques and best practices relating to the design, 
        installation, operation, and maintenance of such pipeline 
        facilities; and
            (3) the costs and benefits, including safety benefits, 
        associated with such applicable regulatory requirements and the 
        use of such techniques and best practices.

    (c) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  Participation.--In conducting the study 
pursuant to subsection (a), the Transportation Research Board shall 
consult with Federal, State, and local governments, private sector 
entities, and consumer and pipeline safety advocates, as appropriate.

    (d) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  Deadline.--Not later than 2 years 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the results of the 
study conducted pursuant to subsection (a) and any recommendations for 
improving the safety of such pipeline facilities.

    (e) Definition.--In this section, the term ``petroleum gas'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 192.3 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 27. STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS PIPELINE 
                      FACILITIES.

    (a) National Security.--Section 60103(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
        semicolon;

[[Page 130 STAT. 532]]

            (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
            ``(7) national security.''.

    (b) <<NOTE: Review. 49 USC 60103 note.>>  Update to Minimum Safety 
Standards.--The Secretary of Transportation shall review and update the 
minimum safety standards prescribed pursuant to section 60103 of title 
49, United States Code, for permanent, small scale liquefied natural gas 
pipeline facilities.

    (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
limit the Secretary's authority under chapter 601 of title 49, United 
States Code, to regulate liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities.
SEC. 28. <<NOTE: Deadline. Reports. Assessment.>>  PIPELINE 
                      ODORIZATION STUDY.

    Not later than 2 years 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 and the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives that assesses--
            (1) the feasibility, costs, and benefits of odorizing all 
        combustible gas in pipeline transportation; and
            (2) the affects of the odorization of all combustible gas in 
        pipeline transportation on--
                    (A) manufacturers, agriculture, and other end users; 
                and
                    (B) public health and safety.
SEC. 29. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60108 note.>>  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) <<NOTE: Analysis.>>  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) <<NOTE: Assessment.>>  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.

[[Page 130 STAT. 533]]

    (c) <<NOTE: Determination. Regulations.>>  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 and safety of natural gas 
distribution systems, the Administrator shall, not later than 1 year 
after making such determination, issue regulations, as the Administrator 
determines appropriate, to implement the recommendations.
SEC. 30. <<NOTE: 49 USC 60108 note.>>  REVIEW OF STATE POLICIES 
                      RELATING TO NATURAL GAS LEAKS.

    (a) Review.--The Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration 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) may create barriers for entities to conduct work to 
        repair and replace leaking natural gas pipelines or distribution 
        systems.

    (b) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  Report.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
report containing the findings of the review conducted under subsection 
(a) and recommendations on Federal or State policies or best practices 
to improve safety by accelerating the repair and replacement of natural 
gas pipelines or systems that are leaking or releasing natural gas. The 
report shall consider the potential impact, including potential savings, 
of the implementation of such recommendations on ratepayers or end users 
of the natural gas pipeline system.

    (c) <<NOTE: Determination. Coordination. Regulations.>>  
Implementation of Recommendations.--If the Administrator determines that 
the recommendations made under subsection (b) would significantly 
improve pipeline safety, the Administrator shall, not later than 1 year 
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.
SEC. 31. ALISO CANYON NATURAL GAS LEAK TASK FORCE.

    (a) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  Establishment of Task Force.--Not later 
than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Energy shall lead and establish an Aliso Canyon natural gas leak task 
force.

    (b) Membership of Task Force.--In addition to the Secretary, the 
task force established under subsection (a) shall be composed of--
            (1) 1 representative from the Department of Transportation;
            (2) 1 representative from the Department of Health and Human 
        Services;
            (3) 1 representative from the Environmental Protection 
        Agency;
            (4) 1 representative from the Department of the Interior;
            (5) 1 representative from the Department of Commerce;

[[Page 130 STAT. 534]]

            (6) 1 representative from the Federal Energy Regulatory 
        Commission; and
            (7) representatives of State and local governments, as 
        determined appropriate by the Secretary and the Administrator.

    (c) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the task force established under 
        subsection (a) shall submit a final report that contains the 
        information described in paragraph (2) to--
                    (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of 
                the Senate;
                    (B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House 
                of Representatives;
                    (C) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of 
                the Senate;
                    (D) the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;
                    (E) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate;
                    (F) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the 
                House of Representatives;
                    (G) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
                Pensions of the Senate;
                    (H) the Committee on Education and the Workforce of 
                the House of Representatives;
                    (I) the President; and
                    (J) relevant Federal and State agencies.
            (2) <<NOTE: Analysis. Recommenda- tions.>>  Information 
        included.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall 
        include--
                    (A) an analysis and conclusion of the cause and 
                contributing factors of the Aliso Canyon natural gas 
                leak;
                    (B) an analysis of measures taken to stop the 
                natural gas leak, with an immediate focus on other, more 
                effective measures that could be taken;
                    (C) <<NOTE: Assessment.>>  an assessment of the 
                impact of the natural gas leak on--
                          (i) health, safety, and the environment;
                          (ii) wholesale and retail electricity prices; 
                      and
                          (iii) the reliability of the bulk-power 
                      system;
                    (D) an analysis of how Federal, State, and local 
                agencies responded to the natural gas leak;
                    (E) in order to lessen the negative impacts of leaks 
                from underground natural gas storage facilities, 
                recommendations on how to improve--
                          (i) the response to a future leak; and
                          (ii) coordination between all appropriate 
                      Federal, State, and local agencies in the response 
                      to the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak and future 
                      natural gas leaks;
                    (F) an analysis of the potential for a similar 
                natural gas leak to occur at other underground natural 
                gas storage facilities in the United States;
                    (G) recommendations on how to prevent any future 
                natural gas leaks;
                    (H) recommendations regarding Aliso Canyon and other 
                underground natural gas storage facilities located in 
                close proximity to residential populations;

[[Page 130 STAT. 535]]

                    (I) any recommendations on information that is not 
                currently collected but that would be in the public 
                interest to collect and distribute to agencies and 
                institutions for the continued study and monitoring of 
                natural gas storage infrastructure in the United States; 
                and
                    (J) any other recommendations, as appropriate.
            (3) <<NOTE: Public information. Electronic 
        format. Submission.>>  Publication.--The final report under 
        paragraph (1) shall be made available to the public in an 
        electronically accessible format.
            (4) Findings.--If, before the final report is submitted 
        under paragraph (1), the task force established under subsection 
        (a) finds methods to solve the natural gas leak at Aliso Canyon, 
        finds methods to better protect the affected communities, or 
        finds methods to help prevent other leaks, the task force shall 
        immediately submit such findings to the entities described in 
        subparagraphs (A) through (J) of paragraph (1).

    Approved June 22, 2016.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 2276:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SENATE REPORTS: No. 114-209 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 162 (2016):
            Mar. 3, considered and passed Senate.
            June 8, considered and passed House, amended.
            June 13, Senate concurred in House amendment.

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