119-hr5537

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5537 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
 H. R. 5537

To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the establishment of 
an Office of Public Engagement in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
 Safety Administration, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 September 19, 2025

Mrs. Trahan (for herself and Ms. Tlaib) introduced the following bill; 
 which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
 Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in 
 each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the 
 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

 A BILL

To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the establishment of 
an Office of Public Engagement in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
 Safety Administration, and for other purposes.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Pipeline 
Accountability Act of 2025''.

    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Definitions.
 TITLE I--SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS

Sec. 101. Factors for consideration in prescribing standards.

Sec. 102. Cost-benefit analyses.

Sec. 103. Technical safety standards committees.

Sec. 104. Application of regulations to existing pipelines.

Sec. 105. Rupture-mitigation valves on pipelines in high consequence 
 areas.

Sec. 106. Safety of carbon dioxide pipelines.

Sec. 107. Blending in natural gas systems.

Sec. 108. Extension and modification of Natural Gas Distribution 
 Infrastructure Safety and Modernization 
 Grant Program.

Sec. 109. Rulemaking on underground natural gas storage.
 TITLE II--PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY

Sec. 201. Office of Public Engagement.

Sec. 202. Public hearings on proposed rules.

Sec. 203. Disclosure of safety data.

Sec. 204. Reporting of blended products.

Sec. 205. Incident reporting for gas pipelines.
 TITLE III--ACCOUNTABILITY

Sec. 301. Prohibition against releases.

Sec. 302. Actions by private persons.

Sec. 303. Penalties.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

 In this Act:

    (1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the 
 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

    (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
 ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
        (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
 Transportation of the Senate;
        (B) the Committee on Transportation and 
 Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
            (C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the 
 House of Representatives.

    (3) Environment.--The term ``environment'' includes--
        (A) water, air, and land; and
        (B) the interrelationship that exists among and 
 between water, air, and land and all present and future 
 generations of living beings.

    (4) Environmental.--The term ``environmental'' means 
 relating to or concerning the environment.

    (5) Incident.--The term ``incident'' has the meaning given 
 the term in 

section 191.3 of title 49, Code of Federal 
 Regulations (or a successor regulation).

    (6) Natural gas.--The term ``natural gas'' has the meaning 
 given the term in 

section 2 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 
 717a).

    (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
 of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the 
 Administration.

 TITLE I--SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS

SEC. 101. FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRESCRIBING STANDARDS.

    (a) In General.--

Section 60102

    (b)

    (2) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--

    (1) in subparagraph
        (F) , by striking ``and'' at the end;

    (2) in subparagraph
        (G) , by striking the period at the end 
 and inserting a semicolon; and

    (3) by adding at the end the following:
 ``
        (H) the need to mitigate negative impacts to the 
 global climate and avoid unnecessarily prolonging the 
 life span of fossil fuel infrastructure; and
 ``
            (I) transition plans toward non-emitting 
 alternatives.''.

    (b) 

=== Definition. ===
-

    (1) In general.--

Section 60101

    (a) of title 49, United 
 States Code, is amended--
        (A) in paragraph

    (25) , by striking ``and'' at the 
 end;
        (B) in paragraph

    (22)
        (B)
            (iii) , by inserting ``and'' 
 after the semicolon at the end;
            (C) by redesignating paragraphs

    (17) through

    (26) as paragraphs

    (18) ,

    (19) ,

    (20) ,

    (24) ,

    (25) ,

    (26) ,

    (21) ,

    (22) ,

    (23) , and

    (27) , respectively, and moving the 
 paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order; and
            (D) by inserting after paragraph

    (16) the 
 following:
 ``

    (17) `non-emitting alternative' means a technological or 
 efficiency-related energy solution that does not entail the use 
 of fossil fuels that are directly or indirectly related to the 
 greenhouse effect, including electrification, renewable energy 
 sources, networked geothermal systems, storage, efficiency, and 
 behavior change;''.

    (2) Conforming amendments.--
        (A) Section 70012
            (c) of title 46, United States 
 Code, is amended by striking ``

section 60101

    (a)

    (18) '' 
 and inserting ``

section 60101

    (a) ''.
        (B) Section 60102

    (q)

    (1) of title 49, United States 
 Code, is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph
        (A) , by striking ``subsection

    (a)

    (21) '' and inserting 
 ``subsection

    (a)

    (25) ''.

SEC. 102. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSES.

 

Section 60102

    (b) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by 

section 101), is amended--

    (1) in paragraph

    (2) --
        (A) by striking subparagraphs
            (D) and
        (E) ; and
        (B) by redesignating subparagraphs
        (F) through
            (I) as subparagraphs
            (D) through
        (G) , respectively; and

    (2) by striking paragraphs

    (3) through

    (7) .

SEC. 103. TECHNICAL SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEES.

    (a) In General.--

Section 60115 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--

    (1) in subsection

    (a) , by striking the third sentence;

    (2) in subsection

    (b)

    (4) --
        (A) in subparagraph
            (C) --
            (i) by striking the second and third 
 sentences and inserting the following:
 ``
            (ii) None of the individuals selected for a committee under 
paragraph

    (3)
            (C) may have a financial interest in the pipeline, 
petroleum, ethanol, or gas industries, including through direct 
ownership, consulting fees, wages, or research funding provided 
directly to the individual, but not including any compensation for a 
pipeline easement on the property of the individual.''; and
            (ii) by striking ``
            (C) Two'' and inserting 
 the following:
 ``
            (C) 
            (i) Two''; and
        (B) by striking subparagraph
            (D) and inserting the 
 following:
 ``
            (iii) All individuals under consideration for selection for a 
committee under paragraph

    (3)
            (C) shall submit to the Secretary such 
financial records for the previous year as the Secretary determines 
necessary to evaluate compliance with clause
            (ii) . All individuals 
selected for a committee under paragraph

    (3)
            (C) shall submit to the 
Secretary, prior to appointment and annually thereafter for so long as 
the individual is a member of the committee, such financial records for 
the previous year as the Secretary determines necessary to evaluate 
compliance with clause
            (ii) .
 ``
            (iv) The Secretary shall provide reasonable compensation for 
members of each committee that are appointed under paragraph

    (3)
            (C) . 
Such compensation shall not make a member of a committee an officer or 
employee of the Federal Government in determining eligibility for 
membership on the applicable committee.''; and

    (3) in subsection
            (c) --
        (A) in paragraph

    (1) --
            (i) in subparagraph
        (A) , by striking 
 ``Committee each standard proposed under this 
 chapter for transporting gas and for gas 
 pipeline facilities including the risk 
 assessment information and other analyses 
 supporting each proposed standard;'' and 
 inserting the following: ``Committee--
 ``
            (i) each standard proposed under this chapter 
 for--
 ``
            (I) transporting gas; or
 ``
            (II) gas pipeline facilities; and
 ``
            (ii) analyses supporting each proposed standard 
 described in clause
            (i) ;''; and
            (ii) in subparagraph
        (B) , by striking 
 ``Committee each standard proposed under this 
 chapter for transporting hazardous liquid and 
 for hazardous liquid pipeline facilities 
 including the risk assessment information and 
 other analyses supporting each proposed 
 standard.'' and inserting the following: 
 ``Committee--
 ``
            (i) each standard proposed under this chapter 
 for--
 ``
            (I) transporting hazardous liquid; or
 ``
            (II) hazardous liquid pipeline 
 facilities; and
 ``
            (ii) analyses supporting each proposed standard 
 described in clause
            (i) .''; and
        (B) in paragraph

    (2) , in the first sentence--
            (i) by striking ``cost-effectiveness,''; 
 and
            (ii) by inserting ``, and the strength of 
 the proposed standard to promote safety and 
 protect the environment (as defined in 

section 2 of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 
 2025),'' before ``and include''.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section and 
the amendments made by this section.

SEC. 104. APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS TO EXISTING PIPELINES.

    (a) In General.--

Section 60104

    (b) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--

    (1) in the subsection heading, by striking 
 ``Nonapplication'' and inserting ``Application'';

    (2) by striking ``does not apply'' and inserting ``shall be 
 applied''; and

    (3) by adding at the end the following: ``The authority of 
 the Secretary to apply any standard promulgated pursuant to 
 this chapter (including any standard promulgated prior to the 
 date of enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025) 
 shall not be limited by virtue of a pipeline preexisting the 
 issuance of that standard.''.

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--

Section 60109
            (c) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--

    (1) by striking paragraph

    (11) ; and

    (2) by redesignating paragraph

    (12) as paragraph

    (11) .

SEC. 105. RUPTURE-MITIGATION VALVES ON PIPELINES IN HIGH CONSEQUENCE 
 AREAS.

 

Section 60109
            (c) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by 

section 104

    (b)

    (2) ), is amended by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (12) Rupture-mitigation valves on pipelines in high 
 consequence areas.--
 ``
        (A) === Definitions. ===
-
 ``
            (i) Class 3 or 4 location.--The term 
 `Class 3 or 4 location', with respect to a gas 
 pipeline facility, means, as applicable--
 ``
            (I) a Class 3 location (as 
 defined in 

section 192.5

    (b) of title 
 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a 
 successor regulation)); or
 ``
            (II) a Class 4 location (as 
 defined in that section).
 ``
            (ii) Covered location.--The term `covered 
 location' means--
 ``
            (I) a high consequence area; and
 ``
            (II) a location where a rupture 
 could affect--
 ``

    (aa) a high consequence 
 area; or
 ``

    (bb) a Class 3 or 4 
 location.
 ``
            (iii) Covered pipeline.--The term 
 `covered pipeline' means an existing or newly 
 constructed pipeline, 6 inches or greater in 
 diameter, that is--
 ``
            (I) a gas transmission pipeline;
 ``
            (II) a type A onshore gathering 
 pipeline (as described in 

section 192.8
            (c) of title 49, Code of Federal 
 Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation));
 ``
            (III) a hazardous liquid 
 pipeline; or
 ``
            (IV) a carbon dioxide pipeline.
 ``
            (iv) High consequence area.--The term 
 `high consequence area' means--
 ``
            (I) with respect to a gas 
 pipeline facility, a high consequence 
 area (as defined in 

section 192.903 of 
 title 49, Code of Federal Regulations 
 (or a successor regulation)); and
 ``
            (II) with respect to a hazardous 
 liquid pipeline facility or relevant 
 carbon dioxide pipeline facility, a 
 high consequence area (as defined in 
 

section 195.450 of title 49, Code of 
 Federal Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation)).
 ``
        (B) Isolation of pipeline segments.--Beginning on 
 the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of 
 the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025, an operator of 
 a covered pipeline any portion of which is in a covered 
 location shall, as soon as practicable, but not later 
 than 30 minutes after rupture identification, fully 
 isolate any ruptured pipeline segment that is in a 
 covered location, in order to minimize the volume of 
 product released from the pipeline and mitigate the 
 consequences of the rupture.
 ``
            (C) Demonstration of compliance.--
 ``
            (i) Existing pipelines in covered 
 locations.--Not later than 5 years after the 
 date of enactment of the Pipeline 
 Accountability Act of 2025, each operator of a 
 covered pipeline any portion of which is in a 
 covered location as of that date of enactment 
 shall demonstrate the ability of the operator 
 to comply with the requirements of subparagraph
        (B) .
 ``
            (ii) Subsequent determinations.--
 Beginning on the date of enactment of the 
 Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025, not later 
 than 5 years after an existing covered pipeline 
 is determined to be in a covered location, the 
 operator of that covered pipeline shall 
 demonstrate the ability of the operator to 
 isolate the applicable segment of the covered 
 pipeline not later than 30 minutes after 
 rupture identification, in accordance with 
 subparagraph
        (B) , unless the operator has 
 received a waiver in accordance with 
 subparagraph
            (D) with respect to the applicable 
 segment that is in effect on the expiration of 
 that 5-year period.
 ``
            (D) Waiver on request.--The Secretary may approve 
 a waiver of the requirements of subparagraphs
        (B) and
            (C) on the request of an operator of a covered pipeline 
 if the request--
 ``
            (i) 
            (I) demonstrates, in the determination 
 of the Secretary, that meeting the 30-minute 
 standard described in subparagraph
        (B) is 
 operationally, technologically, or economically 
 infeasible; and
 ``
            (II) describes the methodology used to 
 reach, and the results of studies supporting, 
 that conclusion;
 ``
            (ii) 
            (I) includes the estimated--
 ``

    (aa) isolation time; and
 ``

    (bb) consequences of a worst-case 
 scenario failure on the impacted high 
 consequence area or Class 3 or 4 
 location; and
 ``
            (II) demonstrates that the operator has 
 involved the local emergency services in 
 developing those estimates;
 ``
            (iii) demonstrates that the public within 
 the impacted area and the immediately 
 surrounding areas has been informed of the 
 consequences of a rupture and consulted with 
 respect to a waiver, including by providing the 
 estimated isolation time; and
 ``
            (iv) for a pipeline segment for which a 
 rupture could affect a high consequence area 
 that is an unusually sensitive area (as defined 
 in 

section 195.6 of title 49, Code of Federal 
 Regulations (or a successor regulation)), 
 demonstrates that relevant environmental and 
 public safety groups have been informed of, and 
 consulted with respect to, the consequences of 
 a rupture and the request for a waiver.
 ``
        (E) Expiration, renewal, and required review.--
 ``
            (i) Expiration.--A waiver granted by the 
 Secretary under subparagraph
            (D) shall expire 5 
 years after the date on which the waiver was 
 granted.
 ``
            (ii) Renewal.--A waiver granted by the 
 Secretary under subparagraph
            (D) may be renewed 
 on the submission by the operator of a new 
 request in accordance with that subparagraph, 
 subject to such revision as the Secretary 
 determines to be appropriate based on a review 
 of the request.
 ``
            (iii) Required review.--
 ``
            (I) In general.--Not later than 
 180 days after the occurrence of an 
 event described in subclause
            (II) , an 
 operator receiving a waiver under 
 subparagraph
            (D) shall--
 ``

    (aa) review the waiver; 
 and
 ``

    (bb) submit to the 
 Secretary a new request for a 
 waiver in accordance with that 
 subparagraph, including such 
 revisions as the operator 
 determines appropriate based on 
 a review of the applicable 
 event described in that 
 subclause.
 ``
            (II) Events described.--An event 
 referred to in subclause
            (I) is any of 
 the following:
 ``

    (aa) A significant 
 incident anywhere on the 
 network of pipelines of the 
 operator.
 ``

    (bb) A change in the 
 operational status of the 
 applicable pipeline segment 
 that may impact the safe 
 operation of the pipeline 
 facility or the consequences of 
 a rupture.
 ``
            (cc) A change in the 
 built or natural environment 
 that may impact the safe 
 operation of the pipeline 
 facility or the consequences of 
 a rupture.
 ``
            (dd) A change in the 
 organizational structure of the 
 operator, including a change in 
 staffing levels or locations, 
 that would affect the ability 
 of the operator to isolate the 
 applicable pipeline segment 
 within the required time.
 ``
            (III) Review by the secretary.--
 On receipt of a request under subclause
            (I) (bb) , the Secretary shall--
 ``

    (aa) review the request; 
 and
 ``

    (bb) as the Secretary 
 determines to be appropriate--

 ``

    (AA) grant a new 
 waiver under 
 subparagraph
            (D) with 
 such revisions as the 
 Secretary determines to 
 be appropriate;

 ``

    (BB) revoke the 
 existing waiver and 
 require compliance with 
 subparagraphs
        (B) and
            (C) ; or

 ``
            (CC) require the 
 submission of a revised 
 request by a date 
 determined by the 
 Secretary, addressing 
 such matters as the 
 Secretary determines to 
 be appropriate.

 ``
            (IV) Expiration due to 
 inaction.--If an operator has not 
 submitted to the Secretary a request in 
 accordance with item

    (bb) of subclause
            (I) by the date described in that 
 subclause, the existing waiver shall 
 expire as of that date.
 ``
        (F) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the 
 date of enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 
 2025, the Secretary shall promulgate new, or revise 
 existing, regulations to carry out this paragraph.''.

SEC. 106. SAFETY OF CARBON DIOXIDE PIPELINES.

    (a) 

=== Definitions. ===
-In this section:

    (1) High consequence area.--The term ``high consequence 
 area'' has the meaning given the term in 

section 192.903 of 
 title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation).

    (2) Potential impact area.--The term ``potential impact 
 area'' means the area in which the potential failure of a 
 pipeline transporting carbon dioxide may be expected to have 
 significant impact on persons, property, or the environment.

    (3) Report.--The term ``report'' means the report of the 
 Accident Investigation Division of the Office of Pipeline 
 Safety of the Administration entitled ``Failure Investigation 
 Report--Denbury Gulf Coast Pipelines LLC--Pipeline Rupture/
 Natural Force Damage'' and dated May 26, 2022.

    (b) Completion of Rulemaking.--

    (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
 enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
        (A) complete the rulemaking proceeding relating to 
 the notice of proposed rulemaking issued on January 10, 
 2025, entitled ``Pipeline Safety: Safety of Carbon 
 Dioxide and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' (Docket No. 
 PHMSA-2022-0125; RIN 2137-AF60); and
        (B) issue a final rule pursuant to that rulemaking 
 proceeding, subject to the conditions that--
            (i) in completing the rulemaking proceeding 
 and issuing the final rule, the Secretary shall 
 take into consideration the measures described 
 in paragraph

    (2) ; and
            (ii) any substantive differences between 
 the final rule and the proposed rule, as 
 published by the Administration on January 10, 
 2025--
            (I) effectuate a measure described 
 in paragraph

    (2) ; and
            (II) are responsive to the findings 
 and recommendations in the report.

    (2) Measures for consideration.--In carrying out paragraph

    (1) , the Secretary shall consider, and may effectuate, the 
 following measures:
        (A) The establishment of minimum safety standards 
 for all phases of carbon dioxide pipeline 
 transportation.
        (B) The development of appropriate standards for 
 the determination of--
            (i) a potential impact area, which may 
 include the use of plume dispersion models and 
 consideration of the impacts of local weather 
 and topography;
            (ii) the area in which a rupture may cause 
 a sufficient concentration of carbon dioxide to 
 create a risk of fatality;
            (iii) high consequence areas;
            (iv) pipeline segments that could affect 
 high consequence areas; and
            (v) the acceptable level of contaminants in 
 the pipeline.
            (C) The development and required use of an 
 effective, appropriate, and unique odorant, or other 
 effective and appropriate means of leak detection, as 
 determined through research and development.
            (D) The establishment of measures to ensure 
 effective fracture propagation protection, including 
 requirements relating to--
            (i) material toughness; and
            (ii) the use of fracture arrestors.
        (E) The establishment of detailed safety standards 
 for the conversion of existing pipelines for use in 
 transporting carbon dioxide.
        (F) The establishment of guidelines for emergency 
 response plans and emergency responder training for 
 carbon dioxide pipeline leaks, ensuring that the 
 relevant portions of emergency response plans are 
 available to relevant emergency responders.

    (3) Other considerations.--In carrying out paragraph

    (1) , 
 including with respect to the matters described in paragraph

    (2) , the Secretary shall consider--
        (A) which measures will ensure the maximum 
 protection of--
            (i) public health;
            (ii) pipeline integrity; and
            (iii) the environment and public safety, 
 consistent with 

section 60102 of title 49, 
 United States Code; and
        (B) whether the measures are responsive to the 
 findings and recommendations in the report.
            (c) Other Regulations.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations--

    (1) requiring operators of carbon dioxide pipelines--
        (A) to identify and assess geohazards during 
 initial pipeline siting;
        (B) to monitor for changes in hazardous conditions 
 that could impact pipeline safety; and
            (C) to take preventive and mitigative measures as 
 appropriate;

    (2) establishing reporting requirements relating to--
        (A) the location of carbon dioxide pipelines and 
 related facilities;
        (B) the phase and material being transported 
 through those pipelines, including the type and 
 quantity of contaminants; and
            (C) how those pipelines and contents are inspected;

    (3) establishing standards and notification requirements 
 for cases in which the material being transported by a carbon 
 dioxide pipeline is not pure carbon dioxide;

    (4) requiring operators of carbon dioxide pipelines to 
 notify and coordinate with relevant Federal, State, local, and 
 Tribal officials and responders when there is an incident or 
 accident; and

    (5) requiring operators of carbon dioxide pipelines to 
 notify individuals within the relevant potential impact area of 
 the hazards posed by carbon dioxide pipelines and measures to 
 take in the event of a pipeline rupture.
            (d) Training and Other Resources.--The Secretary shall provide 
training and other resources to relevant local emergency responders 
that is tailored specifically to carbon dioxide pipeline ruptures, 
including information on the potential impact area, any relevant 
odorants, the health implications of exposure to high concentrations of 
carbon dioxide, and the impact of high concentrations of carbon dioxide 
on vehicle functioning.

SEC. 107. BLENDING IN NATURAL GAS SYSTEMS.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall--

    (1) conduct a study of the short- and long-term safety, 
 health, environmental, and climate change impacts and risks of 
 blending hydrogen into existing natural gas systems; and

    (2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
 this Act, submit to the Secretary and the appropriate 
 committees of Congress a report describing the results of the 
 study, including--
        (A) a description of any remaining knowledge gaps 
 relating to safely moving hydrogen-methane blends 
 through existing natural gas systems;
        (B) a description of the safety risks of hydrogen-
 methane blends in existing natural gas systems, 
 including--
            (i) leak rates of hydrogen-methane blends 
 and associated environmental impacts;
            (ii) the performance of hydrogen-methane 
 blends in existing residential, commercial, and 
 industrial infrastructure; and
            (iii) underground migration of leaked 
 hydrogen-methane blends;
            (C) a lifecycle analysis of hydrogen, including 
 environmental and climate impacts and risks of blending 
 hydrogen into existing natural gas systems, as compared 
 to--
            (i) the status quo; and
            (ii) other pathways for greenhouse gas 
 emissions reduction; and
            (D) recommendations to the Secretary for how to 
 avoid or minimize risks determined under paragraph

    (1) .

    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection

    (a)

    (1) , the Comptroller General of the United States shall take into 
consideration, at a minimum, the findings of the study on hydrogen 
blending commissioned by the California Public Utilities Commission and 
carried out by the University of California, Riverside, entitled 
``Hydrogen Blending Impacts Study'' and dated July 18, 2022.
            (c) Prohibition.--

    (1) In general.--No pipeline operator may transport any 
 quantity of hydrogen, other than trace amounts present as a 
 contaminant, through a natural gas distribution pipeline system 
 under the jurisdiction of the Secretary unless and until 
 Congress expressly provides, by statute, for the safe 
 regulation of blending hydrogen into natural gas distribution 
 pipeline systems.

    (2) Application.--The prohibition described in paragraph

    (1) shall not apply to natural gas distribution pipelines 
 that--
        (A) have been specifically designed to transport 
 hydrogen above trace levels; and
        (B) have been transporting hydrogen above trace 
 levels for at least 10 years as of the date of 
 enactment of this Act.

SEC. 108. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION 
 INFRASTRUCTURE SAFETY AND MODERNIZATION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Modification.--The matter under the heading ``natural gas 
distribution infrastructure safety and modernization grant program'' 
under the heading ``Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration'' under the heading ``DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'' in 
title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 1443) is amended--

    (1) in the matter preceding the first proviso, by inserting 
 ``(referred to under this heading in this Act as the 
 `Secretary')'' after ``Secretary of Transportation'';

    (2) in the second proviso, by striking ``to repair, 
 rehabilitate, or replace its natural gas distribution pipeline 
 system or portions thereof or to acquire equipment to

    (1) reduce incidents and fatalities and

    (2) avoid economic losses'' 
 and inserting ``to repair, rehabilitate, replace, or retire its 
 natural gas distribution pipeline system or portions thereof or 
 to acquire equipment to

    (1) reduce incidents and fatalities,

    (2) avoid economic losses, and

    (3) encourage non-emitting 
 alternatives''; and

    (3) by inserting after the second proviso the following: 
 ``Provided further, That for purposes of the preceding proviso, 
 the term `non-emitting alternative' means a technological or 
 efficiency-related energy solution that does not entail the use 
 of fossil fuels that are directly or indirectly related to the 
 greenhouse effect, including electrification, renewable energy 
 sources, networked geothermal systems, storage, efficiency, and 
 behavior change: Provided further, That the promotion or 
 encouragement of non-emitting alternatives (as defined in the 
 preceding proviso) may include workforce training programs: 
 Provided further, That in making grants from funds made 
 available under this heading in this Act, the Secretary shall 
 give additional consideration to an applicant if all workers 
 employed or contracted by the applicant are paid wages at rates 
 not less than those prevailing on projects of a similar 
 character in the locality as determined by the Secretary of 
 Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 
 40, United States Code, and to workforce training programs that 
 comply with apprenticeship requirements similar to the 
 apprenticeship requirements described in 

section 45

    (b)

    (8) of 
 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as determined or established 
 by the Secretary for purposes of making those grants:''.

    (b) Requirement.--Of the amounts made available by subsection
            (c) each fiscal year, not less than 20 percent shall be used for non-
emitting alternatives (as defined in the third proviso under the 
heading ``natural gas distribution infrastructure safety and 
modernization grant program'' under the heading ``Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration'' under the heading 
``DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'' in title VIII of division J of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 
1443)).
            (c) Authorization of Additional Funding.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out the Natural Gas Distribution 
Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program described under 
the heading ``natural gas distribution infrastructure safety and 
modernization grant program'' under the heading ``Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration'' under the heading 
``DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'' in title VIII of division J of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 
1443)--

    (1) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, to remain available 
 until September 30, 2036;

    (2) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, to remain available 
 until September 30, 2037;

    (3) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2029, to remain available 
 until September 30, 2038;

    (4) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2030, to remain available 
 until September 30, 2039; and

    (5) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2031, to remain available 
 until September 30, 2040.

SEC. 109. RULEMAKING ON UNDERGROUND NATURAL GAS STORAGE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate new, or revise existing, 
regulations to address underground natural gas storage.

    (b) Requirement.--In carrying out subsection

    (a) , the Secretary 
shall review and consider relevant technical and scientific information 
on the safety of underground natural gas storage, including the most 
recently updated version of each of the following:

    (1) The standard of the American Petroleum Institute 
 entitled ``Design and Operation of Solution-mined Salt Caverns 
 used for Natural Gas Storage'' and numbered API Recommended 
 Practice 1170.

    (2) The standard of the American Petroleum Institute 
 entitled ``Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in 
 Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs'' and 
 numbered API Recommended Practice 1171.
            (c) Topics.--In carrying out subsection

    (a) , the Secretary shall 
review and consider updates to existing regulations relating to risk 
management, emergency response, and ensuring that underground natural 
gas storage wells do not pose undue risks from single points of 
failure.

 TITLE II--PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY

SEC. 201. OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.

    (a) In General.--

Section 108 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--

    (1) in subsection

    (a) , by inserting ``(referred to in this 
 section as the `Administration')'' after ``Safety 
 Administration'';

    (2) in subsection
            (c) , in the first sentence, by inserting 
 ``(referred to in this section as the `Administrator'),'' after 
 ``shall be the Administrator''; and

    (3) by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (h) Office of Public Engagement.--
 ``

    (1) === Definitions. ===
-In this subsection:
 ``
        (A) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
 `appropriate committees of Congress' has the meaning 
 given the term in 

section 2 of the Pipeline 
 Accountability Act of 2025.
 ``
        (B) Covered facility.--The term `covered 
 facility' means--
 ``
            (i) a covered pipeline (as defined in 
 

section 60109
            (c) (12)
        (A) );
 ``
            (ii) a liquefied natural gas pipeline 
 facility (as defined in 

section 60101

    (a) ); and
 ``
            (iii) an underground natural gas storage 
 facility (as defined in 

section 60101

    (a) ).
 ``
            (C) Director.--The term `Director' means the 
 Director of the Office appointed under paragraph

    (3) .
 ``
            (D) Environmental justice community.--The term 
 `environmental justice community' means a community 
 with significant representation of communities of 
 color, low-income communities, or Tribal and Indigenous 
 communities, that experiences, or is at risk of 
 experiencing, higher or more adverse human health or 
 environmental effects.
 ``
        (E) Incident.--The term `incident' has the 
 meaning given the term in 

section 191.3 of title 49, 
 Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation).
 ``
        (F) Low-income community.--The term `low-income 
 community' means a census block group in which 30 
 percent or more of the population are individuals with 
 an annual household income equal to, or less than, the 
 greatest of--
 ``
            (i) an amount equal to 80 percent of the 
 median income of the area in which the 
 household is located, as reported by the 
 Department of Housing and Urban Development;
 ``
            (ii) 200 percent of the Federal poverty 
 line; and
 ``
            (iii) a level of income higher than the 
 levels described in clauses
            (i) and
            (ii) , as 
 determined by the Secretary.
 ``
        (G) Office.--The term `Office' means the Office 
 of Public Engagement of the Administration established 
 under paragraph

    (2) .
 ``

    (2) Establishment.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
 date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator 
 shall establish within the Administration an office, to 
 be known as the `Office of Public Engagement'.
 ``
        (B) Process.--Before establishing the Office 
 under subparagraph
        (A) , the Administrator shall--
 ``
            (i) seek and incorporate public input 
 regarding the responsibilities of the Office, 
 including through in-person public meetings, 
 prioritizing input from individuals without 
 financial interests in the pipeline, petroleum, 
 ethanol, or gas industries, including 
 environmental justice communities and experts 
 in community engagement; and
 ``
            (ii) submit to the appropriate committees 
 of Congress a summary of the input received 
 pursuant to clause
            (i) and an explanation of 
 how that input will be integrated into the 
 establishment of the Office.
 ``
            (C) Compensation.--The Administrator may provide 
 reasonable compensation for those providing input 
 pursuant to subparagraph
        (B) in order to facilitate the 
 participation of environmental justice communities.
 ``

    (3) Director.--The Office shall be headed by a Director, 
 who shall--
 ``
        (A) be appointed by the Administrator;
 ``
        (B) report to the Associate Administrator for 
 Pipeline Safety; and
 ``
            (C) be responsible for the discharge of the 
 functions and duties of the Office.
 ``

    (4) Employees.--The Director may appoint, and assign the 
 duties of, employees of the Office.
 ``

    (5) Duties and functions of the office.--
 ``
        (A) Coordination of assistance.--The Director 
 shall coordinate the provision of assistance, including 
 financial assistance, technical assistance, and 
 educational assistance to the public, with respect to 
 the authorities exercised by the Administration, 
 including by proactive and targeted community outreach 
 that incorporates--
 ``
            (i) accessible communications;
 ``
            (ii) the provision of in-person and 
 online communications; and
 ``
            (iii) translations to languages spoken by 
 impacted populations.
 ``
        (B) Public engagement.--The Director shall 
 coordinate active and ongoing engagement with the 
 public with respect to the authority and activities of 
 the Administration, including by--
 ``
            (i) conducting--
 ``
            (I) proactive outreach, which may 
 include public postings, signage at 
 relevant physical locations, newspaper 
 publications, utility bill inserts, 
 mailings, phone calls, canvassing, and 
 door hangers, to communities, 
 especially environmental justice 
 communities, using varied media; and
 ``
            (II) meetings, set at times and 
 places to maximize the number of 
 community members who can conveniently 
 attend, with appropriate services, 
 including, if the Director determines 
 it would have a meaningful impact on 
 participation by members of affected 
 environmental justice communities--
 ``

    (aa) translation and 
 interpreting services;
 ``

    (bb) virtual attendance; 
 and
 ``
            (cc) reasonable funding 
 for transportation to and from 
 meetings, food, and caregiving;
 ``
            (ii) establishing an independent, 
 neutral, accessible, confidential, and 
 standardized process to receive, review, 
 process, and follow up on inquiries, 
 complaints, and allegations with respect to the 
 activities of the Administration and entities 
 regulated by the Administration, including with 
 respect to cracks and leaks in pipeline 
 infrastructure identified by workers and 
 community members;
 ``
            (iii) assisting individuals in responding 
 to and resolving inquiries, complaints, and 
 allegations described in clause
            (ii) ;
 ``
            (iv) making publicly available, and 
 proactively disseminating, information on the 
 manner in which members of the public may file 
 inquiries, complaints, and allegations;
 ``
            (v) coordinating with the Federal Energy 
 Regulatory Commission, State agencies, and, as 
 necessary, other agencies to direct public 
 inquiries that are not within the jurisdiction 
 of the Administration to the relevant agency;
 ``
            (vi) preparing, and making publicly 
 available in accessible formats, educational 
 materials about the Administration, the 
 responsibilities of the Administration, and how 
 those responsibilities interact with entities 
 under the jurisdiction of the Administration 
 and other Federal, State, local, or Tribal 
 government agencies;
 ``
            (vii) assisting local first responders, 
 local officials, and community members--
 ``
            (I) to develop their own 
 emergency management plans; and
 ``
            (II) to prepare to respond to all 
 potential adverse scenarios relating to 
 covered facility malfunctions, 
 including to evacuate on short notice 
 if necessary; and
 ``
            (viii) making publicly available, and 
 proactively disseminating, information on local 
 evacuation plans to the surrounding community.
 ``
            (C) Post-incident support.--The Director shall 
 facilitate, including by directing impacted individuals 
 to the appropriate agency and coordinating with 
 relevant counterparts at other agencies, appropriate 
 remediation, environmental testing, and assistance with 
 compensation in the case of leaks, incidents, 
 accidents, or other relevant events.''.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out 

section 108

    (h) of title 49, 
United States Code, $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
2028.

SEC. 202. PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED RULES.

 

Section 60104 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

    (1) in subsection

    (a) --
        (A) by striking ``The Secretary of Transportation'' 
 and inserting the following:
 ``

    (1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
        (B) by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (2) Public hearings.--In proposing rules under this 
 chapter, including revisions to those rules, the Secretary 
 shall hold at least 1 public hearing to address each proposed 
 rule or revision.''; and

    (2) in each of subsections
            (d) (1) and

    (e) , by striking 
 ``Secretary of Transportation'' each place it appears and 
 inserting ``Secretary''.

SEC. 203. DISCLOSURE OF SAFETY DATA.

 

Section 60132 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

    (1) in subsection

    (b) , by striking ``subsection

    (a) '' and 
 inserting ``subparagraph
        (A) '';

    (2) by redesignating subsection

    (b) as subparagraph
            (C) and 
 indenting appropriately;

    (3) in subsection

    (a) --
        (A) in paragraph

    (4) , in the second sentence, by 
 striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the following:
 ``
        (B) Notice requirement.--With respect to data 
 requested from operators under subparagraph
        (A)
            (vi) , 
 the Secretary'';
        (B) by redesignating paragraphs

    (1) through

    (4) as 
 clauses
            (i) ,
            (ii) ,
            (v) , and
            (vi) , respectively, and 
 indenting appropriately;
            (C) by inserting after clause
            (ii) (as so 
 redesignated) the following:
 ``
            (iii) Information on the matters 
 described in paragraph

    (2)
        (E) .
 ``
            (iv) The location and type of any valves 
 installed on the pipeline.''; and
            (D) in the matter preceding clause
            (i) (as so 
 redesignated)--
            (i) by striking ``and gathering lines'';
            (ii) by striking ``of Transportation''; and
            (iii) by striking the subsection 
 designation and heading and all that follows 
 through ``this section, the'' and inserting the 
 following:
 ``

    (a) 

=== Definitions. ===
-In this section:
 ``

    (1) Class location.--The term `class location' means a 
 class location described in 

section 192.5 of title 49, Code of 
 Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
 ``

    (2) Covered facility.--The term `covered facility' 
 means--
 ``
        (A) a covered pipeline (as defined in 

section 60109
            (c) (12)
        (A) );
 ``
        (B) a liquefied natural gas pipeline facility; 
 and
 ``
            (C) an underground natural gas storage facility.
 ``

    (3) High consequence area.--The term `high consequence 
 area' means--
 ``
        (A) with respect to a gas pipeline facility, a 
 high consequence area (as defined in 

section 192.903 of 
 title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation)); and
 ``
        (B) with respect to a hazardous liquid pipeline 
 facility or relevant carbon dioxide pipeline facility, 
 a high consequence area (as defined in 

section 195.450 
 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a 
 successor regulation)).
 ``

    (4) Maximum allowable operating pressure.--The term 
 `maximum allowable operating pressure' has the meaning given 
 the term in 

section 192.3 of title 49, Code of Federal 
 Regulations (or a successor regulation).
 ``

    (5) Maximum operating pressure.--The term `maximum 
 operating pressure' has the meaning given the term in 

section 195.2 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation).
 ``

    (6) Moderate consequence area.--The term `moderate 
 consequence area' has the meaning given the term in 

section 192.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation).
 ``

    (7) Potential impact area.--The term `potential impact 
 area' means the area in which the potential failure of a 
 pipeline may be expected to have a significant impact on 
 persons, property, or the environment (as defined in 

section 2 
 of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025).
 ``

    (8) Potential impact radius.--The term `potential impact 
 radius' has the meaning given the term in 

section 192.903 of 
 title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
 regulation).
 ``

    (b) Information To Be Provided.--
 ``

    (1) Information to be provided to the secretary.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--The'';

    (4) in subsection

    (b) (as so designated), by adding at the 
 end the following:
 ``

    (2) Information to be provided to the public.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
 date of enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 
 2025, each operator of a covered facility shall provide 
 to the public, free of charge, on a publicly accessible 
 website, in a simple and consolidated form--
 ``
            (i) information about the substances 
 being transported by pipelines managed by the 
 operator, including any blended products, any 
 relevant odorants, and any contaminants;
 ``
            (ii) the plans that have been made for 
 the decommissioning of--
 ``
            (I) each abandoned pipeline of 
 the operator; and
 ``
            (II) each removed or remediated 
 pipeline of the operator;
 ``
            (iii) contact information for the 
 operator and the Pipeline and Hazardous 
 Materials Safety Administration;
 ``
            (iv) relevant portions of operator 
 emergency response plans needed by the public 
 to prepare State, local, commercial, nonprofit, 
 and personal emergency response plans;
 ``
            (v) information about how far buildings 
 are required to be set back from a pipeline; 
 and
 ``
            (vi) for carbon dioxide pipelines--
 ``
            (I) the results of any dispersion 
 modeling performed; and
 ``
            (II) any estimates of the zone in 
 which carbon dioxide concentrations 
 could be fatal in the event of a 
 pipeline rupture.
 ``
        (B) Updates.--The information provided under 
 subparagraph
        (A) shall be updated as necessary, but not 
 less frequently than once each year.
 ``
            (C) Annual notification.--
 ``
            (i) In general.--Each operator of a 
 covered facility shall, not less frequently 
 than annually, provide to the recipients 
 described in clause
            (ii) a notification that 
 includes all information described in 
 subparagraph
        (A) with respect to the covered 
 facility.
 ``
            (ii) Recipients described.--The 
 recipients referred to in clause
            (i) are--
 ``
            (I) the Secretary;
 ``
            (II) the owners of all occupied 
 residences and operational commercial 
 structures that, in the determination 
 of the Secretary, could be impacted by 
 a rupture or explosion of the 
 applicable covered facility;
 ``
            (III) any tenants of those 
 structures; and
 ``
            (IV) relevant first responders.
 ``
            (iii) Requirement.--A notification under 
 clause
            (i) shall include--
 ``
            (I) a description of the changes 
 from the previous notification provided 
 under that clause, if applicable;
 ``
            (II) a statement of the 
 relevant--
 ``

    (aa) legal duties of the 
 operator; and
 ``

    (bb) legal rights of, as 
 applicable--

 ``

    (AA) the owners 
 and residents of the 
 occupied residences; or

 ``

    (BB) the owners, 
 tenants, and manager of 
 the operational 
 commercial structure; 
 and

 ``
            (III) a statement informing the 
 recipient of the additional information 
 that the recipient may request under 
 subparagraph
            (D) .
 ``
            (D) Additional information.--On the request of 
 any person, an operator of a pipeline facility shall 
 provide to that person--
 ``
            (i) the information described in 
 subparagraph
        (A) with respect to all pipeline 
 facilities of the operator; and
 ``
            (ii) pipeline safety information, 
 including--
 ``
            (I) information on the matters 
 described in subparagraph
        (E) with 
 respect to each pipeline facility 
 operated by the operator;
 ``
            (II) educational material 
 relating to the matters described in 
 that subparagraph to better inform the 
 public about the information disclosed 
 under subclause
            (I) , provided in a 
 simple and consolidated form; and
 ``
            (III) a description of how the 
 information described in subclause
            (I) was acquired or determined, including 
 any formulas used and any tests carried 
 out.
 ``
        (E) Matters described.--The matters referred to 
 in subparagraph
            (D) 
            (ii) 
            (I) and paragraph

    (1)
        (A)
            (iii) include--
 ``
            (i) high consequence areas;
 ``
            (ii) moderate consequence areas;
 ``
            (iii) potential impact radii and 
 potential impact areas;
 ``
            (iv) class locations;
 ``
            (v) pipe size;
 ``
            (vi) the date of pipeline construction;
 ``
            (vii) the history of incidents, 
 accidents, and repairs on the pipeline;
 ``
            (viii) geohazards that may impact 
 pipeline safety;
 ``
            (ix) pressure information, including--
 ``
            (I) maximum operating pressure; 
 and
 ``
            (II) maximum allowable operating 
 pressure;
 ``
            (x) with respect to gathering lines, the 
 types of gathering lines, including Type A, 
 Type B, Type C, and Type R pipelines;
 ``
            (xi) the health, safety, and environment 
 management programs of the operator; and
 ``
            (xii) any other matter that--
 ``
            (I) relates to the safety and 
 reliability of a pipeline facility 
 under the jurisdiction of the 
 Secretary; and
 ``
            (II) in the determination of the 
 Secretary, is in the public interest to 
 be disclosed.
 ``
        (F) Deadline.--Not later than 90 days after 
 receiving a request under subparagraph
            (D) , an operator 
 of a pipeline facility shall provide the information 
 required to be disclosed under that subparagraph to the 
 person making the request.
 ``

    (3) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
 enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025, the 
 Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this 
 subsection, including providing for standardized formats for 
 operators to release information to the public.'';

    (5) in subsection
            (d) --
        (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``High-
 consequence'' and inserting ``High Consequence'';
        (B) in paragraph

    (1) --
            (i) by striking ``high-consequence areas 
 (as described in 

section 60109

    (a) )'' and 
 inserting ``high consequence areas''; and
            (ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (C) in paragraph

    (2) , by striking the period at the 
 end and inserting ``; and''; and
            (D) by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (3) make the map available to the public on an internet 
 website, in a machine-readable format, as part of the National 
 Pipeline Mapping System Public Map Viewer or at an alternative 
 location.''; and

    (6) in subsection

    (f) , by striking ``subsection

    (a) '' and 
 inserting ``subsection

    (b)

    (1) ''.

SEC. 204. REPORTING OF BLENDED PRODUCTS.

    (a) In General.--All operators of natural gas pipelines shall 
report to the Secretary blended, non-predominant products that exceed, 
at any point in time, 1 percent by volume of the product transported by 
the pipeline.

    (b) Rulemaking.--The Secretary may promulgate new, or revise 
existing, regulations to implement the requirements of subsection

    (a) .

SEC. 205. INCIDENT REPORTING FOR GAS PIPELINES.

    (a) Definition of Gas.--In this section, the term ``gas'' has the 
meaning given the term in 

section 60101

    (a) of title 49, United States 
Code.

    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate new, or revise existing, 
regulations to require operators of gas pipelines--

    (1) to meet incident reporting standards that require those 
 operators to report all gas releases of 50,000 cubic feet or 
 more, regardless of any intent of the operator or any other 
 person with respect to the release; and

    (2) to report--
        (A) all incidents resulting in fire or explosion;
        (B) all incidents resulting in property damage of 
 $50,000 or more in value; and
            (C) all incidents resulting in bodily harm to any 
 person resulting in--
            (i) loss of consciousness;
            (ii) necessity to carry a person from the 
 scene;
            (iii) necessity for medical treatment; or
            (iv) disability that prevents the discharge 
 of normal duties or the pursuit of normal 
 duties beyond the day of the incident.

 TITLE III--ACCOUNTABILITY

SEC. 301. PROHIBITION AGAINST RELEASES.

 

Section 60118

    (a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

    (1) in paragraph

    (4) , by striking the period at the end and 
 inserting ``; and'';

    (2) by redesignating paragraphs

    (1) through

    (4) as 
 subparagraphs
        (A) through
            (D) , respectively, and indenting 
 appropriately;

    (3) in the matter preceding subparagraph
        (A) (as so 
 redesignated), by striking ``facility shall--'' and inserting 
 the following: ``facility--
 ``

    (1) shall--''; and

    (4) by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (2) shall not release gas or hazardous liquid from a 
 pipeline facility in a quantity that would require the 
 reporting of an incident or accident under a regulation 
 prescribed under this chapter.''.

SEC. 302. ACTIONS BY PRIVATE PERSONS.

 

Section 60121 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

    (1) in subsection

    (a) --
        (A) by redesignating paragraphs

    (2) and

    (3) as 
 paragraphs

    (3) and

    (4) , respectively;
        (B) in paragraph

    (1) , by striking ``

    (1) A person'' 
 and all that follows through ``However, the person'' in 
 the second sentence and inserting the following:
 ``

    (1) Civil action.--A person may bring a civil action in 
 an appropriate district court of the United States for all 
 appropriate relief, including civil penalties and injunctive 
 relief, against--
 ``
        (A) another person (including the United States 
 Government and other governmental authorities to the 
 extent permitted under the Eleventh Amendment to the 
 Constitution of the United States) for a violation of 
 this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued 
 under this chapter; or
 ``
        (B) the Secretary where there is alleged a 
 failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty 
 under this chapter that is nondiscretionary.
 ``

    (2) Requirements and limitations.--With respect to a 
 civil action described in paragraph

    (1) , a person'';
            (C) in paragraph

    (2) (as so designated), by 
 indenting subparagraphs
        (A) through
            (C) appropriately;
            (D) in paragraph

    (3) (as so redesignated), by 
 striking the paragraph designation and all that follows 
 through ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting the 
 following:
 ``

    (3) Notice.--The Secretary shall'';
        (E) in paragraph

    (4) (as so redesignated), by 
 striking the paragraph designation and all that follows 
 through ``The Secretary, with'' and inserting the 
 following:
 ``

    (4) Intervention.--The Secretary, with''; and
        (F) by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (5) Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the United 
 States shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in 
 controversy or the citizenship of the parties--
 ``
        (A) to enforce a pipeline safety standard or 
 limitation established under this chapter;
 ``
        (B) to enforce a regulation prescribed or order 
 issued under this chapter;
 ``
            (C) to order the Secretary to perform any act or 
 duty under this chapter; and
 ``
            (D) to impose any appropriate civil penalties 
 under 

section 60122.'';

    (2) in subsection

    (b) --
        (A) by redesignating paragraphs

    (1) and

    (2) as 
 subparagraphs
        (A) and
        (B) , respectively, and indenting 
 appropriately;
        (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph
        (A) (as so 
 redesignated), in the first sentence, by striking ``The 
 court'' and inserting the following:
 ``

    (1) In general.--The court''; and
            (C) in paragraph

    (1) (as so designated), in the 
 matter preceding subparagraph
        (A) (as so redesignated), 
 by striking, ``The court may award costs to'' in the 
 second sentence and all that follows through ``In this 
 subsection'' in the third sentence and inserting the 
 following:
 ``

    (2) Reasonable attorney's fee.--For purposes of paragraph

    (1) ''; and

    (3) by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (e) Venue; Intervention by the Secretary.--
 ``

    (1) Venue.--Any action under this section may be brought 
 in--
 ``
        (A) the district court of the United States for 
 the judicial district in which the violation occurred; 
 or
 ``
        (B) the United States District Court for the 
 District of Columbia.
 ``

    (2) Intervention by the Secretary.--If the Secretary is 
 not a party to an action described in paragraph

    (1) , the 
 Secretary may intervene in that action as a matter of right.
 ``

    (f) Nonrestriction of Other Rights.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--Except as otherwise limited by 

section 60104
            (c) , nothing in this section restricts any right that any 
 person (or class of persons) may have under any statute or the 
 common law--
 ``
        (A) to seek enforcement of any standard or 
 limitation; or
 ``
        (B) to seek any other relief (including relief 
 against the Secretary or a State agency).
 ``

    (2) State, local, and interstate authority.--Except as 
 otherwise limited by 

section 60104
            (c) , nothing in this section 
 shall be construed to prohibit, exclude, or restrict any State, 
 local, or interstate authority from--
 ``
        (A) bringing any enforcement action or obtaining 
 any judicial remedy or sanction in any State or local 
 court; or
 ``
        (B) bringing any administrative enforcement 
 action or obtaining any administrative remedy or 
 sanction in any State or local administrative agency, 
 department, or instrumentality under any State or local 
 law relating to pipeline safety against--
 ``
            (i) the United States;
 ``
            (ii) any department, agency, or 
 instrumentality of the United States; or
 ``
            (iii) any officer, agent, or employee of 
 the United States.''.

SEC. 303. PENALTIES.

    (a) Maximum Civil Penalty for a Related Series of Violations.--

Section 60122

    (a)

    (1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking the third sentence.

    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise subpart B of part 190 
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, in accordance with the 
amendment made by subsection

    (a) .
 <all>