I 
119TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 5301 
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide enhanced safety in pipeline 
transportation, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 
Mr. GRAVES (for himself, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. WEBSTER of Flor-
ida, and Ms. TITUS) 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 provi-
sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide enhanced 
safety in pipeline transportation, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; DEFINI-
TION. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety 
Act of 2025’’ or the ‘‘PIPES Act of 2025’’. 
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(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; definition. 
Sec. 2. Authorization of appropriations. 
Sec. 3. Definitions. 
Sec. 4. Workforce development. 
Sec. 5. Regulatory updates. 
Sec. 6. Incorporation by reference. 
Sec. 7. Inspection activity reporting. 
Sec. 8. Technical safety standards committees. 
Sec. 9. Sense of Congress on PHMSA engagement prior to rulemaking activi-
ties. 
Sec. 10. Office of Public Engagement. 
Sec. 11. Class location changes. 
Sec. 12. Pipeline operating status. 
Sec. 13. Rights-of-way management. 
Sec. 14. Study on composite materials for pipelines. 
Sec. 15. Competitive Academic Agreement Program. 
Sec. 16. Geohazard mitigation study. 
Sec. 17. Special permit program. 
Sec. 18. Excavation damage prevention. 
Sec. 19. Integrity management study. 
Sec. 20. Hydrogen study. 
Sec. 21. Penalty for causing a defect in or disrupting operation of pipeline in-
frastructure. 
Sec. 22. Civil penalties. 
Sec. 23. Liquefied natural gas regulatory coordination. 
Sec. 24. Pipeline safety voluntary information-sharing system. 
Sec. 25. Carbon dioxide pipelines. 
Sec. 26. Opportunity for formal hearing. 
Sec. 27. State pipeline safety grants reporting. 
Sec. 28. Disclosure of safety information assessment. 
Sec. 29. Assessment of certain pipeline safety definitions. 
Sec. 30. Report assessing the costs of pipeline failures. 
Sec. 31. Study on localized emergency alert system for pipeline facilities inci-
dents. 
Sec. 32. Maximum allowable operating pressure. 
(c) STATE DEFINED.—In this Act, the term ‘‘State’’ 
has the meaning given such term in section 60101(a) of 
title 49, United States Code. 
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) GAS AND HAZARDOUS LIQUID.—Section 60125 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
subsection (a) and inserting the following: 
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‘‘(a) GAS AND HAZARDOUS LIQUID.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—From fees collected under 
section 60301, there are authorized to be appro-
priated to the Secretary to carry out section 12 of 
the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 
U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107–355) and the 
provisions of this chapter relating to gas and haz-
ardous liquid— 
‘‘(A) $181,400,000 for fiscal year 2026, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) $9,000,000 shall be used to carry 
out section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Im-
provement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 
note; Public Law 107–355); and 
‘‘(ii) $73,000,000 shall be used for 
making grants; 
‘‘(B) $189,800,000 for fiscal year 2027, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) $9,000,000 shall be used to carry 
out section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Im-
provement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 
note; Public Law 107–355); and 
‘‘(ii) $75,000,000 shall be used for 
making grants; 
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‘‘(C) $198,200,000 for fiscal year 2028, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) $9,000,000 shall be used to carry 
out section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Im-
provement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 
note; Public Law 107–355); and 
‘‘(ii) $77,000,000 shall be used for 
making grants; and 
‘‘(D) $206,600,000 for fiscal year 2029, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) $9,000,000 shall be used to carry 
out section 12 of the Pipeline Safety Im-
provement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 
note; Public Law 107–355); and 
‘‘(ii) $79,000,000 shall be used for 
making grants. 
‘‘(2) TRUST FUND AMOUNTS.—In addition to 
the amounts authorized to be appropriated under 
paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appro-
priated from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund es-
tablished by section 9509(a) of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 to carry out section 12 of the Pipeline 
Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 
note; Public Law 107–355) and the provisions of 
this chapter relating to hazardous liquid— 
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‘‘(A) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) $2,000,000, pursuant to the au-
thority in section 12(f) of the Pipeline 
Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 
U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107–355), 
shall be used to carry out section 12 of 
such Act; and 
‘‘(ii) $11,000,000 shall be used for 
making grants; 
‘‘(B) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2027, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) $2,000,000, pursuant to the au-
thority in section 12(f) of the Pipeline 
Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 
U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107–355), 
shall be used to carry out section 12 of 
such Act; and 
‘‘(ii) $11,500,000 shall be used for 
making grants; 
‘‘(C) $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) $2,000,000, pursuant to the au-
thority in section 12(f) of the Pipeline 
Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 
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and section 102(c) of the Protecting our Infrastruc-
ture of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 
(Public Law 116–260)— 
‘‘(A) $3,400,000 for fiscal year 2026, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) 
$2,890,000 
shall 
be 
from 
amounts made available under paragraph 
(1)(A); and 
‘‘(ii) $510,000 shall be from amounts 
made available under paragraph (2)(A); 
‘‘(B) $5,100,000 for fiscal year 2027, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) 
$4,335,000 
shall 
be 
from 
amounts made available under paragraph 
(1)(B); and 
‘‘(ii) $765,000 shall be from amounts 
made available under paragraph (2)(B); 
‘‘(C) $6,800,000 for fiscal year 2028, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) 
$5,780,000 
shall 
be 
from 
amounts made available under paragraph 
(1)(C); and 
‘‘(ii) 
$1,020,000 
shall 
be 
from 
amounts made available under paragraph 
(2)(C); and 
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‘‘(D) $8,500,000 for fiscal year 2029, of 
which— 
‘‘(i) 
$7,225,000 
shall 
be 
from 
amounts made available under paragraph 
(1)(D); and 
‘‘(ii) 
$1,275,000 
shall 
be 
from 
amounts made available under paragraph 
(2)(D).’’. 
(b) OPERATIONAL EXPENSES.—Section 2(b) of the 
PIPES Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–183; 130 Stat. 515) 
is amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(1) $31,681,000 for fiscal year 2026. 
‘‘(2) $32,000,000 for fiscal year 2027. 
‘‘(3) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2028. 
‘‘(4) $34,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.’’. 
(c) ONE-CALL NOTIFICATION PROGRAMS.—Section 
6107 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by strik-
ing ‘‘$1,058,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 
2023’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2026 through 2029’’. 
(d) 
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
GRANTS.—Section 
60125(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2021 through 2023’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘fiscal years 2026 through 2029’’. 
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(e) PIPELINE SAFETY INFORMATION GRANTS
TO 
COMMUNITIES.—Section 60130(c)(1) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘$2,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2021 through 2023 to carry out this sec-
tion.’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘, to carry out this sec-
tion, the following: 
‘‘(A) $2,250,000 for fiscal year 2026. 
‘‘(B) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2027. 
‘‘(C) $2,750,000 for fiscal year 2028. 
‘‘(D) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.’’. 
(f) IMPROVING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—Section 
60130(c)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘each fiscal year, the Secretary 
shall award $1,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘, the Sec-
retary shall award’’; and 
(2) by striking the period at the end and insert-
ing the following: ‘‘the following amounts: 
‘‘(A) $1,250,000 for fiscal year 2026. 
‘‘(B) $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2027. 
‘‘(C) $1,750,000 for fiscal year 2028. 
‘‘(D) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.’’. 
(g) DAMAGE
PREVENTION
PROGRAMS.—Section 
60134(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended in 
the first sentence by striking ‘‘$1,500,000 for each of fis-
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cal years 2021 through 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029’’. 
(h) PIPELINE INTEGRITY PROGRAM.—Section 12(f) 
of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (49 
U.S.C. 60101 note) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘$3,000,000’’ and inserting 
‘‘$2,000,000’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘2021 through 2023’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2026 through 2029’’. 
(i) SECURING SYSTEMS GRANTS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Chapter 601 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end of the following: 
‘‘§ 60144. Safe Energy for Communities Updating and 
Replacing Infrastructure for Natural Gas 
Systems grants 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may provide 
grants to assist publicly owned natural gas distribution 
pipeline systems to— 
‘‘(1) advance the safe delivery of energy 
through reducing the risk profile of existing munic-
ipal and community-owned natural gas distribution 
infrastructure that contains high-risk or leaking 
pipelines that may result in fatalities, injuries, or 
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significant damages to property resulting from unin-
tentional natural gas leaks; and 
‘‘(2) reduce monetary losses to the utility. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—An entity eligible to re-
ceive a grant under this section is a natural gas distribu-
tion system utility owned and operated by a— 
‘‘(1) community; 
‘‘(2) municipality; 
‘‘(3) city or township; 
‘‘(4) county; or 
‘‘(5) Federally-recognized Tribal government. 
‘‘(c) APPLICATIONS.—An eligible entity desiring a 
grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing 
such information as the Secretary may require that di-
rectly relates to technical aspects of the grant application, 
including a description of the projects or activities pro-
posed to be funded by the grant. 
‘‘(d) USES.—A grant provided under this section may 
be used to repair, rehabilitate, or replace a natural gas 
distribution pipeline system or portions of a natural gas 
distribution pipeline system. 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATIONS.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish procedures for awarding grants under this section that 
take into consideration— 
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‘‘(1) the risk profile of the existing pipeline sys-
tem operated by the applicant, including the pres-
ence of pipe prone to leakage, and how the project 
would improve the safe delivery of energy; 
‘‘(2) the financial ability of the utility to fund 
the project in the absence of Federal financial assist-
ance; 
‘‘(3) the ability for the project to reduce mone-
tary losses to the utility by improving system reli-
ability, reducing lost natural gas from leaking pipe, 
or reducing costs associated with maintenance and 
repair activities; and 
‘‘(4) the legal authority and capability of the 
applicant to carry out the project. 
‘‘(f) PRIORITIZATION.—In making grants for projects 
eligible under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize 
grants for projects that— 
‘‘(1) serve a rural area, as defined in section 
22907(g)(2) or an economically distressed commu-
nity that meets the eligibility criteria described in 
section 301 of the Public Works and Economic De-
velopment Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161); or 
‘‘(2) address the highest safety concerns based 
on the risk profile and condition of the existing pipe-
line system as outlined in the operator’s distribution 
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integrity management plan, factoring in relevant 
data, leak statistics, and risk analysis. 
‘‘(g) LIMITATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) AWARDS TO A SINGLE UTILITY.—The Sec-
retary may not award more than 12.5 percent of the 
total amount made available in any fiscal year to 
carry out this section to a single eligible entity de-
scribed in subsection (b). 
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPENSES.—Not more 
than 2 percent of the amounts appropriated pursu-
ant to subsection (i)(1) for a fiscal year may be used 
by the Secretary for the administrative costs of car-
rying out this section. 
‘‘(h) COST SHARING.—The total amount awarded for 
a project under this section shall be not less than 90 per-
cent of the total eligible project costs described in sub-
section (d). 
‘‘(i) FUNDING.— 
‘‘(1) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Sec-
retary to carry out this section $150,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029, to remain 
available until expended. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENT.—Any amounts used to 
carry out this section— 
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‘‘(A) shall be derived from the General 
Fund of the Treasury; and 
‘‘(B) shall not be derived from user fees 
collected under section 60301.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for 
chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘60144. Safe Energy for Communities Updating and Replacing Infrastructure 
for Natural Gas Systems grants.’’. 
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 
Section 60101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (8)(B) by inserting ‘‘and car-
bon dioxide’’ after ‘‘hazardous liquid’’; 
(2) in paragraph (18) by inserting ‘‘, a carbon 
dioxide pipeline facility,’’ after ‘‘gas pipeline facil-
ity’’; 
(3) in paragraph (19) by inserting ‘‘, trans-
porting carbon dioxide,’’ after ‘‘transporting gas’’; 
(4) in paragraph (24) by inserting ‘‘, carbon di-
oxide,’’ after ‘‘a gas’’; 
(5) in paragraph (25) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(6) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), 
(4), (5), (6), (9), (7), (10), (8), (11), (12), (13), 
(14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (23), (24), (25), 
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(20), (21), (22), and (26) as paragraphs (4), (5), 
(6), (7), (8), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), 
(18), (19), (20), (21), (23), (24), (25), (27), (28), 
(29), (30), (32), (33), and (35), respectively, and 
transferring the paragraphs so as to appear in nu-
merical order; 
(7) by inserting before paragraph (4), as so re-
designated, the following: 
‘‘(1) ‘carbon dioxide’ means a product stream 
consisting of more than 50 percent carbon dioxide 
molecules in any state of matter except solid; 
‘‘(2) ‘carbon dioxide pipeline facility’— 
‘‘(A) means a pipeline, a right of way, a 
facility, a building, or equipment used, or in-
tended to be used, in transporting carbon diox-
ide or treating carbon dioxide during the trans-
portation of such carbon dioxide; but 
‘‘(B) does not include any storage facility, 
piping, or equipment covered by the exclusion in 
section 60102(i)(3)(B)(ii); 
‘‘(3) ‘de-identified’ means the process by which 
all information that is likely to establish the identity 
of the specific persons, organizations, or entities 
submitting reports, data, or other information is re-
moved from reports, data, or other information;’’; 
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(8) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so re-
designated, the following: 
‘‘(9) ‘interstate carbon dioxide pipeline facility’ 
means a carbon dioxide pipeline facility used to 
transport carbon dioxide in interstate or foreign 
commerce; 
‘‘(10) ‘intrastate carbon dioxide pipeline facility’ 
means a carbon dioxide pipeline facility that is not 
an interstate carbon dioxide facility;’’; 
(9) by inserting after paragraph (21), as so re-
designated, the following: 
‘‘(22) ‘non-public pipeline safety data and infor-
mation’ means any pipeline safety data or informa-
tion, regardless of form or format, that a company 
does not disclose, disseminate, or make available to 
the public or that is not otherwise in the public do-
main;’’; 
(10) by inserting after paragraph (25), as so 
redesignated, the following: 
‘‘(26) ‘public information’ means any data or 
information, regardless of form or format, that a 
company discloses, disseminates, or makes available 
to the public or that is otherwise in the public do-
main;’’; 
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(11) by inserting after paragraph (30), as so 
redesignated, the following: 
‘‘(31) ‘transporting carbon dioxide’ means the 
movement of carbon dioxide or the storage of carbon 
dioxide incidental to the movement of carbon dioxide 
by pipeline, in or affecting interstate or foreign com-
merce;’’; and 
(12) by inserting after paragraph (33), as so 
redesignated, the following: 
‘‘(34) ‘Tribal’ means relating to Indian Tribes, 
as such term is defined in section 102 of the Feder-
ally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 
U.S.C. 5130); and’’. 
SEC. 4. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. 
(a) ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOY-
EES.—In addition to the personnel level authorized for the 
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 
as of the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of such Administration may increase the number of full- 
time equivalent employees or directly supporting in the Of-
fice of Pipeline Safety by not more than 30 positions for 
employees who have advanced engineering, scientific, or 
other technical expertise (or equivalent experience) to— 
(1) develop and implement pipeline safety poli-
cies and regulations; and 
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(2) fulfill congressional rulemaking mandates. 
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Trans-
portation shall submit to Congress a report on— 
(1) any progress made on implementation of 
subsection (a); 
(2) the implementation of the recruitment and 
retention incentives authorized in section 102 of the 
PIPES Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–260); 
(3) barriers and challenges to hiring and reten-
tion at the Administration; 
(4) staffing levels of inspection and enforcement 
personnel of the Administration; and 
(5) any additional workforce needs of the Ad-
ministration. 
(c) EFFECT
ON EXISTING REGULATION.—Section 
102(c) of the PIPES Act of 2020 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note) 
is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(3) EFFECT ON EXISTING REGULATION.—In 
implementing the incentives described in paragraph 
(1), the Secretary, in consultation with the Adminis-
trator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safe-
ty Administration, may waive existing regulations.’’. 
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(E) any other details associated with the 
development of each outstanding mandate that 
affect the progress of the rulemaking process 
with respect to that outstanding mandate; and 
(F) a description of all rulemakings re-
garding gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facili-
ties published in the Federal Register that are 
not identified under subsection (b)(2); and 
(2) with respect to information relating to the 
Office of the Secretary— 
(A) the date that the outstanding mandate 
was submitted to the Office of the Secretary for 
review; 
(B) the reason that the outstanding man-
date is under review beyond 45 days; 
(C) the staff allocations within the Office 
of the Secretary with respect to each out-
standing mandate; 
(D) any resource constraints affecting re-
view of the outstanding mandate; 
(E) an estimated timeline of when review 
of the outstanding mandate will be complete, as 
of the date of the update; 
(F) if applicable, the date that the out-
standing mandate was returned to the Adminis-
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tration for revision and the anticipated date for 
resubmission to the Office of the Secretary; 
(G) the date that the outstanding mandate 
was submitted to the Office of Management and 
Budget for review; and 
(H) a statement of whether the out-
standing mandate remains under review by the 
Office of Management and Budget. 
SEC. 6. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 60102 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking subsection (l) and in-
serting the following: 
‘‘(l) UPDATING STANDARDS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than 
once every 4 years, or if an interested person other-
wise petitions in accordance with section 190.331 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
regulation), the Secretary shall review, and update 
as necessary, incorporated industry standards that 
have been adopted, either partially or in full, as part 
of the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program 
under this chapter that are modified and published 
by a standards development organization, as such 
term is defined in section 2(a) of the National Coop-
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erative Research and Production Act of 1993 (15 
U.S.C. 4301(a)). 
‘‘(2) DISCRETION
IN
ADOPTING
INDUSTRY 
STANDARDS.—The Secretary may decline to adopt 
an industry standard that is inconsistent with appli-
cable law or otherwise impracticable, including in 
circumstances where the use of an industry standard 
would not serve the needs of the Federal pipeline 
safety regulatory program, would impose undue bur-
dens, or if the Secretary determines the standard 
was improperly influenced by foreign entities. 
‘‘(3) LIST
OF
INDUSTRY
STANDARDS.—The 
Secretary shall— 
‘‘(A) maintain a publicly available list of 
all industry standards considered for adoption 
under this chapter and the agency’s adjudica-
tion of each considered standard; 
‘‘(B) include the reasoning for not adopt-
ing an industry standard, whether in full or in 
part, on the list under subparagraph (A); and 
‘‘(C) submit to the Committee on Trans-
portation and Infrastructure and the Com-
mittee on Energy and Commerce of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
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merce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate such list not later than— 
‘‘(i) 30 days after completion of such 
list; and 
‘‘(ii) 30 days after the date of any 
subsequent revisions to such list. 
‘‘(4) PUBLIC
ACCESSIBILITY.—Any industry 
standards incorporated by reference, or portions 
thereof, shall be made available by the entity that 
developed such standards free of charge for viewing 
on a publicly available website.’’. 
(b) GAO REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall— 
(1) conduct a review to determine compliance 
with section 60102(l)(4) of title 49, United States 
Code; and 
(2) 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 Trans-
portation of the Senate a report on the review con-
ducted under paragraph (1). 
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SEC. 7. INSPECTION ACTIVITY REPORTING. 
(a) INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES.— 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish, and 
make available to the public in an electronically accessible 
format, a report containing the inspection and enforce-
ment priorities of the Office of Pipeline Safety of the Pipe-
line and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for 
fiscal years 2026 through 2029. Such report shall include 
a description of— 
(1) how the Administrator will use the priorities 
to guide the inspection program of such Office; 
(2) how the inspection and enforcement prior-
ities will improve pipeline safety; and 
(3) how the Administrator communicates and 
coordinates the implementation of inspection and en-
forcement priorities with regional offices and State 
inspectors operating under delegated authority. 
(b) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—Prior to publication of 
the inspection and enforcement priorities under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall solicit through notice in the 
Federal Register public comment on such priorities. 
(c) SUMMARY OF PIPELINE INSPECTIONS.—Not later 
than June 1 of each year beginning with the year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
make available to the public in an electronically accessible 
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format a summary of Federal and State pipeline inspec-
tions conducted under direct or delegated authority of title 
49, United States Code, during the previous calendar year, 
to include— 
(1) the date of the inspection; 
(2) the name of the pipeline owner or operator; 
(3) the pipeline system or segment inspected; 
(4) the region or regions of the Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in which 
the inspected system or segment operates; 
(5) the State or States in which the inspected 
system or segment operates; and 
(6) any violations, or proposed violations, found 
as a result of pipeline inspections. 
SEC. 8. TECHNICAL SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEES. 
(a) COMMITTEE REPORTS
ON PROPOSED STAND-
ARDS.—Section 60115(c)(1) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ‘‘, if appli-
cable’’ after ‘‘each proposed standard’’; and 
(2) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ‘‘, if appli-
cable’’ after ‘‘each proposed standard’’. 
(b) REPORT.—Section 60115(c)(2) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘and provide written 
notification of such reasons to the Committee on Trans-
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portation and Infrastructure and the Committee on En-
ergy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate at the time a final rulemaking relating to 
the standard is issued’’ after ‘‘publish the reasons’’. 
(c) FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS.—Section 60115(e) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘up 
to 4’’ and inserting ‘‘2’’. 
SEC. 9. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PHMSA ENGAGEMENT 
PRIOR TO RULEMAKING ACTIVITIES. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Secretary of Transportation should en-
gage with pipeline stakeholder groups, including 
State pipeline safety programs with an approved cer-
tification under section 60105 of title 49, United 
States Code, and Tribal, State, and local govern-
ments and members of the public during predrafting 
stages of rulemaking activities and use, to the great-
est extent practicable, properly docketed ex parte 
discussions during rulemaking activities in order 
to— 
(A) inform the work of the Secretary; 
(B) assist the Administrator of the Pipe-
line and Hazardous Materials Safety Adminis-
tration in developing the scope of a rule; and 
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(C) reduce the timeline for issuance of pro-
posed and final rules; and 
(2) when it would reduce the time required for 
the Secretary to adjudicate public comments, the 
Administrator should publicly provide information 
describing the rationale behind a regulatory decision 
included in proposed regulations in order to better 
allow for the public to provide clear and informed 
comments on such regulations. 
SEC. 10. OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall rename the Community Liaison Services with-
in the Office of Pipeline Safety of the Pipeline and Haz-
ardous Materials Safety Administration as the Office of 
Public Engagement (hereinafter in this section referred to 
as the ‘‘Office’’). 
(b) DUTIES.—The duties of the Office are to— 
(1) proactively engage with pipeline stake-
holders, including the public, pipeline operators, 
public safety organizations, and State, local, and 
Tribal government officials, to raise awareness of 
pipeline safety practices; 
(2) promote the adoption and increased use of 
safety programs and activities; 
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(3) inform the public of pipeline safety regula-
tions and best practices; and 
(4) assist the public with inquiries regarding 
pipeline safety. 
(c) PUBLIC ACCESS.—The Office shall ensure that 
activities carried out by the Office and information prod-
ucts developed by the Office are accessible to the public. 
(d) COMMUNITY LIAISONS.—The Office shall incor-
porate positions known as ‘‘community liaisons’’ under the 
Community Liaison Services. 
(e) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit 
to Congress a report on the implementation of this section. 
SEC. 11. CLASS LOCATION CHANGES. 
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe 
a final rule amending the safety standards for class loca-
tion changes in parts 191 and 192 of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations, based on the notice of proposed rule-
making published by the Pipeline and Hazardous Mate-
rials Safety Administration on October 14, 2020, titled 
‘‘Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements’’ 
(85 Fed. Reg. 65142), including consideration of all docu-
ments in Docket No. PHMSA–2017–0151. 
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SEC. 12. PIPELINE OPERATING STATUS. 
Section 60143(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of the PIPES Act of 
2025, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking prescribing the applicability of the pipe-
line safety requirements to idled natural gas or other 
gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines.’’; 
and 
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(E) CONSIDERATION.—In promulgating 
regulations under this section, the Secretary 
shall consider the adoption of industry con-
sensus standards.’’. 
SEC. 13. RIGHTS-OF-WAY MANAGEMENT. 
Section 60108(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) ALTERNATIVE
METHOD
OF
MAINTAINING 
RIGHTS-OF-WAY.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—As part of the review con-
ducted under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall 
allow for an alternative method of maintaining 
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rights-of-way for pipelines and other pipeline facili-
ties under a voluntary program carried out by the 
operator if such alternative method achieves a level 
of safety at least equal to the level of safety required 
by regulations issued under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) PURPOSE.—An operator considering im-
plementing an alternative method described under 
subparagraph (A) may consider incorporating into 
the plan for implementing such method 1 or more 
conservation practices, including— 
‘‘(i) integrated vegetation management 
practices, including reduced mowing; 
‘‘(ii) the development of habitat and forage 
for pollinators and other wildlife through seed-
ing or planting of diverse native forbs and 
grasses; 
‘‘(iii) practices relating to maintenance 
strategies that promote early successional vege-
tation or limit disturbance during periods of 
highest use by target pollinator species and 
other wildlife on pipeline or facilities rights-of- 
way, including— 
‘‘(I) increasing mowing height; 
‘‘(II) reducing mowing frequency; and 
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‘‘(III) refraining from mowing mon-
arch and other pollinator habitat during 
periods in which monarchs or other polli-
nators are present; 
‘‘(iv) an integrated vegetation management 
plan that may include approaches such as me-
chanical tree and brush removal and targeted 
and judicious use of herbicides and mowing to 
address incompatible or undesirable vegetation 
while promoting compatible and beneficial vege-
tation on pipeline and facilities rights-of-way; 
‘‘(v) planting or seeding of deeply rooted, 
regionally appropriate perennial grasses and 
wildflowers, including milkweed, to enhance 
habitat; 
‘‘(vi) removing shallow-rooted grasses from 
planting and seeding mixes, except for use as 
nurse or cover crops; or 
‘‘(vii) obtaining expert training or assist-
ance on wildlife and pollinator-friendly prac-
tices, including— 
‘‘(I) native plant identification; 
‘‘(II) establishment and management 
of regionally appropriate native plants; 
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‘‘(III) land management practices; 
and 
‘‘(IV) integrated vegetation manage-
ment. 
‘‘(C) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section 
exempts an operator from compliance with the appli-
cable requirements under this chapter or any appli-
cable regulations promulgated under this chapter. 
‘‘(D) CONSULTATION.— 
‘‘(i) AVAILABLE GUIDANCE.—In developing 
such alternative methods, an operator shall con-
sult any available guidance issued by— 
‘‘(I) the Secretary; or 
‘‘(II) an applicable State agency car-
rying out compliance activities on behalf of 
the Secretary in accordance with section 
60105. 
‘‘(ii) LEADING INDUSTRY PRACTICES.—In 
the absence of the guidance described in clause 
(i), an operator may consult leading industry 
practices and guidance to develop and imple-
ment such alternative methods.’’. 
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SEC. 14. STUDY ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR PIPE-
LINES. 
(a) STUDY ON USE OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS.— 
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall complete 
a study assessing the potential and existing use of pipe-
lines constructed with composite materials to safely trans-
port hydrogen and hydrogen blended with natural gas. 
(b) STUDY CONSIDERATIONS.—In completing the 
study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider— 
(1) any commercially available composite pipe-
line materials; 
(2) any completed or ongoing tests and data re-
garding composite pipeline materials available to the 
Secretary or other Federal agencies; and 
(3) any recommended standards, including con-
sensus standards, and Federal agency authorizations 
relating to use of composite pipeline materials. 
(c) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.—To ensure adequate 
public participation in completing the study under sub-
section (a), the Secretary shall— 
(1) hold a public meeting with interested stake-
holders, including the affected industries, interest 
groups, and other individuals with relevant expertise; 
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(2) release a draft version of the study for pub-
lic comment for a period of not less than 60 days; 
and 
(3) address any substantive comments sub-
mitted by the public during the public comment pe-
riod under paragraph (2) in preparing the final 
study. 
(d) PUBLIC MEETING.—Not later than 60 days after 
the closing of the public comment period under subsection 
(c)(2), the Secretary shall hold a public meeting to present 
the findings of the study under this section and any re-
sponses to public comments received under such sub-
section. 
(e) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 18 months after 
the meeting described in subsection (d), the Secretary 
shall issue a rulemaking that includes a Notice of Pro-
posed Rulemaking to allow for the use of composite mate-
rials for pipeline transportation of hydrogen and hydrogen 
blended with natural gas. 
SEC. 15. COMPETITIVE ACADEMIC AGREEMENT PROGRAM. 
(a) FEDERAL SHARE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the Competi-
tive Academic Agreement Program pursuant to sec-
tion 60117(l) of title 49, United States Code, the 
Secretary of Transportation may allow for a 100- 
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percent Federal share of financial assistance for a 
project carried out by small and mid-sized institu-
tions. 
(2) WRITTEN REQUEST REQUIRED.—The Sec-
retary may only allow the use of a 100-percent Fed-
eral share under paragraph (1) if the applicable in-
stitution has provided a written request to the Sec-
retary prior to the award of Federal assistance 
under such Program. 
(3) SMALL AND MID-SIZED INSTITUTIONS DE-
FINED.—In this subsection, the term ‘‘small and 
mid-sized institutions’’ means academic institutions 
eligible for a grant under the Competitive Academic 
Agreement Program with a current total enrollment 
of 17,500 students or less, including graduate and 
undergraduate as well as full- and part-time stu-
dents. 
(b) REPORT.—Following any award of grants under 
the Competitive Academic Agreement Program, the Sec-
retary shall provide to Congress a written report detail-
ing— 
(1) the recipients of such grants; and 
(2) any grantees that were provided a 100-per-
cent Federal share under this section. 
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SEC. 16. GEOHAZARD MITIGATION STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall prepare a report containing— 
(1) the results of a study that— 
(A) evaluates Federal and State, as appli-
cable, requirements for gas, hazardous liquid, 
and carbon dioxide pipeline facility design, 
siting, construction, operation and maintenance, 
and 
integrity 
management 
relating 
to 
geohazards, including seismicity, land subsid-
ence, landslides, slope instability, frost heave, 
soil settlement, erosion, river scour, washouts, 
floods, unstable soil, water currents, hurricanes, 
dynamic geologic conditions, tsunamis, tor-
nados, wildfires, floods, ice storms, or other 
hazards that may cause a pipeline to move or 
be affected by abnormal external loads; 
(B) evaluates any industry consensus 
standards or best practices related to the re-
quirements described in subparagraph (A); 
(C) evaluates the implementation by opera-
tors of Federal and State regulations related to 
geohazards and application of recommendations 
included in the Advisory Bulletin of the Pipeline 
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 
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titled ‘‘Pipeline Safety: Potential for Damage to 
Pipeline Facilities Caused by Earth Movement 
and Other Geological Hazards’’, issued on May 
2, 2019 (PHMSA–2019–0087); 
(D) identifies any discrepancies in the re-
quirements described in subparagraph (A) and 
advisories, industry consensus standards, or 
best practices for operators of gas, hazardous 
liquid, and carbon dioxide pipeline facilities; 
and 
(E) identifies any areas relating to 
geohazards not addressed under subparagraphs 
(A) through (D); and 
(2) any recommendations of the Government 
Accountability Office based on the results of the 
study under paragraph (1). 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Upon completion of the 
report under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
submit to the Secretary of Transportation, the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee 
on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representa-
tives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate the report. 
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SEC. 17. SPECIAL PERMIT PROGRAM. 
(a) 
COMPLIANCE
AND
WAIVERS.—Section 
60118(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(C) LIMITATION
ON
TERMS.—The Sec-
retary shall impose no terms on a waiver under 
this paragraph that do not apply to known 
pipeline safety risks applicable to the standard 
being waived under subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(D) PUBLICATION.—Upon completion of 
the application requirements under section 
190.341 of title 49, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, or successor regulations, the Secretary 
shall publish notice of the application in the 
Federal Register. 
‘‘(E) REVIEW OF APPLICATION.—The Sec-
retary shall complete a review of each such ap-
plication not later than 18 months after pub-
lishing a notice in the Federal Register de-
scribed in subparagraph (D) with respect to the 
application.’’. 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and Committee 
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on Energy and Commerce of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
on the implementation by the Administrator of the 
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Adminis-
tration of the amendment made by subsection (a). 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report required under 
paragraph (1) shall include— 
(A) a listing of each special permit applica-
tion applied for under section 60118(c)(1) of 
title 49, United States Code; 
(B) a brief summary of the purpose of 
each such special permit; 
(C) the date on which each such applica-
tion was received; 
(D) the date on which each such applica-
tion was completed or, in the absence of com-
pletion, the status of the application; 
(E) the date on which the Secretary issued 
a determination on the application; and 
(F) the explanation of the Secretary for 
any decision made outside the review period 
identified in section 60118(c)(1)(E) of title 49, 
United States Code, if applicable. 
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(c) GAO REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the 
submission of the report under subsection (b), the Comp-
troller 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 assess-
ing the Secretary’s implementation of, and compliance 
with, subparagraphs (C) through (E) of section 
60118(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code. 
SEC. 18. EXCAVATION DAMAGE PREVENTION. 
(a) GRANTS TO STATES.—Section 6106 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b) by inserting ‘‘adoption or 
progress toward adoption of the leading practices 
listed in subsection (b) and’’ before ‘‘legislative and 
regulatory’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as 
subsections (d) and (e), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(b) LEADING PRACTICES.—A State one-call pro-
gram shall implement leading practices that— 
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‘‘(1) identify the size and scope of a one-call 
ticket for standard locate requests, including process 
exceptions for special large project tickets; 
‘‘(2) restrict the longevity of a one-call ticket 
for standard locate requests, which may include 
process exceptions for special large project tickets; 
‘‘(3) examine and limit exemptions to one-call 
programs to prevent common excavation damage in-
cidents, including— 
‘‘(A) excavation or demolition performed 
by the owner of a single-family residential prop-
erty; 
‘‘(B) any excavation of 18 inches or less 
when maintenance activities are performed; 
‘‘(C) repairing, connecting, adjusting, or 
conducting routine maintenance of a private or 
public underground utility facility; and 
‘‘(D) for municipalities, public works orga-
nizations, and State departments of transpor-
tation for road maintenance; 
‘‘(4) specify tolerance zone horizontal dimen-
sions and requirements for hand-dig, hydro, vacuum 
excavation, and other nonintrusive methods; 
‘‘(5) specify emergency excavation notification 
requirements, including defining emergency exca-
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vation and identifying the notification requirements 
for an emergency excavation; 
‘‘(6) specify the responsibilities of the exca-
vator, including the reporting of damages due to ex-
cavation activities; 
‘‘(7) define who is an excavator and what is 
considered excavation; 
‘‘(8) require the use of white lining or electronic 
white lining, allowing for exceptions for special 
large-project tickets; 
‘‘(9) require a positive response, such as the 
utility, municipality, or other entity placing the 
marks positively responds to the notification center 
and the excavator checks for a positive response be-
fore beginning excavation; 
‘‘(10) require newly installed underground fa-
cilities to be locatable; 
‘‘(11) require the marking of lines and laterals, 
including sewer lines and laterals; 
‘‘(12) require training programs and require-
ments for third-party excavators performing exca-
vation activities that are not subject to pipeline con-
struction requirements under part 192 or part 195 
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; 
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‘‘(13) require training for locate professionals; 
and 
‘‘(14) require the use of commercially available 
technologies to locate underground facilities, such as 
geographic information systems and enhanced posi-
tive response. 
‘‘(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
‘‘(1) INITIAL REPORT.—Not later than 3 years 
after the implementation of subsection (b), the Sec-
retary shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure and the Committee on En-
ergy and Commerce of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report detailing— 
‘‘(A) the implementation of the leading 
practices described in such subsection; 
‘‘(B) recommendations to increase the 
adoption of such leading practices and rec-
ommendations for the reduction of excavation 
damage incidents; and 
‘‘(C) the number of underground facility 
damages per 1,000 one-call tickets in each 
State for the reporting year. 
‘‘(2) ADDITIONAL
REPORTS.—Not later than 
once every 2 years after the submittal of the report 
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under paragraph (1), 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 Sen-
ate a report detailing— 
‘‘(A) the implementation of the leading 
practices described in subsection (b); 
‘‘(B) recommendations to increase the 
adoption of such leading practices and rec-
ommendations for the reduction of excavation 
damage incidents; and 
‘‘(C) the number of underground facility 
damages per 1,000 one-call tickets in each state 
for each year covered by the report.’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section shall 
make a grant award to a State by the Secretary pursuant 
to section 60107 or section 60134 for a State program 
certified under section 60105 or section 60106 contingent 
on compliance by the State with all leading practices de-
scribed in subsection (b).’’. 
(b) STATE DAMAGE PREVENTION PROGRAMS.—Sec-
tion 60134(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
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(1) by striking ‘‘In making grants’’ and insert-
ing the following: 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In making grants’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In evaluating criteria 
for determining the effectiveness of the damage pre-
vention program of a State, the Secretary shall con-
sider whether the State has, at a minimum— 
‘‘(A) effective, active, and consistent en-
forcement of State one-call laws (including con-
sistency in the application of enforcement re-
sources, fines, and penalties to all relevant 
stakeholders, such as operators, locators, and 
excavators); 
‘‘(B) data reporting requirements such as 
those— 
‘‘(i) to the local one-call center for ex-
cavation damage events on pipelines and 
other underground facilities, that are not 
privately owned, including (if available at 
the time of reporting)— 
‘‘(I) information about the nature 
of the incident, including the facility 
damaged and the apparent cause of 
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such damage (with supporting docu-
mentation); 
‘‘(II) the organizations or entities 
involved; 
‘‘(III) the impact to public safe-
ty, utility operations, and customer 
service; and 
‘‘(IV) the impact to the environ-
ment; and 
‘‘(ii) to a nationally focused nonprofit 
organization specifically established for the 
purpose of reducing construction-related 
damages to underground facilities, of dam-
ages and near-miss events to underground 
facilities from excavation damages, includ-
ing potential contributing factors, facility 
damaged, type of excavator, work per-
formed, equipment type, and State; 
‘‘(C) data reporting requirements, to a 
nonprofit organization specifically established 
for the purpose of reducing construction-related 
damage to underground facilities, of damage 
and near-miss events to underground facilities 
from excavation damage, including root cause, 
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facility damaged, type of excavator, work per-
formed, equipment type, and State; and 
‘‘(D) performance measures to determine 
the effectiveness of excavation damage preven-
tion efforts.’’. 
SEC. 19. INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 45 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall enter into an agreement with the National 
Academies under which the National Academies shall con-
duct a study of the effectiveness of integrity management 
regulations applicable to natural gas and hazardous liquid 
pipeline facilities. 
(b) DATA SOURCES.—In carrying out the study 
under subsection (a), the National Academies shall— 
(1) use publicly available data from the Pipeline 
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 
State pipeline regulatory agencies, and other public 
sources; and 
(2) consult with pipeline stakeholders in the de-
velopment of findings under the study, including 
State and Federal regulators, pipeline operators, 
Tribal and local governments, public safety organiza-
tions, and environmental organizations. 
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(c) ELEMENTS.—The study described under sub-
section (a) shall include— 
(1) a review of previous assessments of integrity 
management program implementation produced by 
or for the Secretary or the National Transportation 
Safety Board; 
(2) a review of the implementation and enforce-
ment by the Secretary of integrity management reg-
ulations and any modifications of the regulations 
issued by the Secretary pursuant to section 60109 of 
title 49, United States Code; 
(3) a trend analysis and assessment of pipeline 
safety incidents, accidents, and repairs for high con-
sequence and non-high consequence areas, including 
comparing— 
(A) the frequency of such incidents, acci-
dents, and repairs before and after the imple-
mentation of the Federal integrity management 
requirements described in subsection (a); and 
(B) the frequency of such incidents, acci-
dents, and repairs during the period of time 
such integrity management requirements have 
been in effect; 
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(4) development of metrics to gauge the effec-
tiveness of the implementation and enforcement of 
such integrity management regulations; 
(5) an assessment of how integrity management 
informs operator activities, including planning and 
completion of repairs, and whether the implementa-
tion of integrity management regulations by opera-
tors of pipeline facilities has had a demonstrable ef-
fect on improving gas and hazardous liquid pipeline 
safety; and 
(6) identification of areas where pipeline safety 
has improved and where it has not improved due to 
integrity management. 
(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Secretary shall— 
(1) require the National Academies to submit to 
the Secretary a report on the results of the study 
under subsection (a); and 
(2) not later than 2 years after the date of en-
actment of this Act, submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Com-
mittee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate such re-
port. 
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SEC. 20. HYDROGEN STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the 
United States shall conduct a study on existing natural 
gas pipeline systems that, as a result of hydrogen-natural 
gas blending, contain a percentage of hydrogen that is 
greater than 5 percent by volume to identify the changes 
that operators have implemented, including— 
(1) modifications or alternatives to— 
(A) odorants and leak-detection methods; 
(B) pipeline materials; and 
(C) operational standards; and 
(2) modifications to pipeline infrastructure. 
(b) ADDITIONAL CONTENTS.—The study under sub-
section (a) shall include— 
(1) an identification of any technical challenges 
with repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure 
to allow such infrastructure to be used for hydrogen- 
natural gas blended service; and 
(2) an examination of hydrogen-natural gas 
blended pipeline systems currently operating, includ-
ing in the United States, the United Kingdom, Can-
ada, Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong. 
(c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall con-
sider— 
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(1) any changes that domestic and international 
operators of natural gas pipeline systems have im-
plemented to the processes, pipeline materials, me-
tering, and operational standards used by such oper-
ators to account for the operation and integrity of 
natural gas pipeline systems that use a hydrogen 
content at variable percentages above 5 percent by 
volume; and 
(2) how such operators have taken into account 
the effects of hydrogen-natural gas blending on dif-
ferent types of— 
(A) natural gas pipeline systems materials, 
including cast iron, steel, composite pipe, and 
plastic pipe; and 
(B) components of such systems, including 
valves and meters. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure 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 results of the study conducted under sub-
section (a). 
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(e) RULEMAKING.—The results of the study under 
subsection (a) should inform the rulemaking efforts of the 
Secretary relating to hydrogen-natural gas blending. The 
Secretary may determine that rulemaking efforts related 
to hydrogen should be advanced before completion of the 
study under subsection (a). 
(f) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise limit 
the authority of the Secretary to issue regulations relating 
to hydrogen prior to the submission of the report under 
subsection (d). 
SEC. 21. PENALTY FOR CAUSING A DEFECT IN OR DIS-
RUPTING OPERATION OF PIPELINE INFRA-
STRUCTURE. 
Section 60123 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) PENALTY FOR CAUSING A DEFECT IN OR DIS-
RUPTING OPERATION OF PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—A person shall be fined 
under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 10 
years, or both, if the person knowingly and will-
fully— 
‘‘(A) causes a defect in a pipe, pump, com-
pressor, or valve in the possession of a pipeline 
operator to be used in construction of any pipe-
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line facility described in subsection (b) that 
would affect the integrity or safe operation of 
any such facility; or 
‘‘(B) disrupts the operation of any pipeline 
facility described in subsection (b) by causing 
or undertaking the unauthorized or unplanned 
turning or manipulation of a valve. 
‘‘(2) DEFINITION.—In this subsection, the term 
‘in the possession of a pipeline operator’ means, with 
respect to a pipe, pump, compressor, or valve, that 
such pipe, pump, compressor, or valve is— 
‘‘(A) in transit to a pipeline component 
staging site or construction site; 
‘‘(B) at a pipeline component staging site; 
or 
‘‘(C) at a construction site.’’. 
SEC. 22. CIVIL PENALTIES. 
Section 60122(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ‘‘$2,000,000’’ and inserting 
‘‘$3,412,000’’. 
SEC. 23. LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS REGULATORY COORDI-
NATION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.—The Secretary 
of Transportation shall establish and convene a Liquefied 
Natural Gas Regulatory Safety Working Group (in this 
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section referred to as the ‘‘Working Group’’) through the 
National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas 
Safety to clarify the authority of Federal agencies in the 
authorizing and oversight of LNG facilities, other than 
peak shaving facilities, and improve coordination of the 
authority of such agencies. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Working Group shall 
consist of certain representatives of the Federal Gov-
ernment, as such term is defined in clauses (i) 
through (v) of section 111(a)(3)(F) of the PIPES 
Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–260), as designated 
by the Secretary of Transportation or appropriate 
Federal agency leadership. 
(2) CHAIR.—The Administrator of the Pipeline 
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration or a 
designee of the Administrator shall serve as chair of 
the Working Group, unless an alternate member of 
the working group is selected by unanimous consent 
of the Working Group. 
(3) RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHAIR.—The Chair 
of the Working Group shall establish an agenda and 
schedule for the Working Group to accomplish the 
objectives described in subsection (c). 
(c) EVALUATION.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—The Working Group shall 
evaluate individual Federal agency authorities per-
taining to the siting and design, construction, oper-
ation and maintenance, and operational and process 
safety regulations of LNG facilities. 
(2) NEGOTIATION.—The Working Group shall 
negotiate Federal agency agreements pursuant to 
subsection (d) to establish procedures for— 
(A) the application of the respective au-
thorities of each Federal agency in ensuring 
safety in a manner to ensure effective regula-
tion of LNG facilities in the public interest; 
(B) resolving conflicts concerning overlap-
ping jurisdiction among the Federal agencies; 
and 
(C) avoiding, to the extent possible and if 
appropriate, conflicting or duplicative regula-
tion, inspection protocols, and reporting obliga-
tions. 
(d) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND INTER-
AGENCY AGREEMENTS.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the agencies represented 
on the Working Group shall enter into interagency agree-
ments or memorandums of understanding regarding best 
practices and individual agency safety oversight enforce-
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ment responsibilities regarding LNG facilities, other than 
peak shaving facilities. 
(e) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year 
after entering into interagency agency agreements or 
memorandum of understanding under subsection (d), the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation 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 memorandum of understanding 
or interagency agreements and how such memorandum or 
agreements have contributed to improved safety and en-
forcement oversight coordination of LNG facilities. 
(f) LNG DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘LNG’’ means liquefied natural gas. 
SEC. 24. PIPELINE SAFETY VOLUNTARY INFORMATION- 
SHARING SYSTEM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 601 of title 49, United 
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘§ 60145. Voluntary information-sharing system 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish a confidential voluntary information-sharing sys-
tem (referred to in this section as ‘VIS’) to encour-
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age the sharing of pipeline safety data and informa-
tion in a non-punitive context in order to improve 
the safety of gas, carbon dioxide, and hazardous liq-
uid gathering, transmission, and distribution pipe-
lines and facilities, including storage facilities. 
‘‘(2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the VIS is to 
establish a comprehensive, systematic, and inte-
grated structure to gather, evaluate, and quantify 
critical pipeline safety data and information and to 
share recommended remediation measures and les-
sons learned across the pipeline industry in an effort 
to improve pipeline safety, including damage preven-
tion efforts, while protecting participant confiden-
tiality. 
‘‘(3) IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT.—In 
establishing the VIS under this section, the Sec-
retary shall implement and manage such VIS based 
on the Pipeline Safety Voluntary Information-Shar-
ing System Recommendation Report prepared pur-
suant to section 10 of the Protecting Our Infra-
structure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 
2016 (49 U.S.C. 60108 note). 
‘‘(4) INAPPLICABILITY
OF
FACA.—The VIS 
shall not be considered a Federal advisory committee 
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and shall not be subject to the requirements of chap-
ter 10 of title 5. 
‘‘(b) GOVERNANCE.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A Governing Board, a Pro-
gram Manager, a Third-Party Information Manager, 
and Issue Analysis Teams shall govern the VIS. 
‘‘(2) GOVERNING BOARD.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Administrator of the Pipeline and Haz-
ardous Materials Safety Administration shall 
appoint a Governing Board after consulting 
with public and private pipeline safety stake-
holders. 
‘‘(B) COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD.—The 
Governing Board shall be comprised of at least 
9 members and shall represent a balanced 
cross-section of pipeline safety stakeholders 
with pipeline safety knowledge or experience as 
follows: 
‘‘(i) At least 3 individuals shall be se-
lected from departments, agencies, instru-
mentalities of the Federal Government, 
Territories or Tribal governments, State 
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governments, or local governments, 1 of 
which shall be the Administrator. 
‘‘(ii) At least 3 individuals shall be se-
lected from the gas, carbon dioxide, or haz-
ardous liquid industries, such as operators, 
trade associations, inspection technology, 
coating, and cathodic protection vendors, 
and pipeline inspection organizations. 
‘‘(iii) At least 3 individuals shall be 
selected from public safety advocate orga-
nizations, such as pipeline safety and envi-
ronmental advocacy groups, public safety- 
focused research institutions, or labor and 
worker safety representatives. 
‘‘(C) BOARD TERMS.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Each member of 
the Governing Board shall be appointed for 
a term of 3 years, with the terms of 3 of 
the members expiring each year. 
‘‘(ii) TERM
EXPIRATION.—The term 
of at least 1 member of each of the 3 
stakeholder groups established in subpara-
graph (B) shall expire each year. 
‘‘(iii) INITIAL APPOINTMENT.—In the 
initial appointment of members, terms of 
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1, 2, and 3 years shall be established to 
allow the terms of 3 members to expire 
thereafter each year. 
‘‘(iv) REAPPOINTMENT.—Each mem-
ber may be reappointed for consecutive 3- 
year terms. 
‘‘(D) CO-CHAIRS.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—The Governing 
Board shall be co-chaired by— 
‘‘(I) the Administrator; 
‘‘(II) a representative of the 
stakeholder group described in sub-
paragraph (B)(ii), who shall be ap-
pointed with advice and consent of the 
Governing Board; and 
‘‘(III) a representative of the 
stakeholder group described in sub-
paragraph (B)(iii), who shall be ap-
pointed with advice and consent of the 
Governing Board. 
‘‘(ii) 
RESPONSIBILITIES.—The 
co- 
chairs of the Governing Board shall be 
jointly responsible for organizing and con-
ducting meetings of the Governing Board. 
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‘‘(E) AUTHORITY.—The Governing Board 
shall make decisions by a super-majority of two- 
thirds plus 1 of the Governing Board members 
and shall have the authority to— 
‘‘(i) govern and provide strategic over-
sight to the VIS; 
‘‘(ii) develop governance documents, 
including a Governing Board charter that 
is made available to the public, and that 
describes the scope of the authority and 
objectives of the Board; 
‘‘(iii) select a Third-Party Data Man-
ager described in paragraph (4) with ex-
pertise in data protection, aggregation, and 
analytics and geographic information sys-
tems; 
‘‘(iv) approve the criteria and proce-
dures governing how the Third-Party Data 
Manager described in paragraph (4) will 
receive and accept pipeline safety data and 
information and who will have the author-
ity to view VIS data; 
‘‘(v) establish and appoint members to 
Issue Analysis Teams described in para-
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graph (5) that consist of technical and 
subject matter experts; 
‘‘(vi) collaborate with Issue Analysis 
Teams described in paragraph (5) to iden-
tify the issues and topics to be analyzed; 
‘‘(vii) collaborate with Issue Analysis 
Teams described in paragraph (5) to speci-
fy the type of de-identified pipeline safety 
data and information that Issue Analysis 
Teams need in order to analyze the issues 
identified under clause (vi) and topics; 
‘‘(viii) determine the information to be 
disseminated; 
‘‘(ix) determine the reports to be dis-
seminated; 
‘‘(x) at least once per year, issue a re-
port to the public on VIS processes, mem-
bership of the Governing Board, issues or 
topics being investigated and analyzed, 
pipeline safety data and information that 
the VIS has requested for submission to 
the VIS, and safety trends identified; and 
‘‘(xi) perform other functions as the 
Governing Board decides are necessary or 
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appropriate consistent with the purpose of 
the VIS. 
‘‘(3) PROGRAM MANAGER.—The Administrator 
shall provide the day-to-day program management 
and administrative support for the VIS, including 
oversight of the Third-Party Data Manager de-
scribed in paragraph (4). 
‘‘(4) THIRD-PARTY DATA MANAGER.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A Third-Party Data 
Manager shall provide data management and 
data oversight services for the VIS. 
‘‘(B) RESPONSIBILITIES.—In fulfilling the 
responsibilities described in subparagraph (A), 
the Third-Party Data Manager shall— 
‘‘(i) accept pipeline safety data and 
information submitted to the VIS that 
meets the criteria and procedures estab-
lished by the Governing Board under para-
graph (2)(E)(iv); 
‘‘(ii) de-identify, securely store, and 
manage pipeline safety data and informa-
tion that is accepted by the VIS; 
‘‘(iii) collaborate with Issue Analysis 
Teams described in paragraph (5) to ag-
gregate and analyze de-identified pipeline 
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safety data and information that is accept-
ed by the VIS; 
‘‘(iv) prepare reports as requested by 
the Governing Board regarding the type of 
pipeline safety data and information that 
is managed by the VIS; and 
‘‘(v) make recommendations regarding 
the management of pipeline safety data 
and information, as appropriate. 
‘‘(5) ISSUE ANALYSIS TEAMS.—Issue Analysis 
Teams of the VIS shall— 
‘‘(A) work with the Third-Party Data 
Manager described in paragraph (4) to aggre-
gate and analyze de-identified pipeline safety 
data and information accepted by the VIS; 
‘‘(B) collaborate with the Governing Board 
to identify issues and topics for analysis and 
submit internal reports and recommendations to 
the Governing Board; and 
‘‘(C) prepare reports as requested by the 
Governing Board regarding issues and topics 
identified for additional research by the Gov-
erning Board. 
‘‘(6) PARTICIPATION.— 
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‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The submission of 
pipeline safety data and information to the VIS 
by any person shall be voluntary, with no per-
son compelled to participate in or submit data 
or information for inclusion in the VIS. 
‘‘(B) ACCEPTANCE
OF
INFORMATION.— 
The VIS shall implement policies to ensure that 
all operator data or information submitted has 
been authorized by the operator for submission. 
‘‘(C) SHARING
OF
INFORMATION.—The 
Governing Board shall encourage the voluntary 
sharing of pipeline safety data and information 
among operators of gas, carbon dioxide, and 
hazardous liquid gathering, transmission, and 
distribution pipelines and facilities, employees, 
labor unions, contractors, in-line inspection 
service providers, non-destructive evaluation ex-
perts, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, representatives of State 
pipeline safety agencies, local and Tribal gov-
ernments, pipeline safety advocacy groups, 
manufacturers, research and academic institu-
tions, and other pipeline stakeholders. 
‘‘(c) INFORMATION SHARING.— 
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‘‘(1) INCLUSIONS.—Pipeline safety data and in-
formation accepted by the VIS may include— 
‘‘(A) pipeline integrity risk analysis infor-
mation; 
‘‘(B) lessons learned from accidents and 
near misses; 
‘‘(C) process improvements; 
‘‘(D) technology deployment practices; 
‘‘(E) information obtained through VIS 
pipeline safety surveys of pipeline operator em-
ployees, as long as such surveys are voluntarily 
agreed to by the pipeline operator; and 
‘‘(F) pipeline safety data and information 
which may lead to the identification of pipeline 
safety risks. 
‘‘(d) CONFIDENTIALITY.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— 
‘‘(A) CONFIDENTIALITY.—To facilitate the 
sharing of otherwise non-public pipeline safety 
data and information (hereinafter known as 
‘non-public information’) in the VIS, non-public 
information accepted by the VIS and which 
may be analyzed, stored, or managed by the 
VIS shall be kept confidential by the VIS. 
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‘‘(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Subpara-
graph (A) shall not be construed to apply to 
public information that may be submitted to the 
VIS or to non-public information that is re-
quired to be submitted to any Federal, State, 
local, or Tribal agency under any other provi-
sion of law. 
‘‘(2) DISCLOSURE
OF
DE-IDENTIFIED, NON- 
PUBLIC INFORMATION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding sub-
sections (e) and (f), the Governing Board may 
approve the disclosure of de-identified, non-pub-
lic information by the VIS or by the Adminis-
trator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration based on analysis of the 
de-identified information and any safety find-
ings or recommendations that the Governing 
Board in the sole discretion of the Board deter-
mines to publish or authorizes the Adminis-
trator to publish to improve pipeline safety. 
‘‘(B) PUBLIC REPORTS.—In issuing public 
reports under subsection (b)(2)(E)(x), the Gov-
erning Board shall approve the disclosure of de- 
identified, non-public information by the VIS 
that the Governing Board determines is nec-
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essary to adequately describe and illustrate the 
issues and topics being investigated and ana-
lyzed by the VIS. 
‘‘(3) LIMITATION.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), no person, including any VIS Governing 
Board member, the Program Manager, the Third- 
Party Data Manager described in subsection (b)(4), 
an Issue Analysis Team member described in sub-
section (b)(5), or any Federal, State, local, or Tribal 
agency, having or obtaining access to non-public in-
formation by virtue of the acceptance of such infor-
mation to the VIS, shall release or communicate VIS 
held non-public information, in either an identified 
or de-identified form, to any person that does not 
have the authority to view VIS data. 
‘‘(e) APPLICABILITY OF FOIA.—Any non-public in-
formation that is accepted by the VIS and which may be 
analyzed, stored, or managed by the VIS and subsequently 
obtained by the Secretary or the Administrator by virtue 
of the acceptance of such information to the VIS shall be 
exempt from the requirements of section 552 of title 5 
and specifically exempt from release under subsection 
(b)(3) of such section. 
‘‘(f) EXCLUSIONS.— 
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‘‘(1) EXCLUDED
EVIDENCE.—Except as pro-
vided in paragraph (3), non-public information ac-
cepted by the VIS and which may be analyzed, 
stored, or managed by the VIS shall not be obtained 
from the VIS— 
‘‘(A) for use as evidence for any purpose in 
any Federal, State, local, Tribal, or private liti-
gation, including any action or proceeding; or 
‘‘(B) to initiate any enforcement action or 
civil litigation against a pipeline operator or 
employees or contractors of such operator relat-
ing to a probable violation under this chapter 
(including any regulation promulgated or order 
issued under this chapter). 
‘‘(2) EXCLUSION FROM DISCOVERY.—Except as 
provided in paragraph (3), non-public information 
accepted by the VIS and which may be analyzed, 
stored, or managed by the VIS shall not be subject 
to discovery from the VIS in any Federal, State, 
local, Tribal, or private litigation or other pro-
ceeding. 
‘‘(3) LIMITATIONS ON EXCLUSIONS.—The ex-
clusions described in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall 
not apply to non-public information accepted by the 
VIS that is— 
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‘‘(A) evidence of a criminal violation; 
‘‘(B) not related to the established purpose 
of the VIS described in subsection (a)(2); 
‘‘(C) otherwise required to be reported to 
the Secretary under part 191 (including infor-
mation about an incident or accident), part 
192, part 194, part 195, or part 199 of title 
49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
regulations), or required to be reported under 
the requirements of a State authority; or 
‘‘(D) developed or obtained from a source 
other than the VIS, including through discovery 
from a person or an entity other than the VIS 
in an enforcement action or private litigation. 
‘‘(4) ADDITIONAL
LIMITATIONS
ON
EXCLU-
SIONS.—The exclusions described in paragraphs (1) 
and (2) shall not apply to non-public information 
that is submitted to but not accepted by the VIS. 
‘‘(g) EFFECT ON STATE LAW.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed to affect Federal, State, Tribal, 
or local pipeline safety law. 
‘‘(h) NO EFFECT ON DISCOVERY.— 
‘‘(1) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in 
this section or any rule, regulation, or amendment 
issued pursuant to this section shall be construed to 
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create a defense to a discovery request or otherwise 
limit or affect the discovery of pipeline safety data 
and information arising from a cause of action au-
thorized under any Federal, State, Tribal, or local 
law. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not 
apply to exclusions from discovery from the VIS as 
described in subsection (f)(2). 
‘‘(i) EXPENSES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Members of the VIS Gov-
erning Board and Issue Analysis Teams may be paid 
expenses under section 5703 of title 5. 
‘‘(2) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—A payment 
under this subsection shall not be construed to make 
a member of the VIS Governing Board an officer or 
employee of the Federal Government. 
‘‘(3) FEDERAL
EMPLOYEES.—Paragraph (1) 
shall not apply to members of the VIS Governing 
Board that are employees of the Federal Govern-
ment. 
‘‘(j) REPORT ON VIS.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
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Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, 
and make publicly available, a report that includes— 
‘‘(1) a detailed accounting of the allocation and 
uses of expenditures authorized under this section; 
‘‘(2) an estimate of the annual cost to maintain 
the VIS program, including an assessment and pro-
jection of costs associated with the Third-Party 
Data Manager, data sourcing and storage, data gov-
ernance, data architecture, data consumption, and 
the VIS operations and administration by the Pipe-
line and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; 
‘‘(3) the methodology for determining the esti-
mate under paragraph (2); 
‘‘(4) the number of expected participants in the 
VIS program; 
‘‘(5) the number of Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration positions needed to 
maintain the VIS program; 
‘‘(6) the projected timeline for the implementa-
tion of the VIS program to meet the purposes under 
subsection (a)(2); and 
‘‘(7) recommendations to ensure sufficient 
funding for the ongoing activities of the VIS pro-
gram, including a reasonable fee assessed on author-
ized participants in the VIS program. 
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‘‘(k) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated for the establishment 
of a voluntary information-sharing program under this 
section— 
‘‘(1) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; 
‘‘(2) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; 
‘‘(3) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and 
‘‘(4) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 601 of title 49, United States Code, is further amend-
ed by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘60145.Voluntary information-sharing system.’’. 
SEC. 25. CARBON DIOXIDE PIPELINES. 
(a) PURPOSE AND GENERAL AUTHORITY.—Section 
60102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in subparagraph (1)(B)(i) by inserting 
‘‘or carbon dioxide’’ after ‘‘hazardous liquids’’; 
and 
(B) in paragraph (2)(A)— 
(i) by redesignating clause (ii) and 
(iii) as clause (iii) and (iv), respectively; 
and 
(ii) by inserting after clause (i) the 
following: 
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‘‘(ii) carbon dioxide pipeline safety in-
formation;’’; 
(2) in subsection (c) by inserting ‘‘or carbon di-
oxide pipeline facility’’ after ‘‘hazardous liquid pipe-
line facility’’; 
(3) in subsection (d)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ 
at the end; 
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking the 
semicolon and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(C) major carbon dioxide pipeline facili-
ties of the operator;’’; 
(4) in subsection (e) by striking ‘‘transportation 
of gas or hazardous liquid’’ and inserting ‘‘transpor-
tation of gas, hazardous liquid, or carbon dioxide’’; 
(5) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ‘‘natural gas 
transmission pipeline or hazardous liquid pipeline fa-
cilities’’ and inserting ‘‘natural gas transmission 
pipeline, hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, or car-
bon dioxide pipeline facilities’’ each place it appears; 
and 
(6) in subsection (i)— 
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘regulate 
carbon dioxide’’ and all that follows through 
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‘‘by such a facility’’ and inserting ‘‘prescribe 
standards related to pipeline facilities to ensure 
the safe transportation of carbon dioxide in a 
liquid or supercritical state by such facilities’’; 
(B) by striking paragraph (2)(B) and in-
serting the following: 
‘‘(B) INCLUSION OF APPLICABLE STAND-
ARDS.—The Secretary shall establish the min-
imum safety standards in part 195 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, as applicable.’’; 
(C) in paragraph (3) by inserting ‘‘pre-
scribe the location of a carbon dioxide storage 
facility or to’’ before ‘‘regulate piping’’; 
(D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as 
paragraph (4); 
(E) by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following: 
‘‘(3) STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE.— 
‘‘(A) MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS.—The 
Secretary shall prescribe minimum safety 
standards for the injection, withdrawal, and 
storage of carbon dioxide incidental to pipeline 
transportation. 
‘‘(B) STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE INCI-
DENTAL
TO
PIPELINE
TRANSPORTATION.—In 
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this paragraph, the term ‘storage of carbon di-
oxide incidental to pipeline transportation’— 
‘‘(i) means the temporary receipt and 
storage of carbon dioxide transported by 
pipeline for continued transport; but 
‘‘(ii) does not include— 
‘‘(I) with respect to each State, 
the long-term containment of carbon 
dioxide in subsurface geologic forma-
tions or other activity subject to the 
requirements of a State underground 
injection control program prescribed 
by the Administrator of the Environ-
mental Protection Agency and appli-
cable to the State, or adopted by the 
State and approved by the Adminis-
trator, under part C of the Safe 
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300h 
et seq.); or 
‘‘(II) the temporary storage of 
carbon dioxide in any excepted pipe-
lines listed in paragraph (b) of section 
195.1 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations, as of the date of enact-
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ment of the PIPES Act of 2025.’’; 
and 
(F) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) DISPERSION MODELING.— 
‘‘(A) SAFETY STANDARDS.—The Secretary 
shall prescribe minimum safety standards to re-
quire each operator of a carbon dioxide pipeline 
facility to employ vapor dispersion modeling to 
identify high consequence areas, as defined at 
section 195.450 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations, and paragraph (7)(I)(A) of Appen-
dix C to part 195 of such title, that could be 
affected by a release from such a pipeline. 
‘‘(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In performing 
the vapor dispersion modeling under subpara-
graph (A), operators of a carbon dioxide pipe-
line facility shall consider— 
‘‘(i) the topography surrounding the 
pipeline; 
‘‘(ii) 
atmospheric 
conditions 
that 
could affect vapor dispersion; 
‘‘(iii) pipeline operating characteris-
tics; and 
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‘‘(iv) additional substances present in 
the pipeline that could affect vapor disper-
sion. 
‘‘(C) MAINTENANCE OF FILES.—The Sec-
retary shall require each operator of a carbon 
dioxide pipeline facility to maintain records doc-
umenting the areas that could affect high con-
sequence areas, as determined using the vapor 
dispersion modeling required pursuant to sub-
paragraph (A), in the manual of written proce-
dures for operating, maintaining, and handling 
emergencies for such pipeline. 
‘‘(D) PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE INFOR-
MATION.—In responding to a public request for 
information regarding carbon dioxide dispersion 
modeling, the Secretary may, taking into ac-
count public safety, security, and the need for 
public access, exclude from disclosure (as the 
Secretary determines appropriate)— 
‘‘(i) security sensitive information re-
lated to strategies for responding to worst- 
case carbon dioxide release scenarios; 
‘‘(ii) security sensitive information re-
lated to carbon dioxide release plumes; and 
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‘‘(iii) security sensitive information re-
lated to plans for responding to a carbon 
dioxide release. 
‘‘(E) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Noth-
ing in this section may be construed to require 
disclosure of information or records that are ex-
empt from disclosure under section 552 of title 
5.’’. 
(b) REGULATIONS REQUIRED.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of publishing a notice of proposed rule-
making titled ‘‘Pipeline Safety: Safety of Carbon Dioxide 
and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines’’ (or any other notice of 
proposed rulemaking covering substantially similar regu-
latory requirements), the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
based on such proposed rulemaking. The final rule shall 
include updates to such regulations as are necessary to 
implement section 60102(i) of title 49, United States 
Code, as amended by subsection (a), and other carbon di-
oxide safety issues identified by the Secretary. 
(c) STATE PIPELINE SAFETY PROGRAM CERTIFI-
CATIONS.—Section 60105(b)(9)(A) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘natural gas and haz-
ardous liquid’’ and inserting ‘‘natural gas, hazardous liq-
uid, and carbon dioxide’’. 
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(d) STATE PIPELINE SAFETY GRANTS.—Section 
60107(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting ‘‘or interstate carbon dioxide’’ after ‘‘inter-
state hazardous liquid’’. 
(e) INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.—Section 60108 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ‘‘gas pipe-
line facility or hazardous liquid pipeline facility’’ and 
inserting ‘‘gas pipeline facility, hazardous liquid 
pipeline facility, or carbon dioxide pipeline facility’’; 
and 
(2) in subsection (e)(1) by striking ‘‘gas or haz-
ardous liquid pipeline facility’’ and inserting ‘‘gas 
pipeline facility, hazardous liquid pipeline facility, or 
carbon dioxide pipeline facility’’. 
(f) HIGH-DENSITY POPULATION AREAS AND ENVI-
RONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS.—Section 60109 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(B)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘or carbon dioxide’’ after 
‘‘by operators of hazardous liquid’’; 
(B) by inserting ‘‘and carbon dioxide’’ 
after ‘‘each hazardous liquid’’ each place it ap-
pears; and 
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(C) in clause (ii) by inserting ‘‘or carbon 
dioxide’’ after ‘‘there is a hazardous liquid’’; 
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting ‘‘or carbon di-
oxide’’ after ‘‘there is a hazardous liquid’’; and 
(3) in subsection (g)— 
(A) in the heading by inserting ‘‘AND CAR-
BON DIOXIDE’’ after ‘‘LIQUID’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ‘‘or car-
bon dioxide’’ after ‘‘underwater hazardous liq-
uid’’. 
(g) TECHNICAL
SAFETY
STANDARDS
COMMIT-
TEES.—Section 60115 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘transporting hazardous 
liquid or operating a hazardous liquid pipeline 
facility’’ and inserting ‘‘transporting hazardous 
liquid, transporting carbon dioxide, operating a 
hazardous liquid pipeline facility, or operating a 
carbon dioxide pipeline facility’’ each place it 
appears; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘transporting hazardous 
liquid and of hazardous liquid pipeline facili-
ties’’ and inserting ‘‘transporting hazardous liq-
uid or transporting carbon dioxide and of haz-
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ardous liquid pipeline facilities or carbon diox-
ide pipeline facilities’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(3)(B) by striking ‘‘the 
natural gas or hazardous liquid industry’’ and in-
serting ‘‘the natural gas industry, the hazardous liq-
uid industry, or the carbon dioxide industry’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)(4)(B) by striking ‘‘natural 
gas pipelines or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities’’ 
and inserting ‘‘natural gas pipelines, hazardous liq-
uid pipeline facilities, or carbon dioxide pipeline fa-
cilities’’; 
(4) in subsection (c)(1)(B) by striking ‘‘trans-
porting hazardous liquid and for hazardous liquid 
pipeline facilities’’ and inserting ‘‘transporting car-
bon dioxide, hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and 
carbon dioxide facilities’’; and 
(5) in subsection (d)(1) by striking ‘‘trans-
porting hazardous liquid and for hazardous liquid 
pipeline facilities’’ and inserting ‘‘transporting haz-
ardous liquid, transporting carbon dioxide, haz-
ardous liquid pipeline facilities, and carbon dioxide 
pipeline facilities’’. 
(h) PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS.—Section 60116 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility’’ and inserting 
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‘‘gas pipeline facility, hazardous liquid pipeline facility, or 
carbon dioxide pipeline facility’’ each place that it appears. 
(i) ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.—Section 60117 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (o)(1)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘liq-
uid pipeline facility or liquefied natural gas 
pipeline facility’’ and inserting ‘‘liquid pipeline 
facility, a liquefied natural gas pipeline facility, 
or a carbon dioxide pipeline facility’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i)(II) by inserting 
‘‘or carbon dioxide pipeline facility’’ after ‘‘haz-
ardous liquid pipeline facility’’; and 
(2) in subsection (p)— 
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘gas or 
hazardous liquid pipeline facilities’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘gas pipeline facilities, hazardous liquid 
pipeline facilities, or carbon dioxide pipeline fa-
cilities’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (8) by striking ‘‘gas or 
hazardous liquid pipeline facility’’ and inserting 
‘‘gas pipeline facility, hazardous liquid pipeline 
facility, or carbon dioxide pipeline facility’’. 
(j) CRIMINAL PENALTIES.—Section 60123(b) of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘an inter-
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state hazardous liquid pipeline facility, or either an intra-
state gas pipeline facility or intrastate hazardous liquid 
pipeline facility’’ and inserting ‘‘an interstate hazardous 
liquid pipeline facility, an interstate carbon dioxide pipe-
line facility, or either an intrastate gas pipeline facility, 
an intrastate hazardous liquid pipeline facility, or an 
intrastate carbon dioxide facility’’. 
(k) 
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
GRANTS.—Section 
60125(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘gas or hazardous liquid pipelines’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, or carbon 
dioxide pipelines’’. 
(l) DUMPING WITHIN PIPELINE RIGHTS-OF-WAY.— 
Section 60128(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘interstate gas pipeline facility or 
interstate hazardous liquid pipeline facility’’ and inserting 
‘‘interstate gas pipeline facility, interstate hazardous liq-
uid pipeline facility, or interstate carbon dioxide pipeline 
facility’’. 
(m) VERIFICATION
OF PIPELINE QUALIFICATION 
PROGRAMS.—Section 60131(g) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
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(2) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) with respect to a carbon dioxide pipeline 
facility, activities equivalent to the activities de-
scribed with respect to a hazardous liquid pipeline 
facility under section 195.501 of such title.’’. 
(n) 
ENFORCEMENT
TRANSPARENCY.—Section 
60135(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘gas and hazardous liquid pipeline’’ and in-
serting ‘‘gas, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipe-
line’’. 
(o) PIPELINE CONTROL ROOM MANAGEMENT.—Sec-
tion 60137 and title 49, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ‘‘gas or haz-
ardous liquid pipeline’’ and inserting ‘‘gas, haz-
ardous liquid, or carbon dioxide pipeline’’; 
(2) in subsection (d) by striking ‘‘gas or haz-
ardous liquid pipeline’’ and inserting ‘‘gas, haz-
ardous liquid, or carbon dioxide pipeline’’; and 
(3) in subsection (e) by striking ‘‘gas or haz-
ardous liquid pipeline’’ and inserting ‘‘gas, haz-
ardous liquid, or carbon dioxide pipeline’’. 
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(p) PIPELINE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS.— 
Section 60142 of title 49, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘or’’ at 
the end; 
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as 
paragraph (3); and 
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the 
following: 
‘‘(2) a carbon dioxide pipeline facility; or’’; 
(2) in subsection (k)(2)(A) by striking ‘‘inter-
state gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities’’ and 
inserting ‘‘interstate gas pipeline facilities, interstate 
hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, or interstate car-
bon dioxide pipeline facilities’’; and 
(3) in subsection (l)(1) by striking ‘‘interstate 
gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities’’ and in-
serting ‘‘interstate gas pipeline facilities, interstate 
hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, or interstate car-
bon dioxide pipeline facilities’’. 
(q) IDLED PIPELINES.—Section 60143 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(2) by inserting ‘‘carbon di-
oxide,’’ after ‘‘hazardous liquid,’’; and 
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(2) in subsection (b) by striking ‘‘gas trans-
mission and hazardous liquid pipelines’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘gas transmission, hazardous liquid, and carbon 
dioxide pipelines’’ each place it appears. 
(r) USER FEES.—Section 60301 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ‘‘natural gas 
and hazardous liquids’’ and inserting ‘‘natural gas, 
hazardous liquids, and carbon dioxide’’; 
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ‘‘gas pipeline 
facility, or a hazardous liquid pipeline facility’’ and 
inserting ‘‘gas pipeline facility, a hazardous liquid 
pipeline facility, or a carbon dioxide pipeline facil-
ity’’; and 
(3) in subsection (d)(1)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ 
at the end; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(C) related to a carbon dioxide pipeline facility 
may be used only for an activity related to carbon 
dioxide under chapter 601 of this title; and’’. 
SEC. 26. OPPORTUNITY FOR FORMAL HEARING. 
(a) 
ENFORCEMENT
PROCEDURES.—Section 
60117(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— 
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(1) in subparagraph (I) by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(2) in subparagraph (J) by striking the period 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(K) allow the respondent an opportunity 
for a hearing on the record conducted by an ad-
ministrative law judge, in accordance with sec-
tion 554 of title 5, for a notice of probable vio-
lation enforcement matter— 
‘‘(i) with a proposed civil penalty of at 
least $125,000; or 
‘‘(ii) where the respondent can reason-
ably show the cost of the proposed compli-
ance action will exceed $125,000.’’. 
(b) PROTOCOLS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS.—Not later 
than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Transportation shall publish protocols for 
hearings open to the public pursuant to section 
60117(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, that ensure 
an orderly process and protection of confidential informa-
tion. 
(c) REPORT ON USE OF FORMAL HEARING PROC-
ESS.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee 
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on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee 
on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a report detailing— 
(1) the number of hearings held pursuant to 
subparagraph (K) of section 60117(b)(1) of title 49, 
United States Code; 
(2) the status of each such hearing; 
(3) an analysis comparing the informal hearing 
process and the formal hearing process that de-
scribes— 
(A) the length of time to resolve an en-
forcement action under section 60117 of title 
49, United States Code; 
(B) the cost of the enforcement action 
process to— 
(i) the respondent; and 
(ii) the Pipeline and Hazardous Mate-
rials Safety Administration; and 
(C) the number of cases that reach settle-
ment and the outcome of such cases; 
(4) any additional resources that are needed by 
the Secretary in response to implementing this pro-
vision for each fiscal year to carry out the amend-
ment made by subsection (a); and 
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(5) any safety improvements identified as a re-
sult of the implementation of subparagraph (K) of 
section 60117(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code. 
SEC. 27. STATE PIPELINE SAFETY GRANTS REPORTING. 
Section 60107(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘After notifying’’ and inserting 
‘‘(1) WITHHOLDING
OF
PAYMENT.—After noti-
fying’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) BUDGET ESTIMATE.—The budget estimates of 
the Secretary for each fiscal year shall include— 
‘‘(A) a summary of amounts claimed, 
amounts reimbursed, and the percentages reim-
bursed in the preceding 3 fiscal years for the 
program under this section; and 
‘‘(B) the estimated funding necessary to 
fund 80 percent of the cost of the personnel, 
equipment, and activities under this section for 
the subsequent calendar year.’’. 
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SEC. 28. DISCLOSURE OF SAFETY INFORMATION ASSESS-
MENT. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall conduct an assessment on how gas pipeline 
facility, hazardous liquid pipeline facility, and carbon diox-
ide pipeline facility owners and operators engage with, and 
provide safety information to, the public and State, Tribal, 
or local emergency response organizations. 
(b) SAFETY INFORMATION.—In conducting the as-
sessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall consider— 
(1) pipeline safety materials that the owners 
and operators of pipelines described in subsection 
(a) voluntarily provide to the public; 
(2) methods of interaction between pipeline fa-
cility owners and operators and the public and State, 
Tribal, and local emergency response entities; 
(3) Federal, State, Tribal, and local government 
regulations governing information that pipeline facil-
ity owners and operators are required to share with 
the public; 
(4) industry consensus standards regarding the 
sharing of pipeline safety and emergency response 
information; 
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(5) specific data that could be shared with local, 
Tribal, and State emergency response and planning 
agencies, local public and Tribal officials, and gov-
erning councils to enhance information sharing and 
pipeline safety, specifically— 
(A) the identification of general pipeline lo-
cation, or information including location, the 
products transported by pipeline or stored at an 
underground natural gas facility, data on 
breakout tanks or production facilities that in-
cludes pipeline classification and impact areas, 
and owner or operator emergency response 
planning materials; and 
(B) information emergency response orga-
nizations ask pipeline owners and operators to 
voluntarily share with the public; 
(6) emergency response materials that pipeline 
facility owners and operators voluntarily provide to 
emergency response organizations; 
(7) how pipeline facility owners and operators 
communicate with emergency response organiza-
tions, including— 
(A) the functional quality and use of data 
shared through the National Pipeline Mapping 
System; and 
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(B) the measures taken by emergency re-
sponse organizations to secure any sensitive in-
formation shared; 
(8) emergency response planning guidance and 
requirements issued by emergency response organi-
zations for pipeline facility owners and operators; 
and 
(9) changes emergency response organizations 
recommend to improve communication with the pub-
lic and emergency response coordination organiza-
tions. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the assessment 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with both 
large and small pipeline facility owners and operators, 
urban and rural State, local, and Tribal governments, 
emergency response organizations, and pipeline safety or-
ganizations. 
(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days 
after completion of the assessment in subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation 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 assess-
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