Overview
Title
To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
S. 4983 is like a new rulebook that helps keep the pipelines safe and makes sure everyone knows what’s happening with them. It also wants to set up a special office to help people understand these rules and talk to the people in charge if they have any questions.
Summary AI
The bill, S. 4983, aims to enhance safety and public involvement regarding pipeline and hazardous materials. It requires the creation of an Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to ensure better communication and transparency with the public. The bill outlines numerous safety measures and standards, including updated regulations for pipeline safety, carbon dioxide pipeline standards, blending hydrogen in natural gas systems, and procedures for public transparency and participation. Additionally, it grants private individuals the ability to take legal action for violations and mandates clear guidelines for incident reporting and safety data disclosure.
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AnalysisAI
The proposed bill titled the Pipeline Accountability, Safety, and Environmental Standards Act of 2024 seeks to introduce substantial changes to pipeline safety and environmental protocols within the United States. It aims to address safety, accountability, and transparency concerning pipeline operations, with particular emphasis on public engagement and the reduction of environmental impacts.
General Summary of the Bill
The legislation introduces several amendments to title 49 of the United States Code. It mandates the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Additionally, the bill proposes new safety standards, outlines public disclosure obligations, and modifies procedures for responding to incidents and implementing penalties. The objectives include ensuring safer operation of pipelines, improving public transparency, and enhancing environmental protections.
Significant Issues
A recurring theme throughout the bill is the potential for ambiguity due to broad definitions and undefined terms. For instance, phrases like "non-emitting alternative" are used extensively without specific guidance, potentially creating loopholes. Moreover, the bill seeks to eliminate "cost-effectiveness" as a criterion in establishing safety standards, which could result in economically challenging regulations. Sections requiring rapid response to pipeline ruptures and substantial changes to how safety data is disclosed introduce rigorous demands on operators, posing feasibility concerns. Additionally, the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement raises questions about overlap and efficiency with existing agencies.
Broad Public Impact
Broadly, the bill appears aimed at tightening safety and environmental standards for the pipeline industry while increasing transparency and public involvement. By prioritizing environmental concerns and community engagement, it could lead to enhanced public trust and safety in pipeline operations. Mandating comprehensive public access to safety data may empower communities, particularly those at risk of incidents. However, these actions might lead to increased operational costs for pipeline operators, potentially affecting energy prices and market stability over time if not balanced correctly.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For environmental advocacy groups and communities located near pipelines, the bill represents a positive step toward stronger environmental protections and safety measures. These groups will likely appreciate the focus on environmental standards and transparency, particularly in high-risk areas.
Pipeline operators and industry stakeholders may view the legislation as imposing stringent new requirements that could increase costs and operational challenges. The proposed rapid-response regulations to mitigate pipeline ruptures and broad public data sharing could necessitate significant changes to current practices and resources.
Overall, while the bill's intentions toward greater safety and public engagement seem well-reasoned, the legislative execution requires careful navigation to ensure practical application without imposing undue burdens on the industry. Balancing stringent safety measures with economic realities will be crucial to achieving the bill's objectives without negatively impacting energy markets or stakeholders.
Financial Assessment
The bill S. 4983 includes several financial references that center around appropriations and funding allocations aimed at enhancing safety, transparency, and public engagement within the realm of pipeline and hazardous materials management.
Financial Allocations
The bill outlines specific appropriations, notably in Section 108, where it authorizes a total of $1 billion over five years (from fiscal year 2027 to 2031). Each year would see the allocation of $200 million dedicated to the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program. This program is critical as it aims to update and ensure the safety of the natural gas distribution pipeline system while promoting non-emitting alternatives. This funding reflects an intent to modernize infrastructure, potentially preventing incidents through improved safety measures.
Issues Relating to Financial Allocations
The financial allocation in Section 108 addresses the concern highlighted in the issues section about the potential ambiguity in terms like "non-emitting alternatives." By allocating funds specifically for these alternatives, the bill implies a commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels, although the lack of specific definitions could lead to inconsistent application. This ambiguity might allow varying interpretations regarding what qualifies as a "non-emitting alternative," potentially impacting the effectiveness of these funds in promoting cleaner energy.
Authorization of Appropriations for Public Engagement
Section 201 authorizes $12 million annually from fiscal years 2025 through 2028 for the establishment and operation of an Office of Public Engagement. This office is to actively involve and communicate with the public regarding pipeline safety issues. This financial commitment signifies recognition of the need for transparency and public involvement in pipeline management.
Concerns About Public Engagement Spending
The establishment of this office addresses some concerns around potential taxpayer waste and overlapping agency responsibilities as listed in the issues. The financial focus on proactive outreach and public engagement is significant, indicating an intention to prioritize public engagement in governmental processes. However, this effort also raises questions about the efficiency and potential overlap with similar existing bodies. The need for clear operational guidelines and efficiency measures is vital to prevent unnecessary expenditure.
Incident Reporting and Transparency
Although not explicitly financial, Section 204 establishes reporting requirements tied to the economic impact of pipeline incidents, stating that any incidents causing property damage of $50,000 or more must be reported. This provision ensures alignment of incident transparency with financial accountability, promoting improved oversight of economic impacts from incidents.
Conclusion
Overall, the bill dedicates significant financial resources toward updating pipeline infrastructure and enhancing public engagement. However, some issues merit attention, especially the vagueness of certain terms and the potential overlap of duties within newly established offices, which could lead to inefficiencies or misaligned spending. It will be important for the responsible agencies to clarify these areas to ensure that the funds achieve the intended goals of safety, modernization, and public transparency.
Issues
The broad and undefined nature of terms like 'non-emitting alternative' in Sections 101 and 108 can lead to ambiguity and potential loopholes, allowing for misinterpretation and inconsistent application in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Section 103's provision for 'reasonable compensation' without specifying amounts may lead to inconsistency or disputes, opening the door for potential favoritism or unchecked spending.
Sections 105 and 106 impose complex requirements on rupture mitigation and safety standards for pipelines, raising concerns over the feasibility of execution and the adequacy of timeframes, potentially leading to industry pushback or safety gaps.
Section 202 introduces rigorous disclosure requirements but uses technical language that may not be understandable to the general public, possibly limiting transparency and public engagement despite its intent.
The waiver processes in Sections 105 and 106 could be seen as creating opportunities for companies to delay compliance with safety measures, especially with broad criteria for determining feasibility exclusions.
Sections 104 and 301 introduce ambiguities by changing terminologies and prohibitions without clear guidelines or enforcement mechanisms, creating potential legal challenges and compliance difficulties.
The modifications in Section 102 related to cost-benefit analyses omit certain subparagraphs without detailed justification, possibly affecting the understanding of the changes' impact on safety standards.
The establishment of an Office of Public Engagement in Section 201 involves extensive duties and could overlap with other agencies, raising concerns about efficiency, potential for wasteful spending, and clarity in jurisdiction.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Pipeline Accountability, Safety, and Environmental Standards Act of 2024 outlines its content through a table of contents. The Act addresses various areas such as safety and environmental protections, public engagement and transparency, and accountability, detailing specific measures and regulations in each section.
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides definitions for key terms used in the act, including "Administration" (the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration), "appropriate committees of Congress," "environment" (which includes water, air, land, and their interrelationships), "environmental," "incident," "natural gas," and "Secretary" (referring to the Secretary of Transportation acting through the Administration's Administrator).
101. Factors for consideration in prescribing standards Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text outlines amendments to existing U.S. law that focus on environmental considerations in setting standards. It introduces the concept of "non-emitting alternatives" and requires that future infrastructure planning aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and consider global climate impacts.
102. Cost-benefit analyses Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 102, part of the U.S. Code is being updated to remove specific subparagraphs (D) and (E) from a paragraph and reorganize others by changing their letter names from (F) through (I) to (D) through (G). Additionally, several paragraphs, specifically paragraphs (3) through (7), are being completely removed.
103. Technical safety standards committees Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The proposed amendments to Section 60115 of title 49, U.S. Code, change how individuals are selected for committee roles concerning technical safety standards for pipelines. Individuals with financial interests in the pipeline or related industries cannot serve on these committees, and they must provide financial records for evaluation. Additionally, the updates ensure that standards for transporting gas and hazardous liquids focus on safety, environmental protection, and exclude cost-effectiveness from the criteria.
104. Application of regulations to existing pipelines Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section modifies existing pipeline safety laws by allowing standards set by the Secretary of Transportation to apply to pipelines built before those standards were issued. It also removes one paragraph in a different section and updates the numbering accordingly.
105. Rupture-mitigation valves on pipelines in high consequence areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section of the bill amends existing U.S. law to require operators of pipelines, located in high-risk areas, to quickly isolate any segment that bursts in order to reduce damage. It outlines the criteria for certain pipeline locations, defines types of pipelines, and establishes conditions for waivers that allow more time under certain circumstances. The Secretary will create specific regulations to enforce these requirements within two years.
106. Safety of carbon dioxide pipelines Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill section establishes safety standards and requirements for carbon dioxide pipelines. It defines key terms, directs the Secretary to create safety rules within two years that consider environmental and public safety factors, and mandates regulations for operators, including geohazard assessment, accident reporting, and community notification about pipeline hazards. Additionally, it requires training for local emergency responders on handling carbon dioxide pipeline ruptures.
107. Blending of hydrogen in natural gas systems Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section mandates a study by the Comptroller General on the effects of blending hydrogen into natural gas systems, detailing safety, environmental, and climate impacts. It prohibits pipeline operators from transporting hydrogen in natural gas systems unless specifically allowed by Congress, with exceptions for systems designed and used for hydrogen transport for over ten years.
108. Extension and modification of Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill section modifies the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program to include non-emitting alternatives like renewable energy and electrification, requires 20% of the funds to be used for these alternatives each year, and authorizes an additional $1 billion in funding over five years starting in 2027.
Money References
- (c) Authorization of additional funding.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program described under the heading “natural gas distribution infrastructure safety and modernization grant program” under the heading “Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration” under the heading “Department of Transportation” in title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58; 135 Stat. 1443)— (1) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, to remain available until September 30, 2036; (2) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, to remain available until September 30, 2037; (3) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2029, to remain available until September 30, 2038; (4) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2030, to remain available until September 30, 2039; and (5) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2031, to remain available until September 30, 2040. ---
109. Rulemaking on underground natural gas storage Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary has two years to create or update regulations for underground natural gas storage, focusing on safety and risk management. This includes considering standards from the American Petroleum Institute and ensuring regulations address risks like single points of failure.
201. Office of Public Engagement Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes an Office of Public Engagement within the Safety Administration, which will focus on active communication and assistance to the public, especially communities that are more affected by environmental issues. This office will handle public complaints, provide aid, and ensure outreach is accessible, while the Director will lead efforts to engage with communities and coordinate assistance, with a budget of $12,000,000 annually from 2025 to 2028.
Money References
- “(B) PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.—The Director shall coordinate active and ongoing engagement with the public with respect to the authority and activities of the Administration, including by— “(i) conducting— “(I) proactive outreach, which may include public postings, signage at relevant physical locations, newspaper publications, utility bill inserts, mailings, phone calls, canvassing, and door hangers, to communities, especially environmental justice communities, using varied media; and “(II) meetings, set at times and places to maximize the number of community members who can conveniently attend, with appropriate services, including, if the Director determines it would have a meaningful impact on participation by members of affected environmental justice communities— “(aa) translation and interpreting services; “(bb) virtual attendance; and “(cc) reasonable funding for transportation to and from meetings, food, and caregiving; “(ii) establishing an independent, neutral, accessible, confidential, and standardized process to receive, review, and process complaints and allegations with respect to the activities of the Administration and entities regulated by the Administration; “(iii) assisting individuals in resolving complaints and allegations described in clause (ii); “(iv) making publicly available, and proactively disseminating, information on the manner in which members of the public may file inquiries, complaints, and allegations; “(v) coordinating with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, State agencies, and, as necessary, other agencies to direct public inquiries that are not within the jurisdiction of the Administration to the relevant agency; and “(vi) preparing, and making publicly available in accessible formats, educational materials about the Administration, the responsibilities of the Administration, and how those responsibilities interact with entities under the jurisdiction of the Administration and other Federal, State, local, or Tribal government agencies. “(C) POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT.—The Director shall facilitate, including by directing impacted individuals to the appropriate agency and coordinating with relevant counterparts at other agencies, appropriate remediation, environmental testing, and assistance with compensation in the case of leaks, incidents, accidents, or other relevant events.”. (b) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out section 108(h) of title 49, United States Code, $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028. ---
202. Disclosure of safety data Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill proposes changes to how safety data related to pipelines is shared, requiring operators to provide clear and updated information about substances transported, safety plans, and potential risks on publicly accessible websites. It also mandates annual notifications with safety details to impacted individuals and communities, sets deadlines for public information requests, and entails creating regulations for standardized information release within two years.
203. Reporting of blended products Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Operators of natural gas pipelines must inform the Secretary about any blended products they transport that contain over 1% of non-dominant materials, and the Secretary has the authority to create or update regulations to support this requirement.
204. Incident reporting for gas pipelines Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Secretary, within one year, to create or update rules for gas pipeline operators to report any gas releases of 50,000 cubic feet or more and various incidents, including fires, explosions, significant property damage, or injuries that cause loss of consciousness, require carrying someone from the scene, need medical treatment, or result in a disability that affects normal activities beyond the day of the incident.
Money References
- (b) Rulemaking.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate new, or revise existing, regulations to require operators of gas pipelines— (1) to meet incident reporting standards that require those operators to report all gas releases of 50,000 cubic feet or more, regardless of any intent of the operator or any other person with respect to the release; and (2) to report— (A) all incidents resulting in fire or explosion; (B) all incidents resulting in property damage of $50,000 or more in value; and (C) all incidents resulting in bodily harm to any person resulting in— (i) loss of consciousness; (ii) necessity to carry a person from the scene; (iii) necessity for medical treatment; or (iv) disability that prevents the discharge of normal duties or the pursuit of normal duties beyond the day of the incident. ---
301. Prohibition against releases Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section modifies existing law to prohibit the release of gas or hazardous liquids from a pipeline facility if the release would need to be reported as an incident or accident under the relevant regulations.
302. Actions by private persons Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section of the bill amends rules for private individuals filing civil lawsuits related to pipeline safety violations, including the ability to seek penalties and court orders. It gives U.S. district courts jurisdiction over these cases, allows the Secretary to intervene, and clarifies that other legal rights and state powers to enforce safety standards remain unaffected.
303. Penalties Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines penalties and mandates that the Secretary update regulations related to civil penalties for multiple violations by following changes made to a specific part of the United States Code.