H.R. 5537

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

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5537

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

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 19, 2025

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

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

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

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Pipeline 
Accountability Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS

Sec. 101. Factors for consideration in prescribing standards.
Sec. 102. Cost-benefit analyses.
Sec. 103. Technical safety standards committees.
Sec. 104. Application of regulations to existing pipelines.
Sec. 105. Rupture-mitigation valves on pipelines in high consequence 
areas.
Sec. 106. Safety of carbon dioxide pipelines.
Sec. 107. Blending in natural gas systems.
Sec. 108. Extension and modification of Natural Gas Distribution 
Infrastructure Safety and Modernization 
Grant Program.
Sec. 109. Rulemaking on underground natural gas storage.
TITLE II--PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY

Sec. 201. Office of Public Engagement.
Sec. 202. Public hearings on proposed rules.
Sec. 203. Disclosure of safety data.
Sec. 204. Reporting of blended products.
Sec. 205. Incident reporting for gas pipelines.
TITLE III--ACCOUNTABILITY

Sec. 301. Prohibition against releases.
Sec. 302. Actions by private persons.
Sec. 303. Penalties.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the 
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
(C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the 
House of Representatives.
(3) Environment.--The term ``environment'' includes--
(A) water, air, and land; and
(B) the interrelationship that exists among and 
between water, air, and land and all present and future 
generations of living beings.
(4) Environmental.--The term ``environmental'' means 
relating to or concerning the environment.
(5) Incident.--The term ``incident'' has the meaning given 
the term in section 191.3 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(6) Natural gas.--The term ``natural gas'' has the meaning 
given the term in section 2 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 
717a).
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the 
Administration.

TITLE I--SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS

SEC. 101. FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRESCRIBING STANDARDS.

(a) In General.--Section 60102(b)(2) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) the need to mitigate negative impacts to the 
global climate and avoid unnecessarily prolonging the 
life span of fossil fuel infrastructure; and
``(I) transition plans toward non-emitting 
alternatives.''.
(b) Definition.--
(1) In general.--Section 60101(a) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--
(A) in paragraph (25), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (22)(B)(iii), by inserting ``and'' 
after the semicolon at the end;
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (17) through (26) 
as paragraphs (18), (19), (20), (24), (25), (26), (21), 
(22), (23), and (27), respectively, and moving the 
paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order; and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (16) the 
following:
``(17) `non-emitting alternative' means a technological or 
efficiency-related energy solution that does not entail the use 
of fossil fuels that are directly or indirectly related to the 
greenhouse effect, including electrification, renewable energy 
sources, networked geothermal systems, storage, efficiency, and 
behavior change;''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 70012(c) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``section 60101(a)(18)'' 
and inserting ``section 60101(a)''.
(B) Section 60102(q)(1) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by striking ``subsection (a)(21)'' and inserting 
``subsection (a)(25)''.

SEC. 102. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSES.

Section 60102(b) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by 
section 101), is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (I) 
as subparagraphs (D) through (G), respectively; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (3) through (7).

SEC. 103. TECHNICAL SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEES.

(a) In General.--Section 60115 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking the third sentence;
(2) in subsection (b)(4)--
(A) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking the second and third 
sentences and inserting the following:
``(ii) None of the individuals selected for a committee under 
paragraph (3)(C) may have a financial interest in the pipeline, 
petroleum, ethanol, or gas industries, including through direct 
ownership, consulting fees, wages, or research funding provided 
directly to the individual, but not including any compensation for a 
pipeline easement on the property of the individual.''; and
(ii) by striking ``(C) Two'' and inserting 
the following:
``(C)(i) Two''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the 
following:
``(iii) All individuals under consideration for selection for a 
committee under paragraph (3)(C) shall submit to the Secretary such 
financial records for the previous year as the Secretary determines 
necessary to evaluate compliance with clause (ii). All individuals 
selected for a committee under paragraph (3)(C) shall submit to the 
Secretary, prior to appointment and annually thereafter for so long as 
the individual is a member of the committee, such financial records for 
the previous year as the Secretary determines necessary to evaluate 
compliance with clause (ii).
``(iv) The Secretary shall provide reasonable compensation for 
members of each committee that are appointed under paragraph (3)(C). 
Such compensation shall not make a member of a committee an officer or 
employee of the Federal Government in determining eligibility for 
membership on the applicable committee.''; and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``Committee each standard proposed under this 
chapter for transporting gas and for gas 
pipeline facilities including the risk 
assessment information and other analyses 
supporting each proposed standard;'' and 
inserting the following: ``Committee--
``(i) each standard proposed under this chapter 
for--
``(I) transporting gas; or
``(II) gas pipeline facilities; and
``(ii) analyses supporting each proposed standard 
described in clause (i);''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``Committee each standard proposed under this 
chapter for transporting hazardous liquid and 
for hazardous liquid pipeline facilities 
including the risk assessment information and 
other analyses supporting each proposed 
standard.'' and inserting the following: 
``Committee--
``(i) each standard proposed under this chapter 
for--
``(I) transporting hazardous liquid; or
``(II) hazardous liquid pipeline 
facilities; and
``(ii) analyses supporting each proposed standard 
described in clause (i).''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), in the first sentence--
(i) by striking ``cost-effectiveness,''; 
and
(ii) by inserting ``, and the strength of 
the proposed standard to promote safety and 
protect the environment (as defined in section 
2 of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 
2025),'' before ``and include''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section and 
the amendments made by this section.

SEC. 104. APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS TO EXISTING PIPELINES.

(a) In General.--Section 60104(b) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking 
``Nonapplication'' and inserting ``Application'';
(2) by striking ``does not apply'' and inserting ``shall be 
applied''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following: ``The authority of 
the Secretary to apply any standard promulgated pursuant to 
this chapter (including any standard promulgated prior to the 
date of enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025) 
shall not be limited by virtue of a pipeline preexisting the 
issuance of that standard.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 60109(c) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (11); and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (12) as paragraph (11).

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

Section 60109(c) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by 
section 104(b)(2)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(12) Rupture-mitigation valves on pipelines in high 
consequence areas.--
``(A) Definitions.--
``(i) Class 3 or 4 location.--The term 
`Class 3 or 4 location', with respect to a gas 
pipeline facility, means, as applicable--
``(I) a Class 3 location (as 
defined in section 192.5(b) of title 
49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a 
successor regulation)); or
``(II) a Class 4 location (as 
defined in that section).
``(ii) Covered location.--The term `covered 
location' means--
``(I) a high consequence area; and
``(II) a location where a rupture 
could affect--
``(aa) a high consequence 
area; or
``(bb) a Class 3 or 4 
location.
``(iii) Covered pipeline.--The term 
`covered pipeline' means an existing or newly 
constructed pipeline, 6 inches or greater in 
diameter, that is--
``(I) a gas transmission pipeline;
``(II) a type A onshore gathering 
pipeline (as described in section 
192.8(c) of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations (or a successor 
regulation));
``(III) a hazardous liquid 
pipeline; or
``(IV) a carbon dioxide pipeline.
``(iv) High consequence area.--The term 
`high consequence area' means--
``(I) with respect to a gas 
pipeline facility, a high consequence 
area (as defined in section 192.903 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or a successor regulation)); and
``(II) with respect to a hazardous 
liquid pipeline facility or relevant 
carbon dioxide pipeline facility, a 
high consequence area (as defined in 
section 195.450 of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation)).
``(B) Isolation of pipeline segments.--Beginning on 
the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of 
the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025, an operator of 
a covered pipeline any portion of which is in a covered 
location shall, as soon as practicable, but not later 
than 30 minutes after rupture identification, fully 
isolate any ruptured pipeline segment that is in a 
covered location, in order to minimize the volume of 
product released from the pipeline and mitigate the 
consequences of the rupture.
``(C) Demonstration of compliance.--
``(i) Existing pipelines in covered 
locations.--Not later than 5 years after the 
date of enactment of the Pipeline 
Accountability Act of 2025, each operator of a 
covered pipeline any portion of which is in a 
covered location as of that date of enactment 
shall demonstrate the ability of the operator 
to comply with the requirements of subparagraph 
(B).
``(ii) Subsequent determinations.--
Beginning on the date of enactment of the 
Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025, not later 
than 5 years after an existing covered pipeline 
is determined to be in a covered location, the 
operator of that covered pipeline shall 
demonstrate the ability of the operator to 
isolate the applicable segment of the covered 
pipeline not later than 30 minutes after 
rupture identification, in accordance with 
subparagraph (B), unless the operator has 
received a waiver in accordance with 
subparagraph (D) with respect to the applicable 
segment that is in effect on the expiration of 
that 5-year period.
``(D) Waiver on request.--The Secretary may approve 
a waiver of the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and 
(C) on the request of an operator of a covered pipeline 
if the request--
``(i)(I) demonstrates, in the determination 
of the Secretary, that meeting the 30-minute 
standard described in subparagraph (B) is 
operationally, technologically, or economically 
infeasible; and
``(II) describes the methodology used to 
reach, and the results of studies supporting, 
that conclusion;
``(ii)(I) includes the estimated--
``(aa) isolation time; and
``(bb) consequences of a worst-case 
scenario failure on the impacted high 
consequence area or Class 3 or 4 
location; and
``(II) demonstrates that the operator has 
involved the local emergency services in 
developing those estimates;
``(iii) demonstrates that the public within 
the impacted area and the immediately 
surrounding areas has been informed of the 
consequences of a rupture and consulted with 
respect to a waiver, including by providing the 
estimated isolation time; and
``(iv) for a pipeline segment for which a 
rupture could affect a high consequence area 
that is an unusually sensitive area (as defined 
in section 195.6 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations (or a successor regulation)), 
demonstrates that relevant environmental and 
public safety groups have been informed of, and 
consulted with respect to, the consequences of 
a rupture and the request for a waiver.
``(E) Expiration, renewal, and required review.--
``(i) Expiration.--A waiver granted by the 
Secretary under subparagraph (D) shall expire 5 
years after the date on which the waiver was 
granted.
``(ii) Renewal.--A waiver granted by the 
Secretary under subparagraph (D) may be renewed 
on the submission by the operator of a new 
request in accordance with that subparagraph, 
subject to such revision as the Secretary 
determines to be appropriate based on a review 
of the request.
``(iii) Required review.--
``(I) In general.--Not later than 
180 days after the occurrence of an 
event described in subclause (II), an 
operator receiving a waiver under 
subparagraph (D) shall--
``(aa) review the waiver; 
and
``(bb) submit to the 
Secretary a new request for a 
waiver in accordance with that 
subparagraph, including such 
revisions as the operator 
determines appropriate based on 
a review of the applicable 
event described in that 
subclause.
``(II) Events described.--An event 
referred to in subclause (I) is any of 
the following:
``(aa) A significant 
incident anywhere on the 
network of pipelines of the 
operator.
``(bb) A change in the 
operational status of the 
applicable pipeline segment 
that may impact the safe 
operation of the pipeline 
facility or the consequences of 
a rupture.
``(cc) A change in the 
built or natural environment 
that may impact the safe 
operation of the pipeline 
facility or the consequences of 
a rupture.
``(dd) A change in the 
organizational structure of the 
operator, including a change in 
staffing levels or locations, 
that would affect the ability 
of the operator to isolate the 
applicable pipeline segment 
within the required time.
``(III) Review by the secretary.--
On receipt of a request under subclause 
(I)(bb), the Secretary shall--
``(aa) review the request; 
and
``(bb) as the Secretary 
determines to be appropriate--

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

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

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

``(IV) Expiration due to 
inaction.--If an operator has not 
submitted to the Secretary a request in 
accordance with item (bb) of subclause 
(I) by the date described in that 
subclause, the existing waiver shall 
expire as of that date.
``(F) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 
2025, the Secretary shall promulgate new, or revise 
existing, regulations to carry out this paragraph.''.

SEC. 106. SAFETY OF CARBON DIOXIDE PIPELINES.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) High consequence area.--The term ``high consequence 
area'' has the meaning given the term in section 192.903 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation).
(2) Potential impact area.--The term ``potential impact 
area'' means the area in which the potential failure of a 
pipeline transporting carbon dioxide may be expected to have 
significant impact on persons, property, or the environment.
(3) Report.--The term ``report'' means the report of the 
Accident Investigation Division of the Office of Pipeline 
Safety of the Administration entitled ``Failure Investigation 
Report--Denbury Gulf Coast Pipelines LLC--Pipeline Rupture/
Natural Force Damage'' and dated May 26, 2022.
(b) Completion of Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
(A) complete the rulemaking proceeding relating to 
the notice of proposed rulemaking issued on January 10, 
2025, entitled ``Pipeline Safety: Safety of Carbon 
Dioxide and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' (Docket No. 
PHMSA-2022-0125; RIN 2137-AF60); and
(B) issue a final rule pursuant to that rulemaking 
proceeding, subject to the conditions that--
(i) in completing the rulemaking proceeding 
and issuing the final rule, the Secretary shall 
take into consideration the measures described 
in paragraph (2); and
(ii) any substantive differences between 
the final rule and the proposed rule, as 
published by the Administration on January 10, 
2025--
(I) effectuate a measure described 
in paragraph (2); and
(II) are responsive to the findings 
and recommendations in the report.
(2) Measures for consideration.--In carrying out paragraph 
(1), the Secretary shall consider, and may effectuate, the 
following measures:
(A) The establishment of minimum safety standards 
for all phases of carbon dioxide pipeline 
transportation.
(B) The development of appropriate standards for 
the determination of--
(i) a potential impact area, which may 
include the use of plume dispersion models and 
consideration of the impacts of local weather 
and topography;
(ii) the area in which a rupture may cause 
a sufficient concentration of carbon dioxide to 
create a risk of fatality;
(iii) high consequence areas;
(iv) pipeline segments that could affect 
high consequence areas; and
(v) the acceptable level of contaminants in 
the pipeline.
(C) The development and required use of an 
effective, appropriate, and unique odorant, or other 
effective and appropriate means of leak detection, as 
determined through research and development.
(D) The establishment of measures to ensure 
effective fracture propagation protection, including 
requirements relating to--
(i) material toughness; and
(ii) the use of fracture arrestors.
(E) The establishment of detailed safety standards 
for the conversion of existing pipelines for use in 
transporting carbon dioxide.
(F) The establishment of guidelines for emergency 
response plans and emergency responder training for 
carbon dioxide pipeline leaks, ensuring that the 
relevant portions of emergency response plans are 
available to relevant emergency responders.
(3) Other considerations.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
including with respect to the matters described in paragraph 
(2), the Secretary shall consider--
(A) which measures will ensure the maximum 
protection of--
(i) public health;
(ii) pipeline integrity; and
(iii) the environment and public safety, 
consistent with section 60102 of title 49, 
United States Code; and
(B) whether the measures are responsive to the 
findings and recommendations in the report.
(c) Other Regulations.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations--
(1) requiring operators of carbon dioxide pipelines--
(A) to identify and assess geohazards during 
initial pipeline siting;
(B) to monitor for changes in hazardous conditions 
that could impact pipeline safety; and
(C) to take preventive and mitigative measures as 
appropriate;
(2) establishing reporting requirements relating to--
(A) the location of carbon dioxide pipelines and 
related facilities;
(B) the phase and material being transported 
through those pipelines, including the type and 
quantity of contaminants; and
(C) how those pipelines and contents are inspected;
(3) establishing standards and notification requirements 
for cases in which the material being transported by a carbon 
dioxide pipeline is not pure carbon dioxide;
(4) requiring operators of carbon dioxide pipelines to 
notify and coordinate with relevant Federal, State, local, and 
Tribal officials and responders when there is an incident or 
accident; and
(5) requiring operators of carbon dioxide pipelines to 
notify individuals within the relevant potential impact area of 
the hazards posed by carbon dioxide pipelines and measures to 
take in the event of a pipeline rupture.
(d) Training and Other Resources.--The Secretary shall provide 
training and other resources to relevant local emergency responders 
that is tailored specifically to carbon dioxide pipeline ruptures, 
including information on the potential impact area, any relevant 
odorants, the health implications of exposure to high concentrations of 
carbon dioxide, and the impact of high concentrations of carbon dioxide 
on vehicle functioning.

SEC. 107. BLENDING IN NATURAL GAS SYSTEMS.

(a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall--
(1) conduct a study of the short- and long-term safety, 
health, environmental, and climate change impacts and risks of 
blending hydrogen into existing natural gas systems; and
(2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, submit to the Secretary and the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing the results of the 
study, including--
(A) a description of any remaining knowledge gaps 
relating to safely moving hydrogen-methane blends 
through existing natural gas systems;
(B) a description of the safety risks of hydrogen-
methane blends in existing natural gas systems, 
including--
(i) leak rates of hydrogen-methane blends 
and associated environmental impacts;
(ii) the performance of hydrogen-methane 
blends in existing residential, commercial, and 
industrial infrastructure; and
(iii) underground migration of leaked 
hydrogen-methane blends;
(C) a lifecycle analysis of hydrogen, including 
environmental and climate impacts and risks of blending 
hydrogen into existing natural gas systems, as compared 
to--
(i) the status quo; and
(ii) other pathways for greenhouse gas 
emissions reduction; and
(D) recommendations to the Secretary for how to 
avoid or minimize risks determined under paragraph (1).
(b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection 
(a)(1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall take into 
consideration, at a minimum, the findings of the study on hydrogen 
blending commissioned by the California Public Utilities Commission and 
carried out by the University of California, Riverside, entitled 
``Hydrogen Blending Impacts Study'' and dated July 18, 2022.
(c) Prohibition.--
(1) In general.--No pipeline operator may transport any 
quantity of hydrogen, other than trace amounts present as a 
contaminant, through a natural gas distribution pipeline system 
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary unless and until 
Congress expressly provides, by statute, for the safe 
regulation of blending hydrogen into natural gas distribution 
pipeline systems.
(2) Application.--The prohibition described in paragraph 
(1) shall not apply to natural gas distribution pipelines 
that--
(A) have been specifically designed to transport 
hydrogen above trace levels; and
(B) have been transporting hydrogen above trace 
levels for at least 10 years as of the date of 
enactment of this Act.

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

(a) Modification.--The matter under the heading ``natural gas 
distribution infrastructure safety and modernization grant program'' 
under the heading ``Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration'' under the heading ``DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'' in 
title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 1443) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding the first proviso, by inserting 
``(referred to under this heading in this Act as the 
`Secretary')'' after ``Secretary of Transportation'';
(2) in the second proviso, by striking ``to repair, 
rehabilitate, or replace its natural gas distribution pipeline 
system or portions thereof or to acquire equipment to (1) 
reduce incidents and fatalities and (2) avoid economic losses'' 
and inserting ``to repair, rehabilitate, replace, or retire its 
natural gas distribution pipeline system or portions thereof or 
to acquire equipment to (1) reduce incidents and fatalities, 
(2) avoid economic losses, and (3) encourage non-emitting 
alternatives''; and
(3) by inserting after the second proviso the following: 
``Provided further, That for purposes of the preceding proviso, 
the term `non-emitting alternative' means a technological or 
efficiency-related energy solution that does not entail the use 
of fossil fuels that are directly or indirectly related to the 
greenhouse effect, including electrification, renewable energy 
sources, networked geothermal systems, storage, efficiency, and 
behavior change: Provided further, That the promotion or 
encouragement of non-emitting alternatives (as defined in the 
preceding proviso) may include workforce training programs: 
Provided further, That in making grants from funds made 
available under this heading in this Act, the Secretary shall 
give additional consideration to an applicant if all workers 
employed or contracted by the applicant are paid wages at rates 
not less than those prevailing on projects of a similar 
character in the locality as determined by the Secretary of 
Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 
40, United States Code, and to workforce training programs that 
comply with apprenticeship requirements similar to the 
apprenticeship requirements described in section 45(b)(8) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as determined or established 
by the Secretary for purposes of making those grants:''.
(b) Requirement.--Of the amounts made available by subsection (c) 
each fiscal year, not less than 20 percent shall be used for non-
emitting alternatives (as defined in the third proviso under the 
heading ``natural gas distribution infrastructure safety and 
modernization grant program'' under the heading ``Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration'' under the heading 
``DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'' in title VIII of division J of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 
1443)).
(c) Authorization of Additional Funding.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out the Natural Gas Distribution 
Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program described under 
the heading ``natural gas distribution infrastructure safety and 
modernization grant program'' under the heading ``Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration'' under the heading 
``DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'' in title VIII of division J of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 
1443)--
(1) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, to remain available 
until September 30, 2036;
(2) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, to remain available 
until September 30, 2037;
(3) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2029, to remain available 
until September 30, 2038;
(4) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2030, to remain available 
until September 30, 2039; and
(5) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2031, to remain available 
until September 30, 2040.

SEC. 109. RULEMAKING ON UNDERGROUND NATURAL GAS STORAGE.

(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate new, or revise existing, 
regulations to address underground natural gas storage.
(b) Requirement.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall review and consider relevant technical and scientific information 
on the safety of underground natural gas storage, including the most 
recently updated version of each of the following:
(1) The standard of the American Petroleum Institute 
entitled ``Design and Operation of Solution-mined Salt Caverns 
used for Natural Gas Storage'' and numbered API Recommended 
Practice 1170.
(2) The standard of the American Petroleum Institute 
entitled ``Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in 
Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs'' and 
numbered API Recommended Practice 1171.
(c) Topics.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
review and consider updates to existing regulations relating to risk 
management, emergency response, and ensuring that underground natural 
gas storage wells do not pose undue risks from single points of 
failure.

TITLE II--PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY

SEC. 201. OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.

(a) In General.--Section 108 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(referred to in this 
section as the `Administration')'' after ``Safety 
Administration'';
(2) in subsection (c), in the first sentence, by inserting 
``(referred to in this section as the `Administrator'),'' after 
``shall be the Administrator''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Office of Public Engagement.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
`appropriate committees of Congress' has the meaning 
given the term in section 2 of the Pipeline 
Accountability Act of 2025.
``(B) Covered facility.--The term `covered 
facility' means--
``(i) a covered pipeline (as defined in 
section 60109(c)(12)(A));
``(ii) a liquefied natural gas pipeline 
facility (as defined in section 60101(a)); and
``(iii) an underground natural gas storage 
facility (as defined in section 60101(a)).
``(C) Director.--The term `Director' means the 
Director of the Office appointed under paragraph (3).
``(D) Environmental justice community.--The term 
`environmental justice community' means a community 
with significant representation of communities of 
color, low-income communities, or Tribal and Indigenous 
communities, that experiences, or is at risk of 
experiencing, higher or more adverse human health or 
environmental effects.
``(E) Incident.--The term `incident' has the 
meaning given the term in section 191.3 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation).
``(F) Low-income community.--The term `low-income 
community' means a census block group in which 30 
percent or more of the population are individuals with 
an annual household income equal to, or less than, the 
greatest of--
``(i) an amount equal to 80 percent of the 
median income of the area in which the 
household is located, as reported by the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development;
``(ii) 200 percent of the Federal poverty 
line; and
``(iii) a level of income higher than the 
levels described in clauses (i) and (ii), as 
determined by the Secretary.
``(G) Office.--The term `Office' means the Office 
of Public Engagement of the Administration established 
under paragraph (2).
``(2) Establishment.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator 
shall establish within the Administration an office, to 
be known as the `Office of Public Engagement'.
``(B) Process.--Before establishing the Office 
under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall--
``(i) seek and incorporate public input 
regarding the responsibilities of the Office, 
including through in-person public meetings, 
prioritizing input from individuals without 
financial interests in the pipeline, petroleum, 
ethanol, or gas industries, including 
environmental justice communities and experts 
in community engagement; and
``(ii) submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a summary of the input received 
pursuant to clause (i) and an explanation of 
how that input will be integrated into the 
establishment of the Office.
``(C) Compensation.--The Administrator may provide 
reasonable compensation for those providing input 
pursuant to subparagraph (B) in order to facilitate the 
participation of environmental justice communities.
``(3) Director.--The Office shall be headed by a Director, 
who shall--
``(A) be appointed by the Administrator;
``(B) report to the Associate Administrator for 
Pipeline Safety; and
``(C) be responsible for the discharge of the 
functions and duties of the Office.
``(4) Employees.--The Director may appoint, and assign the 
duties of, employees of the Office.
``(5) Duties and functions of the office.--
``(A) Coordination of assistance.--The Director 
shall coordinate the provision of assistance, including 
financial assistance, technical assistance, and 
educational assistance to the public, with respect to 
the authorities exercised by the Administration, 
including by proactive and targeted community outreach 
that incorporates--
``(i) accessible communications;
``(ii) the provision of in-person and 
online communications; and
``(iii) translations to languages spoken by 
impacted populations.
``(B) Public engagement.--The Director shall 
coordinate active and ongoing engagement with the 
public with respect to the authority and activities of 
the Administration, including by--
``(i) conducting--
``(I) proactive outreach, which may 
include public postings, signage at 
relevant physical locations, newspaper 
publications, utility bill inserts, 
mailings, phone calls, canvassing, and 
door hangers, to communities, 
especially environmental justice 
communities, using varied media; and
``(II) meetings, set at times and 
places to maximize the number of 
community members who can conveniently 
attend, with appropriate services, 
including, if the Director determines 
it would have a meaningful impact on 
participation by members of affected 
environmental justice communities--
``(aa) translation and 
interpreting services;
``(bb) virtual attendance; 
and
``(cc) reasonable funding 
for transportation to and from 
meetings, food, and caregiving;
``(ii) establishing an independent, 
neutral, accessible, confidential, and 
standardized process to receive, review, 
process, and follow up on inquiries, 
complaints, and allegations with respect to the 
activities of the Administration and entities 
regulated by the Administration, including with 
respect to cracks and leaks in pipeline 
infrastructure identified by workers and 
community members;
``(iii) assisting individuals in responding 
to and resolving inquiries, complaints, and 
allegations described in clause (ii);
``(iv) making publicly available, and 
proactively disseminating, information on the 
manner in which members of the public may file 
inquiries, complaints, and allegations;
``(v) coordinating with the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission, State agencies, and, as 
necessary, other agencies to direct public 
inquiries that are not within the jurisdiction 
of the Administration to the relevant agency;
``(vi) preparing, and making publicly 
available in accessible formats, educational 
materials about the Administration, the 
responsibilities of the Administration, and how 
those responsibilities interact with entities 
under the jurisdiction of the Administration 
and other Federal, State, local, or Tribal 
government agencies;
``(vii) assisting local first responders, 
local officials, and community members--
``(I) to develop their own 
emergency management plans; and
``(II) to prepare to respond to all 
potential adverse scenarios relating to 
covered facility malfunctions, 
including to evacuate on short notice 
if necessary; and
``(viii) making publicly available, and 
proactively disseminating, information on local 
evacuation plans to the surrounding community.
``(C) Post-incident support.--The Director shall 
facilitate, including by directing impacted individuals 
to the appropriate agency and coordinating with 
relevant counterparts at other agencies, appropriate 
remediation, environmental testing, and assistance with 
compensation in the case of leaks, incidents, 
accidents, or other relevant events.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out section 108(h) of title 49, 
United States Code, $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
2028.

SEC. 202. PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED RULES.

Section 60104 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary of Transportation'' 
and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Public hearings.--In proposing rules under this 
chapter, including revisions to those rules, the Secretary 
shall hold at least 1 public hearing to address each proposed 
rule or revision.''; and
(2) in each of subsections (d)(1) and (e), by striking 
``Secretary of Transportation'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``Secretary''.

SEC. 203. DISCLOSURE OF SAFETY DATA.

Section 60132 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection (a)'' and 
inserting ``subparagraph (A)'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subparagraph (C) and 
indenting appropriately;
(3) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (4), in the second sentence, by 
striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the following:
``(B) Notice requirement.--With respect to data 
requested from operators under subparagraph (A)(vi), 
the Secretary'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
clauses (i), (ii), (v), and (vi), respectively, and 
indenting appropriately;
(C) by inserting after clause (ii) (as so 
redesignated) the following:
``(iii) Information on the matters 
described in paragraph (2)(E).
``(iv) The location and type of any valves 
installed on the pipeline.''; and
(D) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so 
redesignated)--
(i) by striking ``and gathering lines'';
(ii) by striking ``of Transportation''; and
(iii) by striking the subsection 
designation and heading and all that follows 
through ``this section, the'' and inserting the 
following:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Class location.--The term `class location' means a 
class location described in section 192.5 of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
``(2) Covered facility.--The term `covered facility' 
means--
``(A) a covered pipeline (as defined in section 
60109(c)(12)(A));
``(B) a liquefied natural gas pipeline facility; 
and
``(C) an underground natural gas storage facility.
``(3) High consequence area.--The term `high consequence 
area' means--
``(A) with respect to a gas pipeline facility, a 
high consequence area (as defined in section 192.903 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation)); and
``(B) with respect to a hazardous liquid pipeline 
facility or relevant carbon dioxide pipeline facility, 
a high consequence area (as defined in section 195.450 
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a 
successor regulation)).
``(4) Maximum allowable operating pressure.--The term 
`maximum allowable operating pressure' has the meaning given 
the term in section 192.3 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations (or a successor regulation).
``(5) Maximum operating pressure.--The term `maximum 
operating pressure' has the meaning given the term in section 
195.2 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation).
``(6) Moderate consequence area.--The term `moderate 
consequence area' has the meaning given the term in section 
192.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation).
``(7) Potential impact area.--The term `potential impact 
area' means the area in which the potential failure of a 
pipeline may be expected to have a significant impact on 
persons, property, or the environment (as defined in section 2 
of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025).
``(8) Potential impact radius.--The term `potential impact 
radius' has the meaning given the term in section 192.903 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation).
``(b) Information To Be Provided.--
``(1) Information to be provided to the secretary.--
``(A) In general.--The'';
(4) in subsection (b) (as so designated), by adding at the 
end the following:
``(2) Information to be provided to the public.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 
2025, each operator of a covered facility shall provide 
to the public, free of charge, on a publicly accessible 
website, in a simple and consolidated form--
``(i) information about the substances 
being transported by pipelines managed by the 
operator, including any blended products, any 
relevant odorants, and any contaminants;
``(ii) the plans that have been made for 
the decommissioning of--
``(I) each abandoned pipeline of 
the operator; and
``(II) each removed or remediated 
pipeline of the operator;
``(iii) contact information for the 
operator and the Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration;
``(iv) relevant portions of operator 
emergency response plans needed by the public 
to prepare State, local, commercial, nonprofit, 
and personal emergency response plans;
``(v) information about how far buildings 
are required to be set back from a pipeline; 
and
``(vi) for carbon dioxide pipelines--
``(I) the results of any dispersion 
modeling performed; and
``(II) any estimates of the zone in 
which carbon dioxide concentrations 
could be fatal in the event of a 
pipeline rupture.
``(B) Updates.--The information provided under 
subparagraph (A) shall be updated as necessary, but not 
less frequently than once each year.
``(C) Annual notification.--
``(i) In general.--Each operator of a 
covered facility shall, not less frequently 
than annually, provide to the recipients 
described in clause (ii) a notification that 
includes all information described in 
subparagraph (A) with respect to the covered 
facility.
``(ii) Recipients described.--The 
recipients referred to in clause (i) are--
``(I) the Secretary;
``(II) the owners of all occupied 
residences and operational commercial 
structures that, in the determination 
of the Secretary, could be impacted by 
a rupture or explosion of the 
applicable covered facility;
``(III) any tenants of those 
structures; and
``(IV) relevant first responders.
``(iii) Requirement.--A notification under 
clause (i) shall include--
``(I) a description of the changes 
from the previous notification provided 
under that clause, if applicable;
``(II) a statement of the 
relevant--
``(aa) legal duties of the 
operator; and
``(bb) legal rights of, as 
applicable--

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

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

``(III) a statement informing the 
recipient of the additional information 
that the recipient may request under 
subparagraph (D).
``(D) Additional information.--On the request of 
any person, an operator of a pipeline facility shall 
provide to that person--
``(i) the information described in 
subparagraph (A) with respect to all pipeline 
facilities of the operator; and
``(ii) pipeline safety information, 
including--
``(I) information on the matters 
described in subparagraph (E) with 
respect to each pipeline facility 
operated by the operator;
``(II) educational material 
relating to the matters described in 
that subparagraph to better inform the 
public about the information disclosed 
under subclause (I), provided in a 
simple and consolidated form; and
``(III) a description of how the 
information described in subclause (I) 
was acquired or determined, including 
any formulas used and any tests carried 
out.
``(E) Matters described.--The matters referred to 
in subparagraph (D)(ii)(I) and paragraph (1)(A)(iii) 
include--
``(i) high consequence areas;
``(ii) moderate consequence areas;
``(iii) potential impact radii and 
potential impact areas;
``(iv) class locations;
``(v) pipe size;
``(vi) the date of pipeline construction;
``(vii) the history of incidents, 
accidents, and repairs on the pipeline;
``(viii) geohazards that may impact 
pipeline safety;
``(ix) pressure information, including--
``(I) maximum operating pressure; 
and
``(II) maximum allowable operating 
pressure;
``(x) with respect to gathering lines, the 
types of gathering lines, including Type A, 
Type B, Type C, and Type R pipelines;
``(xi) the health, safety, and environment 
management programs of the operator; and
``(xii) any other matter that--
``(I) relates to the safety and 
reliability of a pipeline facility 
under the jurisdiction of the 
Secretary; and
``(II) in the determination of the 
Secretary, is in the public interest to 
be disclosed.
``(F) Deadline.--Not later than 90 days after 
receiving a request under subparagraph (D), an operator 
of a pipeline facility shall provide the information 
required to be disclosed under that subparagraph to the 
person making the request.
``(3) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of the Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025, the 
Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this 
subsection, including providing for standardized formats for 
operators to release information to the public.'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``High-
consequence'' and inserting ``High Consequence'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``high-consequence areas 
(as described in section 60109(a))'' and 
inserting ``high consequence areas''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) make the map available to the public on an internet 
website, in a machine-readable format, as part of the National 
Pipeline Mapping System Public Map Viewer or at an alternative 
location.''; and
(6) in subsection (f), by striking ``subsection (a)'' and 
inserting ``subsection (b)(1)''.

SEC. 204. REPORTING OF BLENDED PRODUCTS.

(a) In General.--All operators of natural gas pipelines shall 
report to the Secretary blended, non-predominant products that exceed, 
at any point in time, 1 percent by volume of the product transported by 
the pipeline.
(b) Rulemaking.--The Secretary may promulgate new, or revise 
existing, regulations to implement the requirements of subsection (a).

SEC. 205. INCIDENT REPORTING FOR GAS PIPELINES.

(a) Definition of Gas.--In this section, the term ``gas'' has the 
meaning given the term in section 60101(a) of title 49, United States 
Code.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate new, or revise existing, 
regulations to require operators of gas pipelines--
(1) to meet incident reporting standards that require those 
operators to report all gas releases of 50,000 cubic feet or 
more, regardless of any intent of the operator or any other 
person with respect to the release; and
(2) to report--
(A) all incidents resulting in fire or explosion;
(B) all incidents resulting in property damage of 
$50,000 or more in value; and
(C) all incidents resulting in bodily harm to any 
person resulting in--
(i) loss of consciousness;
(ii) necessity to carry a person from the 
scene;
(iii) necessity for medical treatment; or
(iv) disability that prevents the discharge 
of normal duties or the pursuit of normal 
duties beyond the day of the incident.

TITLE III--ACCOUNTABILITY

SEC. 301. PROHIBITION AGAINST RELEASES.

Section 60118(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ``; and'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and indenting 
appropriately;
(3) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
redesignated), by striking ``facility shall--'' and inserting 
the following: ``facility--
``(1) shall--''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) shall not release gas or hazardous liquid from a 
pipeline facility in a quantity that would require the 
reporting of an incident or accident under a regulation 
prescribed under this chapter.''.

SEC. 302. ACTIONS BY PRIVATE PERSONS.

Section 60121 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively;
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1) A person'' 
and all that follows through ``However, the person'' in 
the second sentence and inserting the following:
``(1) Civil action.--A person may bring a civil action in 
an appropriate district court of the United States for all 
appropriate relief, including civil penalties and injunctive 
relief, against--
``(A) another person (including the United States 
Government and other governmental authorities to the 
extent permitted under the Eleventh Amendment to the 
Constitution of the United States) for a violation of 
this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued 
under this chapter; or
``(B) the Secretary where there is alleged a 
failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty 
under this chapter that is nondiscretionary.
``(2) Requirements and limitations.--With respect to a 
civil action described in paragraph (1), a person'';
(C) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by 
indenting subparagraphs (A) through (C) appropriately;
(D) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by 
striking the paragraph designation and all that follows 
through ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting the 
following:
``(3) Notice.--The Secretary shall'';
(E) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by 
striking the paragraph designation and all that follows 
through ``The Secretary, with'' and inserting the 
following:
``(4) Intervention.--The Secretary, with''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the United 
States shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in 
controversy or the citizenship of the parties--
``(A) to enforce a pipeline safety standard or 
limitation established under this chapter;
``(B) to enforce a regulation prescribed or order 
issued under this chapter;
``(C) to order the Secretary to perform any act or 
duty under this chapter; and
``(D) to impose any appropriate civil penalties 
under section 60122.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
appropriately;
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
redesignated), in the first sentence, by striking ``The 
court'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The court''; and
(C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), in the 
matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), 
by striking, ``The court may award costs to'' in the 
second sentence and all that follows through ``In this 
subsection'' in the third sentence and inserting the 
following:
``(2) Reasonable attorney's fee.--For purposes of paragraph 
(1)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Venue; Intervention by the Secretary.--
``(1) Venue.--Any action under this section may be brought 
in--
``(A) the district court of the United States for 
the judicial district in which the violation occurred; 
or
``(B) the United States District Court for the 
District of Columbia.
``(2) Intervention by the Secretary.--If the Secretary is 
not a party to an action described in paragraph (1), the 
Secretary may intervene in that action as a matter of right.
``(f) Nonrestriction of Other Rights.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise limited by section 
60104(c), nothing in this section restricts any right that any 
person (or class of persons) may have under any statute or the 
common law--
``(A) to seek enforcement of any standard or 
limitation; or
``(B) to seek any other relief (including relief 
against the Secretary or a State agency).
``(2) State, local, and interstate authority.--Except as 
otherwise limited by section 60104(c), nothing in this section 
shall be construed to prohibit, exclude, or restrict any State, 
local, or interstate authority from--
``(A) bringing any enforcement action or obtaining 
any judicial remedy or sanction in any State or local 
court; or
``(B) bringing any administrative enforcement 
action or obtaining any administrative remedy or 
sanction in any State or local administrative agency, 
department, or instrumentality under any State or local 
law relating to pipeline safety against--
``(i) the United States;
``(ii) any department, agency, or 
instrumentality of the United States; or
``(iii) any officer, agent, or employee of 
the United States.''.

SEC. 303. PENALTIES.

(a) Maximum Civil Penalty for a Related Series of Violations.--
Section 60122(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking the third sentence.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise subpart B of part 190 
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, in accordance with the 
amendment made by subsection (a).
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