PIPES Act of 2025

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 5301 Introduced in House (IH)]

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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.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 11, 2025

Mr. Graves (for himself, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Webster of Florida, 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 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

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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 Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; DEFINITION.

(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''. (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 activities. 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 infrastructure. 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 incidents. 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: ``(a) Gas and Hazardous Liquid.-- ``(1) In general.--From fees collected under section 60301, there are authorized to be appropriated 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 hazardous 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 Improvement 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 Improvement Act of 2002 (49 U.S.C. 60101 note; Public Law 107-355); and ``(ii) $75,000,000 shall be used for making grants; ``(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 Improvement 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 Improvement 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 appropriated from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund established 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-- ``(A) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which-- ``(i) $2,000,000, pursuant to the authority 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 authority 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 authority 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) $12,000,000 shall be used for making grants; and ``(D) $31,500,000 for fiscal year 2029, of which-- ``(i) $2,000,000, pursuant to the authority 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) $12,500,000 shall be used for making grants. ``(3) Underground natural gas storage facility safety account.--From fees collected under section 60302, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out section 60141 $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029. ``(4) Recruitment and retention.--From amounts made available to the Secretary under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall use, to carry out section 104(a) of the PIPES Act of 2025 and section 102(c) of the Protecting our Infrastructure 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 ``(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 striking ``$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 inserting ``fiscal years 2026 through 2029''. (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 section.'' and inserting the following: ``, to carry out this section, 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 Secretary shall award''; and (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting 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 fiscal 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 inserting ``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: ``Sec. 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 municipal and community-owned natural gas distribution infrastructure that contains high-risk or leaking pipelines that may result in fatalities, injuries, or significant damages to property resulting from unintentional natural gas leaks; and ``(2) reduce monetary losses to the utility. ``(b) Eligible Entities.--An entity eligible to receive a grant under this section is a natural gas distribution 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 directly relates to technical aspects of the grant application, including a description of the projects or activities proposed 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 establish procedures for awarding grants under this section that take into consideration-- ``(1) the risk profile of the existing pipeline system operated by the applicant, including the presence 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 assistance; ``(3) the ability for the project to reduce monetary losses to the utility by improving system reliability, 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 community that meets the eligibility criteria described in section 301 of the Public Works and Economic Development 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 pipeline system as outlined in the operator's distribution integrity management plan, factoring in relevant data, leak statistics, and risk analysis. ``(g) Limitations.-- ``(1) Awards to a single utility.--The Secretary 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 described in subsection (b). ``(2) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 2 percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (i)(1) for a fiscal year may be used by the Secretary for the administrative costs of carrying out this section. ``(h) Cost Sharing.--The total amount awarded for a project under this section shall be not less than 90 percent of the total eligible project costs described in subsection (d). ``(i) Funding.-- ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 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-- ``(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 carbon dioxide'' after ``hazardous liquid''; (2) in paragraph (18) by inserting ``, a carbon dioxide pipeline facility,'' after ``gas pipeline facility''; (3) in paragraph (19) by inserting ``, transporting carbon dioxide,'' after ``transporting gas''; (4) in paragraph (24) by inserting ``, carbon dioxide,'' 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), (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 numerical order; (7) by inserting before paragraph (4), as so redesignated, 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 intended to be used, in transporting carbon dioxide or treating carbon dioxide during the transportation 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 removed from reports, data, or other information;''; (8) by inserting after paragraph (8), as so redesignated, 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 redesignated, the following: ``(22) `non-public pipeline safety data and information' means any pipeline safety data or information, 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 domain;''; (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 domain;''; (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 commerce;''; 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 Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5130); and''.

SEC. 4. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

(a) Additional Full-Time Equivalent Employees.--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 Office 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 policies and regulations; and (2) fulfill congressional rulemaking mandates. (b) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 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 retention at the Administration; (4) staffing levels of inspection and enforcement personnel of the Administration; and (5) any additional workforce needs of the Administration. (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 Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, may waive existing regulations.''.

SEC. 5. REGULATORY UPDATES.

(a) Definition of Outstanding Mandate.--In this section, the term ``outstanding mandate'' means-- (1) a final rule required to be issued under the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-90) that has not been published in the Federal Register; (2) a final rule required to be issued under the PIPES Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-183) that has not been published in the Federal Register; (3) a final rule required to be issued under the PIPES Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-260) that has not been published in the Federal Register; and (4) any other final rule regarding gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities that-- (A) has not been published in the Federal Register; and (B) is required to be issued under this Act or any other Act. (b) Requirements.-- (1) Periodic updates.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 30 days thereafter until each outstanding mandate is published in the Federal Register, the Secretary of Transportation shall publish on a publicly available website of the Department of Transportation an update regarding the status of each such mandate in accordance with subsection (c). (2) Notification of congress.--On publication of a final rule in the Federal Register for an outstanding mandate, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a notification of such publication. (c) Contents.--An update published or a notification submitted under subsection (b)(1) shall contain, as applicable-- (1) with respect to information relating to the Administration-- (A) a description of the work plan for each outstanding mandate; (B) an updated rulemaking timeline for each outstanding mandate; (C) the staff allocations with respect to each outstanding mandate; (D) any resource constraints affecting the rulemaking process for each outstanding mandate; (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 regarding gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities 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 mandate is under review beyond 45 days; (C) the staff allocations within the Office of the Secretary with respect to each outstanding mandate; (D) any resource constraints affecting review 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 outstanding mandate was returned to the Administration 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 outstanding 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 inserting the following: ``(l) Updating Standards.-- ``(1) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 4 years, or if an interested person otherwise 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 Cooperative 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 applicable 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 burdens, 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 adjudication of each considered standard; ``(B) include the reasoning for not adopting an industry standard, whether in full or in part, on the list under subparagraph (A); and ``(C) 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 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 Transportation of the Senate a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1).

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 enforcement priorities of the Office of Pipeline Safety of the Pipeline 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 priorities will improve pipeline safety; and (3) how the Administrator communicates and coordinates the implementation of inspection and enforcement 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 format a summary of Federal and State pipeline inspections 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 Standards.--Section 60115(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, if applicable'' after ``each proposed standard''; and (2) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``, if applicable'' 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 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 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 engage with pipeline stakeholder groups, including State pipeline safety programs with an approved certification under section 60105 of title 49, United States Code, and Tribal, State, and local governments and members of the public during predrafting stages of rulemaking activities and use, to the greatest 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 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in developing the scope of a rule; and (C) reduce the timeline for issuance of proposed 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 Transportation shall rename the Community Liaison Services within the Office of Pipeline Safety of the Pipeline and Hazardous 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 stakeholders, 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; (3) inform the public of pipeline safety regulations 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 products developed by the Office are accessible to the public. (d) Community Liaisons.--The Office shall incorporate 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 location changes in parts 191 and 192 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, based on the notice of proposed rulemaking published by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on October 14, 2020, titled ``Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements'' (85 Fed. Reg. 65142), including consideration of all documents in Docket No. PHMSA-2017-0151.

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 pipeline 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 consensus 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 conducted under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall allow for an alternative method of maintaining rights-of-way for pipelines and other pipeline facilities 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 implementing 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 seeding or planting of diverse native forbs and grasses; ``(iii) practices relating to maintenance strategies that promote early successional vegetation 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 ``(III) refraining from mowing monarch and other pollinator habitat during periods in which monarchs or other pollinators are present; ``(iv) an integrated vegetation management plan that may include approaches such as mechanical tree and brush removal and targeted and judicious use of herbicides and mowing to address incompatible or undesirable vegetation while promoting compatible and beneficial vegetation 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 assistance on wildlife and pollinator-friendly practices, including-- ``(I) native plant identification; ``(II) establishment and management of regionally appropriate native plants; ``(III) land management practices; and ``(IV) integrated vegetation management. ``(C) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section exempts an operator from compliance with the applicable requirements under this chapter or any applicable regulations promulgated under this chapter. ``(D) Consultation.-- ``(i) Available guidance.--In developing such alternative methods, an operator shall consult any available guidance issued by-- ``(I) the Secretary; or ``(II) an applicable State agency carrying 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 implement such alternative methods.''.

SEC. 14. STUDY ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR PIPELINES.

(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 pipelines constructed with composite materials to safely transport 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 pipeline materials; (2) any completed or ongoing tests and data regarding composite pipeline materials available to the Secretary or other Federal agencies; and (3) any recommended standards, including consensus 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 subsection (a), the Secretary shall-- (1) hold a public meeting with interested stakeholders, including the affected industries, interest groups, and other individuals with relevant expertise; (2) release a draft version of the study for public comment for a period of not less than 60 days; and (3) address any substantive comments submitted by the public during the public comment period 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 responses to public comments received under such subsection. (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 Proposed Rulemaking to allow for the use of composite materials 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 Competitive Academic Agreement Program pursuant to section 60117(l) of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation may allow for a 100-percent Federal share of financial assistance for a project carried out by small and mid-sized institutions. (2) Written request required.--The Secretary may only allow the use of a 100-percent Federal share under paragraph (1) if the applicable institution has provided a written request to the Secretary prior to the award of Federal assistance under such Program. (3) Small and mid-sized institutions defined.--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 students. (b) Report.--Following any award of grants under the Competitive Academic Agreement Program, the Secretary shall provide to Congress a written report detailing-- (1) the recipients of such grants; and (2) any grantees that were provided a 100-percent Federal share under this section.

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 applicable, 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 subsidence, landslides, slope instability, frost heave, soil settlement, erosion, river scour, washouts, floods, unstable soil, water currents, hurricanes, dynamic geologic conditions, tsunamis, tornados, 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 requirements described in subparagraph (A); (C) evaluates the implementation by operators 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 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 requirements 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 Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the report.

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 Secretary 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 Regulations, or successor regulations, the Secretary shall publish notice of the application in the Federal Register. ``(E) Review of application.--The Secretary shall complete a review of each such application not later than 18 months after publishing a notice in the Federal Register described 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 on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives 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 Administration of the amendment made by subsection (a). (2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) a listing of each special permit application 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 application was received; (D) the date on which each such application was completed or, in the absence of completion, 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. (c) GAO Report.--Not later than 1 year after the submission of the report under subsection (b), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report assessing 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 following: ``(b) Leading Practices.--A State one-call program shall implement leading practices that-- ``(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 incidents, including-- ``(A) excavation or demolition performed by the owner of a single-family residential property; ``(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 organizations, and State departments of transportation for road maintenance; ``(4) specify tolerance zone horizontal dimensions and requirements for hand-dig, hydro, vacuum excavation, and other nonintrusive methods; ``(5) specify emergency excavation notification requirements, including defining emergency excavation and identifying the notification requirements for an emergency excavation; ``(6) specify the responsibilities of the excavator, including the reporting of damages due to excavation 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 before beginning excavation; ``(10) require newly installed underground facilities to be locatable; ``(11) require the marking of lines and laterals, including sewer lines and laterals; ``(12) require training programs and requirements for third-party excavators performing excavation activities that are not subject to pipeline construction requirements under part 192 or part 195 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; ``(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 positive response. ``(c) Report to Congress.-- ``(1) Initial report.--Not later than 3 years after the implementation of subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 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 recommendations 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 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 Senate 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 recommendations 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 described in subsection (b).''. (b) State Damage Prevention Programs.--Section 60134(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``In making grants'' and inserting 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 prevention program of a State, the Secretary shall consider whether the State has, at a minimum-- ``(A) effective, active, and consistent enforcement of State one-call laws (including consistency in the application of enforcement resources, 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 excavation 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 such damage (with supporting documentation); ``(II) the organizations or entities involved; ``(III) the impact to public safety, utility operations, and customer service; and ``(IV) the impact to the environment; and ``(ii) to a nationally focused nonprofit organization specifically established for the purpose of reducing construction-related damages to underground facilities, of damages and near-miss events to underground facilities from excavation damages, including potential contributing factors, facility damaged, type of excavator, work performed, 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, facility damaged, type of excavator, work performed, equipment type, and State; and ``(D) performance measures to determine the effectiveness of excavation damage prevention 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 Transportation shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies under which the National Academies shall conduct 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 development of findings under the study, including State and Federal regulators, pipeline operators, Tribal and local governments, public safety organizations, and environmental organizations. (c) Elements.--The study described under subsection (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 enforcement by the Secretary of integrity management regulations 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 consequence and non- high consequence areas, including comparing-- (A) the frequency of such incidents, accidents, and repairs before and after the implementation of the Federal integrity management requirements described in subsection (a); and (B) the frequency of such incidents, accidents, and repairs during the period of time such integrity management requirements have been in effect; (4) development of metrics to gauge the effectiveness 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 implementation of integrity management regulations by operators of pipeline facilities has had a demonstrable effect 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 enactment of this Act, 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 such report.

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 subsection (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, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong. (c) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consider-- (1) any changes that domestic and international operators of natural gas pipeline systems have implemented to the processes, pipeline materials, metering, and operational standards used by such operators 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 different 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 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 results of the study conducted under subsection (a). (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 DISRUPTING OPERATION OF PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE.

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 Disrupting 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 willfully-- ``(A) causes a defect in a pipe, pump, compressor, or valve in the possession of a pipeline operator to be used in construction of any pipeline 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 COORDINATION.

(a) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish and convene a Liquefied Natural Gas Regulatory Safety Working Group (in this 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 Government, 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.-- (1) In general.--The Working Group shall evaluate individual Federal agency authorities pertaining to the siting and design, construction, operation 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 authorities of each Federal agency in ensuring safety in a manner to ensure effective regulation of LNG facilities in the public interest; (B) resolving conflicts concerning overlapping jurisdiction among the Federal agencies; and (C) avoiding, to the extent possible and if appropriate, conflicting or duplicative regulation, inspection protocols, and reporting obligations. (d) Memorandum of Understanding and Interagency 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 agreements or memorandums of understanding regarding best practices and individual agency safety oversight enforcement 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 Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the memorandum of understanding or interagency agreements and how such memorandum or agreements have contributed to improved safety and enforcement 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: ``Sec. 60145. Voluntary information-sharing system ``(a) Establishment.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a confidential voluntary information-sharing system (referred to in this section as `VIS') to e

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