Browse Arkansas Code titles and sections
49 U.S.C. § 60103 — Standards for liquefied natural gas pipe-
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
Page 1748
TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION
§ 60103
‘‘(2) Implementation of a standard for pipeline com-
panies to review and audit alarms on monitoring
equipment.
‘‘(3) Implementation of standards for pipeline con-
troller training that include simulator or noncomput-
erized simulations for controller recognition of ab-
normal pipeline operating conditions, in particular,
leak events.’’
STATE PIPELINE SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Pub. L. 107–355, § 24, Dec. 17, 2002, 116 Stat. 3011, pro-
vided that: ‘‘Within 90 days after receiving rec-
ommendations for improvements to pipeline safety
from an advisory committee appointed by the Governor
of any State, the Secretary of Transportation shall re-
spond in writing to the committee setting forth what
action, if any, the Secretary will take on those rec-
ommendations and the Secretary’s reasons for acting
or not acting upon any of the recommendations.’’
§ 60103. Standards for liquefied natural gas pipe-
line facilities
(a) LOCATION STANDARDS.—The Secretary of
Transportation shall prescribe minimum safety
standards for deciding on the location of a new
liquefied natural gas pipeline facility. In pre-
scribing a standard, the Secretary shall consider
the—
(1) kind and use of the facility;
(2) existing and projected population and de-
mographic characteristics of the location;
(3) existing and proposed land use near the
location;
(4) natural physical aspects of the location;
(5) medical, law enforcement, and fire pre-
vention capabilities near the location that can
cope with a risk caused by the facility;
(6) need to encourage remote siting; and
(7) national security.
(b) DESIGN, INSTALLATION, CONSTRUCTION, IN-
SPECTION, AND TESTING STANDARDS.—The Sec-
retary of Transportation shall prescribe min-
imum safety standards f
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Page 1748
TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION
§ 60103
‘‘(2) Implementation of a standard for pipeline com-
panies to review and audit alarms on monitoring
equipment.
‘‘(3) Implementation of standards for pipeline con-
troller training that include simulator or noncomput-
erized simulations for controller recognition of ab-
normal pipeline operating conditions, in particular,
leak events.’’
STATE PIPELINE SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Pub. L. 107–355, § 24, Dec. 17, 2002, 116 Stat. 3011, pro-
vided that: ‘‘Within 90 days after receiving rec-
ommendations for improvements to pipeline safety
from an advisory committee appointed by the Governor
of any State, the Secretary of Transportation shall re-
spond in writing to the committee setting forth what
action, if any, the Secretary will take on those rec-
ommendations and the Secretary’s reasons for acting
or not acting upon any of the recommendations.’’
§ 60103. Standards for liquefied natural gas pipe-
line facilities
(a) LOCATION STANDARDS.—The Secretary of
Transportation shall prescribe minimum safety
standards for deciding on the location of a new
liquefied natural gas pipeline facility. In pre-
scribing a standard, the Secretary shall consider
the—
(1) kind and use of the facility;
(2) existing and projected population and de-
mographic characteristics of the location;
(3) existing and proposed land use near the
location;
(4) natural physical aspects of the location;
(5) medical, law enforcement, and fire pre-
vention capabilities near the location that can
cope with a risk caused by the facility;
(6) need to encourage remote siting; and
(7) national security.
(b) DESIGN, INSTALLATION, CONSTRUCTION, IN-
SPECTION, AND TESTING STANDARDS.—The Sec-
retary of Transportation shall prescribe min-
imum safety standards for designing, installing,
constructing, initially inspecting, and initially
testing a new liquefied natural gas pipeline fa-
cility. When prescribing a standard, the Sec-
retary shall consider—
(1) the characteristics of material to be used
in constructing the facility and of alternative
material;
(2) design factors;
(3) the characteristics of the liquefied nat-
ural gas to be stored or converted at, or trans-
ported by, the facility; and
(4) the public safety factors of the design and
of alternative designs, particularly the ability
to prevent and contain a liquefied natural gas
spill.
(c) NONAPPLICATION.—(1) Except as provided in
paragraph (2) of this subsection, a design, loca-
tion, installation, construction, initial inspec-
tion, or initial testing standard prescribed under
this chapter after March 1, 1978, does not apply
to an existing liquefied natural gas pipeline fa-
cility if the standard is to be applied because of
authority given—
(A) under this chapter; or
(B) under another law, and the standard is
not prescribed at the time the authority is ap-
plied.
(2)(A) Any design, installation, construction,
initial inspection, or initial testing standard
prescribed under this chapter after March 1,
1978, may provide that the standard applies to
any part of a replacement component of a lique-
fied natural gas pipeline facility if the compo-
nent or part is placed in service after the stand-
ard is prescribed and application of the stand-
ard—
(i) does not make the component or part in-
compatible with other components or parts; or
(ii) is not impracticable otherwise.
(B) Any location standard prescribed under
this chapter after March 1, 1978, does not apply
to any part of a replacement component of an
existing liquefied natural gas pipeline facility.
(3) A design, installation, construction, initial
inspection, or initial testing standard does not
apply to a liquefied natural gas pipeline facility
existing when the standard is adopted.
(d) OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.—
The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe
minimum operating and maintenance standards
for a liquefied natural gas pipeline facility. In
prescribing a standard, the Secretary shall con-
sider—
(1) the conditions, features, and type of
equipment and structures that make up or are
used in connection with the facility;
(2) the fire prevention and containment
equipment at the facility;
(3) security measures to prevent an inten-
tional act that could cause a liquefied natural
gas accident;
(4) maintenance procedures and equipment;
(5) the training of personnel in matters spec-
ified by this subsection; and
(6) other factors and conditions related to
the safe handling of liquefied natural gas.
(e) EFFECTIVE DATES.—A standard prescribed
under this section is effective on the 30th day
after the Secretary of Transportation prescribes
the standard. However, the Secretary for good
cause may prescribe a different effective date
when required because of the time reasonably
necessary to comply with the standard. The dif-
ferent date must be specified in the regulation
prescribing the standard.
(f) CONTINGENCY PLANS.—A new liquefied nat-
ural gas pipeline facility may be operated only
after the operator submits an adequate contin-
gency plan that states the action to be taken if
a liquefied natural gas accident occurs. The Sec-
retary of Energy or appropriate State or local
authority shall decide if the plan is adequate.
(g) EFFECT
ON OTHER STANDARDS.—This sec-
tion does not preclude applying a standard pre-
scribed under section 60102 of this title to a gas
pipeline facility (except a liquefied natural gas
pipeline facility) associated with a liquefied nat-
ural gas pipeline facility.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1307;
Pub. L. 114–183, § 27(a), June 22, 2016, 130 Stat.
531.)
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES
Revised
Section
Source (U.S. Code)
Source (Statutes at Large)
60103(a) ......
49 App.:1674a(a)
(1)(A), (d)(1), (e).
Aug. 12, 1968, Pub. L. 90–481,
82 Stat. 720, § 6; added Nov.
30, 1979, Pub. L. 96–129,
§ 152(a), 93 Stat. 999.
Page 1749
TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION
§ 60103
HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES—CONTINUED
Revised
Section
Source (U.S. Code)
Source (Statutes at Large)
60103(b) ......
49 App.:1674a(a)
(1)(B), (2), (d)(2),
(e).
60103(c)(1),
(2).
49 App.:1674a(c)(1).
60103(c)(3) ..
49 App.:1674a(c)(3).
60103(d) ......
49 App.:1674a(b),
(d)(3), (e).
60103(e) ......
49 App.:1674a(f).
60103(f) .......
49 App.:1674a(a)(3).
60103(g) ......
49 App.:1674a(c)(2).
In subsections (a), (b), and (d), the words ‘‘general
safety’’ are omitted as surplus. The text of 49
App.:1674a(e) is omitted for consistency in the revised
title and with other titles of the United States Code.
In subsections (a) and (b), before each clause (1), the
words ‘‘Not later than 180 days after November 30, 1979’’
are omitted as executed. The word ‘‘prescribe’’ is sub-
stituted for ‘‘establish by regulation’’ for consistency
in the revised title and with other titles of the Code.
In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words ‘‘with
respect to standards relating to the location of any new
LNG facility’’ are omitted because of the restatement.
In clause (2), the word ‘‘involved’’ is omitted as surplus.
In clause (4), the words ‘‘meteorological, geological,
topographical, seismic, and other’’ are omitted as sur-
plus. In clause (5), the word ‘‘existing’’ is omitted as
surplus.
In subsection (b), before clause (1), the text of 49
App.:1674a(a)(2) (1st sentence) is omitted as executed.
The text of 49 App.:1674a(a)(2) (last sentence) is omitted
as surplus. The words ‘‘with respect to standards appli-
cable to the design, installation, construction, initial
inspection, and initial testing of any new LNG facility’’
are omitted because of the restatement. In clause (1),
the words ‘‘thermal resistance and other’’ are omitted
as surplus. In clause (2), the words ‘‘(such as multiple
diking, insulated concrete, and vapor containment bar-
riers)’’ are omitted as surplus. In clause (3), the words
‘‘(for example, whether it is to be in a liquid or semi-
solid state)’’ are omitted as surplus. In clause (4), the
words ‘‘under such a design’’ are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (c)(1) and (2), the word ‘‘prescribed’’ is
substituted for ‘‘issued’’ for consistency in the revised
title and with other titles of the Code.
In subsection (c)(1), before clause (A), the words ‘‘if
the standard is to be applied’’ are added for clarity. The
word ‘‘either’’ is omitted as surplus. In clause (B), the
word ‘‘Federal’’ is omitted as surplus. The words ‘‘the
authority is applied’’ are substituted for ‘‘such author-
ity was exercised’’ for clarity.
In subsection (c)(2)(A), before clause (i), the words
‘‘design, installation, construction, initial inspection,
or initial testing standard prescribed under this chap-
ter after March 1, 1978’’ are substituted for ‘‘Any such
standard (other than one affecting location)’’ for clar-
ity. In clause (i), the words ‘‘of the facility involved’’
are omitted as surplus. In clause (ii), the word ‘‘other-
wise’’ is omitted as surplus.
In subsection (d), before clause (1), the words ‘‘Not
later than 270 days after November 30, 1979’’ are omit-
ted as executed. The words ‘‘with respect to standards
for the operation and maintance [sic] of any LNG facil-
ity’’ are omitted because of the restatement. In clause
(3), the words ‘‘to be used with respect to the operation
of such facility’’ and ‘‘sabotage or other’’ are omitted
as surplus.
In subsection (e), the text of 49 App.:1674a(f) (related
to 49 App.:1672(a)(1) (8th, last sentences), (c), and (d)) is
omitted as surplus because those provisions apply to all
standards prescribed under the Natural Gas Pipeline
Safety Act of 1968 (Public Law 90–481, 82 Stat. 720).
In subsection (f), the words ‘‘Secretary of Energy’’
are substituted for ‘‘Department of Energy’’ because of
42:7131. The words ‘‘or local’’ are added for clarity. The
words ‘‘in the case of any facility not subject to the ju-
risdiction of the Department under the Natural Gas
Act’’ are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
AMENDMENTS
2016—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 114–183 added par. (7).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
SAVINGS CLAUSE
Pub. L. 114–183, § 27(c), June 22, 2016, 130 Stat. 532, pro-
vided that: ‘‘Nothing in this section [amending this sec-
tion and enacting provisions set out as a note below]
shall be construed to limit the Secretary’s authority
under chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code, to reg-
ulate liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities.’’
UPDATES TO STANDARDS FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
FACILITIES
Pub. L. 116–260, div. R, title I, § 110, Dec. 27, 2020, 134
Stat. 2224, provided that:
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2020], the Sec-
retary [of Transportation] shall—
‘‘(1) review the minimum operating and mainte-
nance standards prescribed under section 60103(d) of
title 49, United States Code; and
‘‘(2) based on the review under paragraph (1), update
the standards described in that paragraph applicable
to large-scale liquefied natural gas facilities (other
than peak shaving facilities) to provide for a risk-
based regulatory approach for such facilities, con-
sistent with this section.
‘‘(b) SCOPE.—In updating the minimum operating and
maintenance standards under subsection (a)(2), the Sec-
retary shall ensure that all regulations, guidance, and
internal documents—
‘‘(1) are developed and applied in a manner con-
sistent with this section; and
‘‘(2) achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to,
or greater than, the level of safety required by the
standards prescribed as of the date of enactment of
this Act under—
‘‘(A) section 60103(d) of title 49, United States
Code; and
‘‘(B) part 193 of title 49, Code of Federal Regula-
tions (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
Act).
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS.—The updates to the operating
and maintenance standards required under subsection
(a)(2) shall, at a minimum, require operators—
‘‘(1) to develop and maintain written safety infor-
mation identifying hazards associated with—
‘‘(A) the processes of liquefied natural gas conver-
sion, storage, and transport;
‘‘(B) equipment used in the processes; and
‘‘(C) technology used in the processes;
‘‘(2) to conduct a hazard assessment, including the
identification of potential sources of accidental re-
leases;
‘‘(3)(A) to consult with employees and representa-
tives of employees on the development and execution
of hazard assessments under paragraph (2); and
‘‘(B) to provide employees access to the records of
the hazard assessments and any other records re-
quired under the updated standards;
‘‘(4) to establish a system to respond to the findings
of a hazard assessment conducted under paragraph (2)
that addresses prevention, mitigation, and emergency
responses;
‘‘(5) to review, when a design change occurs, the
most recent hazard assessment conducted under para-
graph (2) and the response system established under
paragraph (4);
‘‘(6) to develop and implement written operating
procedures for the processes of liquefied natural gas
conversion, storage, and transport;
‘‘(7)(A) to provide written safety and operating in-
formation to employees; and
‘‘(B) to train employees in operating procedures
with an emphasis on addressing hazards and using
safe practices;
Page 1750
TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION
§ 60103
‘‘(8) to ensure contractors and contract employees
are provided appropriate information and training;
‘‘(9) to train and educate employees and contractors
in emergency response;
‘‘(10) to establish a quality assurance program to
ensure that equipment, maintenance materials, and
spare parts relating to the operations and mainte-
nance of liquefied natural gas facilities are fabricated
and installed consistent with design specifications;
‘‘(11) to establish maintenance systems for critical
process-related equipment, including written proce-
dures, employee training, appropriate inspections,
and testing of that equipment to ensure ongoing me-
chanical integrity;
‘‘(12) to conduct pre-start-up safety reviews of all
newly installed or modified equipment;
‘‘(13) to establish and implement written procedures
to manage change to processes of liquefied natural
gas conversion, storage, and transport, technology,
equipment, and facilities; and
‘‘(14)(A) to investigate each incident that results in,
or could have resulted in—
‘‘(i) loss of life;
‘‘(ii) destruction of private property; or
‘‘(iii) a major accident; and
‘‘(B) to have operating personnel—
‘‘(i) review any findings of an investigation under
subparagraph (A); and
‘‘(ii) if appropriate, take responsive measures.
‘‘(d) SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall require that
operators that are subject to the regulations under
subsection (a)(2) submit to the Secretary for approval
a plan for the implementation of the requirements
described in subsection (c).
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENT.—The implementation plan de-
scribed in paragraph (1) shall include—
‘‘(A) an anticipated schedule for the implementa-
tion of the requirements described in subsection (c);
and
‘‘(B) an overview of the process for implementa-
tion.
‘‘(e) INSPECTION AND COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE.—
‘‘(1) DETERMINATION OF INADEQUATE PROGRAMS.—If
the Secretary determines during an inspection car-
ried out under chapter 601 of title 49, United States
Code, that an operator’s implementation of the re-
quirements described in subsection (c) does not com-
ply with the requirements of that chapter (including
any regulations promulgated under that chapter), has
not been adequately implemented, is inadequate for
the safe operation of a large-scale liquefied natural
gas facility, or is otherwise inadequate, the Secretary
may conduct enforcement proceedings under that
chapter.
‘‘(2) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section shall
affect the authority of the Secretary to carry out in-
spections or conduct enforcement proceedings under
chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code.
‘‘(f) EMERGENCIES AND COMPLIANCE.—Nothing in this
section may be construed to diminish or modify—
‘‘(1) the authority of the Secretary under this title
[enacting sections 60142, 60143, and 60303 of this title,
amending sections 6107, 60102, 60108, 60109, 60117, 60118,
60122, 60125, 60129, 60130 and 60134 of this title, enact-
ing provisions set out as notes under this section and
sections 60101, 60102, 60108, and 60109 of this title, and
amending provisions set out as notes under sections
60101 and section 60109 of this title] to act in the case
of an emergency; or
‘‘(2) the authority of the Secretary under sections
60118 through 60123 of title 49, United States Code.
‘‘(g) CIVIL PENALTIES.—A person violating the stand-
ards prescribed under this section, including any revi-
sions to the minimum operating and maintenance
standards prescribed under 60103 of title 49, United
States Code, shall be liable for a civil penalty that may
not exceed $200,000 for each violation pursuant to sec-
tion 60122(a)(1) of that title.’’
NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR LIQUEFIED
NATURAL GAS SAFETY
Pub. L. 116–260, div. R, title I, § 111, Dec. 27, 2020, 134
Stat. 2226, provided that:
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) CENTER.—The term ‘Center’ means the Na-
tional Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas
Safety that may be established under subsection (b).
‘‘(2) LNG.—The term ‘LNG’ means liquefied natural
gas.
‘‘(3) LNG SECTOR
STAKEHOLDER.—The term ‘LNG
sector stakeholder’ means a representative of—
‘‘(A) LNG facilities that represent the broad
array of LNG facilities operating in the United
States;
‘‘(B) States, Indian Tribes, and units of local gov-
ernment;
‘‘(C) postsecondary education;
‘‘(D) labor organizations;
‘‘(E) safety organizations; or
‘‘(F) Federal regulatory agencies of jurisdiction,
which may include—
‘‘(i) the [Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safe-
ty] Administration;
‘‘(ii) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commis-
sion;
‘‘(iii) the Department of Energy;
‘‘(iv) the Occupational Safety and Health Ad-
ministration;
‘‘(v) the Coast Guard; and
‘‘(vi) the Maritime Administration.
‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—Only after submitting the re-
port under subsection (c) to the committees of Congress
described in that subsection, and subject to the avail-
ability of funds appropriated by Congress for the appli-
cable purpose, the Secretary [of Transportation], in
consultation with LNG sector stakeholders, may estab-
lish a center, to be known as the ‘National Center of
Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety’.
‘‘(c) REPORT.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after
the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2020], the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation and Appropria-
tions of the Senate and the Committees on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a re-
port on—
‘‘(A) the resources necessary to establish the Cen-
ter; and
‘‘(B) the manner in which the Center will carry
out the functions described in subsection (d).
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENT.—The report under paragraph (1)
shall include an estimate of all potential costs and
appropriations necessary to carry out the functions
described in subsection (d).
‘‘(d) FUNCTIONS.—The Center shall, for activities reg-
ulated under section 60103 of title 49, United States
Code, enhance the United States as the leader and fore-
most expert in LNG operations by—
‘‘(1) furthering the expertise of the Federal Govern-
ment in the operations, management, and regulatory
practices of LNG facilities through—
‘‘(A) the use of performance-based principles;
‘‘(B) experience and familiarity with LNG oper-
ational facilities; and
‘‘(C) increased communication with LNG experts
to learn and support state-of-the-art operational
practices;
‘‘(2) acting as a repository of information on best
practices for the operation of LNG facilities; and
‘‘(3) facilitating collaboration among LNG sector
stakeholders.
‘‘(e) LOCATION.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Center shall be located in
close proximity to critical LNG transportation infra-
structure on, and connecting to, the Gulf of Mexico,
as determined by the Secretary.
‘‘(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In determining the location
of the Center, the Secretary shall—
Page 1751
TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION
§ 60104
‘‘(A) take into account the strategic value of lo-
cating resources in close proximity to LNG facili-
ties; and
‘‘(B) locate the Center in the State with the larg-
est LNG production capacity, as determined by the
total capacity (in billion cubic feet per day) of LNG
production authorized by the Federal Energy Regu-
latory Commission under section 3 of the Natural
Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) as of the date of enactment
of this Act [Dec. 27, 2020].
‘‘(f) COORDINATION
WITH
TQ TRAINING
CENTER.—In
carrying out the functions described in subsection (d),
the Center shall coordinate with the Training and
Qualifications Training Center of the Administration
in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to facilitate knowledge
sharing among, and enhanced training opportunities
for, Federal and State pipeline safety inspectors and in-
vestigators.
‘‘(g) JOINT OPERATION WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITU-
TION.—The Secretary may enter into an agreement
with an appropriate official of an institution of higher
education—
‘‘(1) to provide for joint operation of the Center;
and
‘‘(2) to provide necessary administrative services
for the Center.’’
BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGIES OR PRACTICES
Pub. L. 116–260, div. R, title I, § 114(d), Dec. 27, 2020, 134
Stat. 2232, provided that:
‘‘(1) REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.—Not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 27,
2020], the Secretary [of Transportation] shall submit to
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committees on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce of
the House of Representatives a report—
‘‘(A) discussing—
‘‘(i) the best available technologies or practices
to prevent or minimize, without compromising
pipeline safety, the release of natural gas when
making planned repairs, replacements, or mainte-
nance to a pipeline facility;
‘‘(ii) the best available technologies or practices
to prevent or minimize, without compromising
pipeline safety, the release of natural gas when the
operator intentionally vents or releases natural
gas, including blowdowns; and
‘‘(iii) pipeline facility designs that, without com-
promising pipeline safety, mitigate the need to in-
tentionally vent natural gas; and
‘‘(B) recommending a timeline for updating pipeline
safety regulations, as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate, to address the matters described in sub-
paragraph (A).
‘‘(2) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 180 days after the
date on which the Secretary submits the report under
this subsection, the Secretary shall update pipeline
safety regulations that the Secretary has determined
are necessary to protect the environment without com-
promising pipeline safety.’’
PIPELINE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Pub. L. 116–260, div. R, title II, § 205, Dec. 27, 2020, 134
Stat. 2240, provided that:
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2020], the Sec-
retary [of Transportation] shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce of the House
of Representatives a report describing—
‘‘(1) the number of operators of natural gas dis-
tribution systems who have implemented a pipeline
safety management system in accordance with the
standard established by the American Petroleum In-
stitute entitled ‘Pipeline Safety Management System
Requirements’ and numbered American Petroleum
Institute Recommended Practice 1173;
‘‘(2) the progress made by operators of natural gas
distribution systems who have implemented, or are in
the process of implementing, a pipeline safety man-
agement system described in paragraph (1); and
‘‘(3) the feasibility of an operator of a natural gas
distribution system implementing a pipeline safety
management system described in paragraph (1) based
on the size of the operator as measured by—
‘‘(A) the number of customers the operator has;
and
‘‘(B) the amount of natural gas the operator
transports.
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.—As part of the report required
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide guid-
ance or recommendations that would further the adop-
tion of safety management systems in accordance with
the standard established by the American Petroleum
Institute entitled ‘Pipeline Safety Management System
Requirements’ and numbered American Petroleum In-
stitute Recommended Practice 1173.
‘‘(c) EVALUATION AND PROMOTION OF SAFETY MANAGE-
MENT SYSTEMS.—The Secretary and the relevant State
authority with a certification in effect under section
60105 of title 49, United States Code, as applicable,
shall—
‘‘(1) promote and assess pipeline safety manage-
ment systems frameworks developed by operators of
natural gas distribution systems and described in the
report under subsection (a), including—
‘‘(A) if necessary, using independent third-party
evaluators; and
‘‘(B) through a system that promotes self-disclo-
sure of—
‘‘(i) errors; and
‘‘(ii) deviations from regulatory standards; and
‘‘(2) if a deviation from a regulatory standard is
identified during the development and application of
a pipeline safety management system, certify that—
‘‘(A) due consideration will be given to factors
such as flawed procedures, honest mistakes, or lack
of understanding; and
‘‘(B) the operators and regulators use the most
appropriate tools to fix the deviation, return to
compliance, and prevent the recurrence of the devi-
ation, including—
‘‘(i) root cause analysis; and
‘‘(ii) training, education, or other appropriate
improvements to procedures or training pro-
grams.’’
UPDATE TO MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS
Pub. L. 114–183, § 27(b), June 22, 2016, 130 Stat. 532, pro-
vided that: ‘‘The Secretary of Transportation shall re-
view and update the minimum safety standards pre-
scribed pursuant to section 60103 of title 49, United
States Code, for permanent, small scale liquefied nat-
ural gas pipeline facilities.’’
§ 60104. Requirements and limitations
(a) OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT VIEWS.—The Sec-
retary of Transportation shall give an interested
person an opportunity to make oral and written
presentations of information, views, and argu-
ments when prescribing a standard under this
chapter.
(b) NONAPPLICATION.—A design, installation,
construction, initial inspection, or initial test-
ing standard does not apply to a pipeline facility
existing when the standard is adopted.
(c) PREEMPTION.—A State authority that has
submitted a current certification under section
60105(a) of this title may adopt additional or
more stringent safety standards for intrastate
pipeline facilities and intrastate pipeline trans-
portation only if those standards are compatible
with the minimum standards prescribed under
this chapter. A State authority may not adopt
Cross-references
Connections may be documented source relationships, shared citations or nearby passages. Each explains its basis; a connection alone does not establish applicability to your situation.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Mandatory authorization order** After six months from June 21, 1938, no person shall export any natural gas from the United States to a foreign country or import any natural gas from a foreign country without first having secured an order of the Commission authorizing it to do so. The Commission shall issue such order upon application, unless, after opportunity for hearing, it finds that the proposed exportation or importation will not be consistent with the public interest. The Commission may by its order grant such application, in whole or in part, with such modification and upon such terms and conditions as the Commission may find necessary or appropriate, and may from time to time, after opportunity for hearing, and for good cause shown, make such supplemental order in the premises as it may find necessary or appropriate.
**(b) Free trade agreements** With respect to natural gas which is imported into the United States from a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas, and with respect to liquefied natural gas—
(1) the importation of such natural gas shall be treated as a “first sale” within the meaning of [section 3301(21) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section3301/21&num=0&edition=prelim); and
(2) the Commission shall not, on the basis of national origin, treat any such imported natural gas on an unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory, or preferential basis.
**(c) Expedited application and approval process** For purposes of subsection (a), the importation of the natural gas referred to in subsection (b), or the exportation of natural gas to a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement requiring national treatme
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 15 U.S.C. § 717b
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. The source passage cites 15 U.S.C. § 717b. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
Page 1188
TITLE 15—COMMERCE AND TRADE
§ 717b
1 So in original. Probably should be ‘‘finds’’.
1992—Par. (10). Pub. L. 102–486 added par. (10).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
TERMINATION OF FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION;
TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and
its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were
transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for cer-
tain functions which were transferred to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission) by sections 7151(b),
7171(a), 7172(a)(1), 7291, and 7293 of Title 42, The Public
Health and Welfare.
§ 717b. Exportation or importation of natural gas;
LNG terminals
(a) Mandatory authorization order
After six months from June 21, 1938, no person
shall export any natural gas from the United
States to a foreign country or import any nat-
ural gas from a foreign country without first
having secured an order of the Commission au-
thorizing it to do so. The Commission shall issue
such order upon application, unless, after oppor-
tunity for hearing, it finds that the proposed ex-
portation or importation will not be consistent
with the public interest. The Commission may
by its order grant such application, in whole or
in part, with such modification and upon such
terms and conditions as the Commission may
find necessary or appropriate, and may from
time to time, after opportunity for hearing, and
for good cause shown, make such supplemental
order in the premises as it may find necessary or
appropriate.
(b) Free trade agreements
With respect to natural gas which is imported
into the United States from a nation with which
there is in effect a free trade agreement requir-
ing national treatment for trade in natural gas,
and with respect to liquefied natural gas—
(1)
Source: Supplied 2024 U.S. Code historical extraction · 15 U.S.C. § 717b
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. The source passage cites 15 U.S.C. § 717b. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Location Standards.—** The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe minimum safety standards for deciding on the location of a new liquefied natural gas pipeline facility. In prescribing a standard, the Secretary shall consider the—
(1) kind and use of the facility;
(2) existing and projected population and demographic characteristics of the location;
(3) existing and proposed land use near the location;
(4) natural physical aspects of the location;
(5) medical, law enforcement, and fire prevention capabilities near the location that can cope with a risk caused by the facility;
(6) need to encourage remote siting; and
(7) national security.
**(b) Design, Installation, Construction, Inspection, and Testing Standards.—** The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe minimum safety standards for designing, installing, constructing, initially inspecting, and initially testing a new liquefied natural gas pipeline facility. When prescribing a standard, the Secretary shall consider—
(1) the characteristics of material to be used in constructing the facility and of alternative material;
(2) design factors;
(3) the characteristics of the liquefied natural gas to be stored or converted at, or transported by, the facility; and
(4) the public safety factors of the design and of alternative designs, particularly the ability to prevent and contain a liquefied natural gas spill.
**(c) Nonapplication.—**
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a design, location, installation, construction, initial inspection, or initial testing standard prescribed under this chapter after March 1, 1978, does not apply to an existing liquefied natural gas pipeline facility if the standard is to be applied because of authority given—
(A) under this chapter
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 49 U.S.C. § 60103
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. Same stored citation; legal effect and authority still require review.