HR5368-119

What This Bill Does

The Pipeline Safety Engagement Act reorganizes public-facing pipeline safety functions inside the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Within one year, the Transportation Secretary must rename Community Liaison Services in PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety as the Office of Public Engagement. The Office must proactively engage pipeline stakeholders, including the public, pipeline operators, public safety organizations, and state, local, and Tribal officials, to raise awareness of pipeline safety practices. It must promote adoption and increased use of safety programs and activities, inform the public about pipeline safety regulations and best practices, and assist the public with pipeline safety inquiries. The Office must make its activities and information products accessible to the public, incorporate existing community liaison positions, and the Secretary must report to Congress on implementation within 18 months.

Who Benefits and How

Pipeline-adjacent communities benefit from a named PHMSA office responsible for public engagement, accessible information, and pipeline safety inquiries. Pipeline operators benefit from a clearer federal contact point for safety outreach and best-practice communication. Public safety organizations benefit from proactive engagement on pipeline safety programs and activities. State pipeline safety officials benefit from regular engagement with PHMSA public-engagement staff.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration staff must rename and operate the Office of Public Engagement within one year. Community liaison staff must be incorporated into the renamed office and carry out broader engagement duties. Transportation Department reporting staff must submit an implementation report to Congress within 18 months. Pipeline operators may face more public scrutiny through accessible PHMSA outreach and safety-practice engagement.

Key Provisions

• Requires PHMSA Community Liaison Services to be renamed the Office of Public Engagement within one year.
• Requires proactive engagement with the public, pipeline operators, public safety organizations, and state, local, and Tribal officials.
• Requires promotion of pipeline safety programs, public information on regulations and best practices, and help with safety inquiries.
• Requires accessible public information products and incorporation of community liaison positions.
• Requires an implementation report to Congress within 18 months.