To allow for the use of risk-based inspections for in-service breakout tanks.
Analysis under review: This bill has generated analysis that may be too generic or incomplete. Clause-level evidence remains available below.
Summary
What This Bill Does
This bill allows companies that operate oil and gas pipelines to switch from mandatory time-based inspections to risk-based inspections for their storage tanks (called "in-service breakout tanks"). Instead of inspecting these tanks on a fixed schedule, companies could inspect them based on their assessment of which tanks pose the greatest safety risk. The bill also requires the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to update federal regulations to officially permit this change.
Who Benefits and How
Oil and gas pipeline companies and midstream energy operators benefit directly from this bill. They would save money and reduce compliance paperwork by conducting fewer routine inspections and focusing resources on tanks they identify as higher risk. Companies operating pipeline storage facilities across the country would have more flexibility in how they meet federal safety requirements, potentially lowering their operational costs.
Who Bears the Burden and How
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration must undertake the work of revising federal regulations (specifically 49 CFR 195.432) to implement this change. Additionally, communities near pipeline storage facilities and the general public could face increased safety risks if risk-based inspections prove less effective than routine scheduled inspections at detecting hazards or preventing spills and accidents.
Key Provisions
- Immediately permits pipeline operators to use risk-based inspections for in-service breakout tanks instead of following fixed inspection schedules
- Applies to facilities regulated under federal pipeline safety law (49 USC Chapter 601) and hazardous liquid pipeline regulations (49 CFR Chapter 195)
- Requires PHMSA to revise its regulations "as soon as practicable" to officially authorize risk-based inspections
- Does not specify standards for what constitutes an adequate "risk-based inspection" methodology
Evidence Chain:
This summary is generated from the full bill text using AI analysis. Expand "Detailed Analysis" below for identified beneficiaries/burden bearers.
At a Glance
What This Bill Does
Permits pipeline operators to use risk-based inspections in place of routine inspections for in-service breakout tanks
Who Benefits
- Pipeline operators (oil & gas midstream companies)
- Hazardous liquid pipeline companies
- Storage tank owners in pipeline systems
Who Bears Costs
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) - must revise regulations
- Potentially the public if risk-based inspections are less frequent or thorough than current requirements
Key Policy Areas
Transportation Safety, Energy Infrastructure, Regulatory Reform
Primary Purpose
Permits pipeline operators to use risk-based inspections in place of routine inspections for in-service breakout tanks
Policy Domains
Legislative Strategy
"Reduce regulatory burden on pipeline operators by allowing flexibility in inspection scheduling based on risk assessment rather than mandating routine inspections"
Identified Gains
- Pipeline operators (oil & gas midstream companies)
- Hazardous liquid pipeline companies
- Storage tank owners in pipeline systems
Identified Costs
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) - must revise regulations
- Potentially the public if risk-based inspections are less frequent or thorough than current requirements
Legislative Progress
IntroducedMr. Curtis introduced the following bill; which was read twice …
Stakeholder Effects
cui bono?How this legislation distributes effects. Mention counts reflect frequency, not effect magnitude.
Hazardous liquid pipeline operators with storage tank systems, Midstream oil and gas companies operating pipeline storage facilities, Oil and gas pipeline operators with in-service breakout tanks
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
- "the_secretary"
- → Secretary of Transportation
- "the_administrator"
- → Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Key Definitions
Terms defined in this bill
As defined in section 60101 of title 49, United States Code
Inspections scheduled and prioritized based on assessment of risk factors rather than fixed time intervals
Storage tanks that are connected to pipeline systems and used to relieve surges or receive and store hazardous liquids transported by pipelines
We use a combination of our own taxonomy and classification in addition to large language models to assess meaning and potential beneficiaries. High confidence means strong textual evidence. Always verify with the original bill text.
Learn more about our methodology