Bill > HR5368

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to rename the Community Liaison Services within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) as the Office of Public Engagement (OPE) within one year of enactment. The new office will have expanded responsibilities to proactively engage with various pipeline stakeholders, including the public, pipeline operators, safety organizations, and government officials at State, local, and Tribal levels. Specifically, the OPE will focus on raising awareness of pipeline safety practices, promoting safety programs, informing the public about pipeline safety regulations and best practices, and assisting the public with pipeline safety inquiries. The bill mandates that the office's activities and information must be publicly accessible and will continue to incorporate community liaison positions. Additionally, the Secretary of Transportation is required to submit a report to Congress within 18 months of the act's enactment detailing the implementation of these changes, effectively modernizing and broadening the scope of community engagement around pipeline safety.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5368/all-info