Bill > S2979

This bill establishes a confidential, voluntary information-sharing system for pipeline safety called the Voluntary Information Sharing System (VIS), administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The system aims to improve pipeline safety by encouraging operators, employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to share safety data and information in a non-punitive environment. The VIS will be governed by a 15-member Governing Board representing government agencies, pipeline industries, and public safety advocacy groups, and will include a Program Manager, a Third-Party Data Manager, and Issue Analysis Teams. Participation is entirely voluntary, and submitted data will be de-identified and kept confidential, with strict limitations on its use in litigation or enforcement actions. The system will collect various types of pipeline safety data, such as risk analyses, lessons learned from accidents, process improvements, and technology deployment practices, with the goal of identifying and mitigating potential safety risks across the pipeline industry. The bill also provides for sustainable funding through public-private partnerships and allows for up to $5 million in additional annual funding through 2027 to establish and manage the system.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2979/all-info