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aenaior racy rvrurray - r ipeune gaiety Page 1 01 9 Summary of S.2438 "The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2000" Passed by the Senate on September 7, 2000 Improves the Qualification & Training of Pipeline Personnel- . The bill ensures pipeline employees have the skills to do their jobs. It also requires the periodic reexamination and testing of these employees to ensure their competency. Improves Pipeline Inspections & Prevention Practices- • The bill requires operators to submit pipeline integrity management plans. These plans will include: internal inspection, evaluation criteria, measures to prevent and mitigate unintended releases, and other safety- related activities. • States and local officials would be allowed to evaluate and recommend changes to these plans. • At a minimum, pipeline operators would be required to periodically assess the integrity of their pipelines. Expands Public's Right to Know- . The bill establishes strong public right -to -know provisions. It requires operators to make information about pipelines and their safety practices available to local officials, emergency responders, and the public, including posting information on the Internet. • It requires more pipeline accidents to be reported by lowering the spill reporting threshold from 2,100 gallons to 5 gallons. Raises the Penalties for Safety Violators- • The 'bill doubles current maximum civil penalties for non - compliance and lists the caps on maximum penalties for judicial action. States Can Expand their Safety Activities on Interstate Pipelines- ,. Under current law, states can enter into agreements with the Secretary of http: / /www.senate.gov /- nrurray /2438summary.html 8/22/02