Sec. 112. Updates to standards for liquefied natural gas facilities
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Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— review the minimum operating and maintenance standards prescribed under section 60103(d) of title 49, United States Code; and based on the review under paragraph (1), update the standards described in that paragraph applicable to large-scale liquefied natural gas facilities (other than peak shaving facilities) to provide for a risk-based regulatory approach for such facilities, consistent with this section.
In updating the minimum operating and maintenance standards under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall ensure that all regulations, guidance, and internal documents are developed and applied in a manner consistent with this section. The updates to the operating and maintenance standards required under subsection (a)(2) shall, at a minimum, require operators— to develop and maintain written safety information identifying hazards associated with— the processes of liquefied natural gas conversion, storage, and transport; equipment used in the processes; and technology used in the processes; to conduct a hazard assessment, including the identification of potential sources of accidental releases; to consult with employees and representatives of employees on the development and conduct of hazard assessments under paragraph (2); and to provide employees access to the records of the hazard assessments and any other records required under the updated standards; to establish a system to respond to the findings of a hazard assessment conducted under paragraph
(2)that addresses prevention, mitigation, and emergency responses; to review, when a design change occurs, a hazard assessment conducted under paragraph
(2)and the response system established under paragraph (4); to develop and implement written operating procedures for the processes of liquefied natural gas conversion, storage, and transport; to provide written safety and operating information to employees; and to train employees in operating procedures with an emphasis on addressing hazards and using safe practices; to ensure contractors and contract employees are provided appropriate information and training; to train and educate employees and contractors in emergency response; to establish a quality assurance program to ensure that equipment, maintenance materials, and spare parts relating to the operations and maintenance of liquefied natural gas facilities are fabricated and installed consistent with design specifications; to establish maintenance systems for critical process-related equipment, including written procedures, employee training, appropriate inspections, and testing of that equipment to ensure ongoing mechanical integrity; to conduct pre-start-up safety reviews of all newly installed or modified equipment; to establish and implement written procedures to manage change to processes of liquefied natural gas conversion, storage, and transport, technology, equipment, and facilities; and to investigate each incident that results in, or could have resulted in— loss of life; destruction of private property; or a major accident; and to have operating personnel— review any findings of an investigation under subparagraph (A); and if appropriate, take responsive measures.