Sec. 13. Rights-of-way management
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Section 60108(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: As part of the review conducted under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall allow for an alternative method of maintaining rights-of-way for pipelines and other pipeline facilities under a voluntary program carried out by the operator if such alternative method achieves a level of safety at least equal to the level of safety required by regulations issued under this chapter. An operator considering implementing an alternative method described under subparagraph
(A)may consider incorporating into the plan for implementing such method 1 or more conservation practices, including— integrated vegetation management practices, including reduced mowing; the development of habitat and forage for pollinators and other wildlife through seeding or planting of diverse native forbs and grasses; practices relating to maintenance strategies that promote early successional vegetation or limit disturbance during periods of highest use by target pollinator species and other wildlife on pipeline or facilities rights-of-way, including— increasing mowing height; reducing mowing frequency; and refraining from mowing monarch and other pollinator habitat during periods in which monarchs or other pollinators are present; an integrated vegetation management plan that may include approaches such as mechanical tree and brush removal and targeted and judicious use of herbicides and mowing to address incompatible or undesirable vegetation while promoting compatible and beneficial vegetation on pipeline and facilities rights-of-way; planting or seeding of deeply rooted, regionally appropriate perennial grasses and wildflowers, including milkweed, to enhance habitat; removing shallow-rooted grasses from planting and seeding mixes, except for use as nurse or cover crops; or obtaining expert training or assistance on wildlife and pollinator-friendly practices, including— native plant identification; establishment and management of regionally appropriate native plants; land management practices; and integrated vegetation management. Nothing in this section exempts an operator from compliance with the applicable requirements under this chapter or any applicable regulations promulgated under this chapter. In developing such alternative methods, an operator shall consult any available guidance issued by— the Secretary; or an applicable State agency carrying out compliance activities on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with section 60105. In the absence of the guidance described in clause (i), an operator may consult leading industry practices and guidance to develop and implement such alternative methods. .