Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Under Pressure Act.
(a) Report to Congress
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration shall submit to Congress a report that includes—
(1) the rate and causes of rail tank car pressure relief device failures in a derailment event including information and variables relating to each event, including—
(A) the number of tank cars involved in such derailment;
(B) whether or not the event included a fire;
(C) in the case of a fire, the temperature and duration of the fire;
(D) the length of the time before, and circumstances of, the failure of a pressure relief device; and
(E) with respect to each pressure relief device that failed—
(i) an assessment of the compatibility of the device with each tank car commodity involved in such derailment;
(ii) an assessment of the survivability of, and thermal protection for high heat conditions used on, the device; and
(iii) identification of each orientation of the device, including whether the orientation is—
(I) above or below the vapor line; or
(II) in the liquid space;
(2) recommendations to prevent rail tank car pressure relief device failures; and
(3) the status of any recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board, including any recommendations issued during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the Administrator initiates the report, on rail tank cars for which the respondent has not provided an acceptable response.
(b) Consultation required
In developing the report under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with—
(1) the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration;
(2) rail employers;
(3) organizations representing rail employees; and
(4) rail tank car builders, shippers, and owners.