Pipeline Security Act

Summary · Congressional Research Service (nonpartisan)

This bill provides statutory authority for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) role as the agency responsible for securing pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities against cybersecurity threats, acts of terrorism, and other security threats. The bill specifies that, among other things, the TSA must (1) develop and update pipeline security guidelines; (2) promulgate additional related security directives or regulations, as necessary; and (3) inspect pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities that are designated as critical by the owners and operators. Under the bill, the TSA must convene at least one industry day to engage with relevant pipeline stakeholders on security-related matters. The TSA must report to Congress biennially on its efforts to secure pipelines. Further, the TSA must develop a personnel strategy to carry out the TSA's responsibilities for securing pipelines. The strategy must include an assessment of (1) the cybersecurity expertise necessary to secure pipelines and a plan for expanding the TSA's expertise, and (2) the resources necessary to carry out the personnel strategy. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must conduct a review of the implementation of this bill.