Technical Advisory Committees
Role of the Pipeline Safety Technical Advisory Committees
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has two pipeline safety standards advisory committees that are mandated by legislation. The Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 established the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (TPSSC), and the Hazardous Liquid Safety Act of 1979 established the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (THLPSSC). The committees provide peer reviews of all proposed pipeline safety rules to assure technical feasibility, reasonableness, cost-effectiveness and practicability. The also evaluate cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment information on each proposal.
Federal Agency Responsibility
These committees are chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C § 9 (c) (App 2). The charters describe each committee’s mission, goals, and objectives as specified by the FACA. The FACA governs advisory committee activities, and requires the Department to review the pipeline technical advisory committee charters every two years to determine the need for continuing the committees. The Secretary of Transportation and the General Services Administration must approve each charter.
For more information on the requirements of the FACA, contact GSA’s Committee Management Secretariat.
Appointing Committee Members
Each pipeline safety advisory committee has 15 members – with equal representation from Government, industry, and the public. Members’ qualifications must include:
(1) |
knowledge of the Pipeline Safety Regulations addressing transportation of hazardous liquids or natural gas, and experience with operating pipeline facilities; or, |
(2) |
technical training, experience, or knowledge in at least one field of engineering applicable to the safe operations of pipelines facilities. |
The charter includes a description of the composition and duties delineated in 49 U.S.C. § 60115.
Helpful Links
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)
General Services Administration Committee Management Secretariat
49 United States Code, Section 60115
DOT Docket Management System and the Advisory Committee Docket
Application Process & Forms
Federal Register Notice Vacancy Announcement (example)
Advisory Committee Candidate Biographical Information (DOT F1120.1)
Certification of Significant Financial Interest
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