STUDY OF UNDERWATER ABANDONED PIPELINE FACILITIES.

SEC. 307. STUDY OF UNDERWATER ABANDONED PIPELINE FACILITIES. (a) Study.— The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with State and other Federal agencies having authority over underwater natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and with pipeline owners and operators, the fishing and maritime industries, and other affected groups, shall undertake a study of the abandonment of such pipeline facilities. Such study shall include— (1) a survey of Federal policies and authorities with respect to abandonment of such pipeline facilities; (2) an analysis of the extent and nature of the problems currently caused by such pipeline facilities; (3) an analysis of alternative methods and requirements for abandonment as well as the relevant costs and other factors associated with those alternative methods and requirements; (4) an analysis of the navigational, safety, and environmental impacts and economic costs associated with the disposition of pipeline facilities permanently removed from service; (5) an analysis of various factors associated with retro-actively imposing requirements on previously abandoned pipeline facilities; and (6) other matters as may contribute to the development of a recommendation for Federal action. (b) Report to Congress.— Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the study undertaken under this section, together with a recommendation for Federal action. (c) Additional Authority.— Based on the findings of the study undertaken under this section, the Secretary may require, by regulations issued under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 or the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, operators of facilities abandoned before the date of the enactment of this Act to take any additional appropriate actions to prevent hazards to navigation in connection with such facilities. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.— There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $300,000 for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1992. Such funds shall remain available until expended.