NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS SAFETY.

SEC. 111. [49 U.S.C. 60103 note] NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS SAFETY. (a) Definitions.—In this section: (1) Center.—The term “Center” means the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety that may be established under subsection (b). (2) LNG.—The term “LNG” means liquefied natural gas. (3) LNG sector stakeholder.—The term “LNG sector stakeholder” means a representative of— (A) LNG facilities that represent the broad array of LNG facilities operating in the United States; (B) States, Indian Tribes, and units of local government; (C) postsecondary education; (D) labor organizations; (E) safety organizations; or (F) Federal regulatory agencies of jurisdiction, which may include— (i) the Administration; (ii) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; (iii) the Department of Energy; (iv) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (v) the Coast Guard; and (vi) the Maritime Administration. (b) Establishment.—Only after submitting the report under subsection (c) to the committees of Congress described in that subsection, and subject to the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the applicable purpose, the Secretary, in consultation with LNG sector stakeholders, may establish a center, to be known as the “National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety”. (c) Report.— (1) In general.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report on— (A) the resources necessary to establish the Center; and (B) the manner in which the Center will carry out the functions described in subsection (d). (2) Requirement.—The report under paragraph (1) shall include an estimate of all potential costs and appropriations necessary to carry out the functions described in subsection (d). (d) Functions.—The Center shall, for activities regulated under section 60103 of title 49, United States Code, enhance the United States as the leader and foremost expert in LNG operations by— (1) furthering the expertise of the Federal Government in the operations, management, and regulatory practices of LNG facilities through— (A) the use of performance-based principles; (B) experience and familiarity with LNG operational facilities; and (C) increased communication with LNG experts to learn and support state-of-the-art operational practices; (2) acting as a repository of information on best practices for the operation of LNG facilities; and (3) facilitating collaboration among LNG sector stakeholders. (e) Location.— (1) In general.—The Center shall be located in close proximity to critical LNG transportation infrastructure on, and connecting to, the Gulf of Mexico, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Considerations.—In determining the location of the Center, the Secretary shall— (A) take into account the strategic value of locating resources in close proximity to LNG facilities; and (B) locate the Center in the State with the largest LNG production capacity, as determined by the total capacity (in billion cubic feet per day) of LNG production authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) as of the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Coordination With TQ Training Center.—In carrying out the functions described in subsection (d), the Center shall coordinate with the Training and Qualifications Training Center of the Administration in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to facilitate knowledge sharing among, and enhanced training opportunities for, Federal and State pipeline safety inspectors and investigators. (g) Joint Operation With Educational Institution.—The Secretary may enter into an agreement with an appropriate official of an institution of higher education— (1) to provide for joint operation of the Center;  and (2) to provide necessary administrative services for the Center.