Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Transportation; Hydrogen and Emerging Fuels Research and Development (R&D) Public Meeting and Forum, 58389-58391 [2021-22913]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 201 / Thursday, October 21, 2021 / Notices critical equipment, like seat belts or air bags, are rarely deemed inconsequential. An important issue to consider in determining inconsequentiality based upon NHTSA’s prior decisions on noncompliance issues was the safety risk to individuals who experience the type of event against which the recall would otherwise protect.2 NHTSA also does not consider the absence of complaints or injuries to show that the issue is inconsequential to safety. ‘‘Most importantly, the absence of a complaint does not mean there have not been any safety issues, nor does it mean that there will not be safety issues in the future.’’ 3 ‘‘[T]he fact that in past reported cases good luck and swift reaction have prevented many serious injuries does not mean that good luck will continue to work.’’ 4 Arguments that only a small number of vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment are affected have also not justified granting an inconsequentiality petition.5 Similarly, NHTSA has rejected petitions based on the assertion that only a small percentage of vehicles or items of equipment are likely to actually exhibit a noncompliance. The percentage of potential occupants that could be adversely affected by a noncompliance does not determine the question of inconsequentiality. Rather, the issue to consider is the consequence jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 2 See Gen. Motors, LLC; Grant of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 78 FR 35355 (June 12, 2013) (finding noncompliance had no effect on occupant safety because it had no effect on the proper operation of the occupant classification system and the correct deployment of an air bag); Osram Sylvania Prods. Inc.; Grant of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 78 FR 46000 (July 30, 2013) (finding occupant using noncompliant light source would not be exposed to significantly greater risk than occupant using similar compliant light source). 3 Morgan 3 Wheeler Limited; Denial of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 81 FR 21663, 21666 (Apr. 12, 2016). 4 United States v. Gen. Motors Corp., 565 F.2d 754, 759 (D.C. Cir. 1977) (finding defect poses an unreasonable risk when it ‘‘results in hazards as potentially dangerous as sudden engine fire, and where there is no dispute that at least some such hazards, in this case fires, can definitely be expected to occur in the future’’). 5 See Mercedes-Benz, U.S.A., L.L.C.; Denial of Application for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 66 FR 38342 (July 23, 2001) (rejecting argument that noncompliance was inconsequential because of the small number of vehicles affected); Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd.; Denial of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 81 FR 41370 (June 24, 2016) (noting that situations involving individuals trapped in motor vehicles—while infrequent—are consequential to safety); Morgan 3 Wheeler Ltd.; Denial of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 81 FR 21663, 21664 (Apr. 12, 2016) (rejecting argument that petition should be granted because the vehicle was produced in very low numbers and likely to be operated on a limited basis). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:35 Oct 20, 2021 Jkt 256001 to an occupant who is exposed to the consequence of that noncompliance.6 For safe viewing through the front windshield, FMVSS No. 104 requires both a windshield wiping system and a washing system. The Agency believes that both systems are critical, and at times must work together, to ensure a clear view through the windshield. The purpose of the washing system is to aid the wiping system in the event that dust, dirt, mud, or other obstructions occur and the wipers are not sufficient to quickly and properly clear the windshield. RTDI stated that the features of the APVs achieve the same purpose as the standard without a windshield washing system. According to RTDI, if debris is present on the windshield the driver can engage the windshield wiping system to clear the windshield exterior surface. RTDI also explained that in the event the windshield wipers could not clear the surface of the windshield the driver has the option of lowering the windshield. The Agency does not agree with RTDI’s assessment that the subject APVs are designed to achieve the same purpose as the standard without a windshield washing system. The Agency understands that these vehicles can be operated on public roadways at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. It is not uncommon while traveling at posted speeds to encounter conditions where the windshield wipers and the washing system must be used together to maintain forward visibility through the windshield. One good example of such a condition occurs shortly after a rain shower has ended, the roads are still wet, and other vehicles operating on the roadway are throwing up water spray and road dirt that can accumulate on following vehicle windshields. In this situation, both the windshield wipers and windshield washing systems would be required for safe operations. Furthermore, in a follow-up response to a request from the Agency, RTDI informed the Agency that its safety guidelines only permit the driver to open and close the windshield should visibility become obstructed, and only when the vehicle is traveling at a slow rate of speed or is stopped. Thus, if the vehicle is moving at higher speeds under conditions as mentioned above, the Agency believes it would present a safety concern to lower the windshield. 6 See Gen. Motors Corp.; Ruling on Petition for Determination of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 69 FR 19897, 19900 (Apr. 14, 2004); Cosco Inc.; Denial of Application for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 64 FR 29408, 29409 (June 1, 1999). PO 00000 Frm 00143 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58389 VIII. NHTSA’s Decision: In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA finds that RTDI has not met its burden of persuasion that the subject FMVSS No. 104 noncompliance in the subject vehicles is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. Accordingly, RTDI’s petition is hereby denied and RTDI is consequently obligated to provide notification of, and a free remedy for, that noncompliance under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120. (Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8) Joseph Kolly, Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement. [FR Doc. 2021–22974 Filed 10–20–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0086] Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Transportation; Hydrogen and Emerging Fuels Research and Development (R&D) Public Meeting and Forum Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of virtual public meeting and forum. AGENCY: This notice announces a virtual public meeting and forum titled: ‘‘Pipeline Transportation and Emerging Fuels R&D Public Meeting and Forum.’’ The public meeting and forum will serve as an opportunity for pipeline stakeholders to discuss research gaps and challenges in pipeline safety and emerging fuels, including hydrogen transportation. Furthermore, it will also serve as a venue for PHMSA, public interest groups, industry, academia, intergovernmental partners, and the public to collaborate on PHMSA’s future R&D agenda. DATES: The Pipeline Transportation and Emerging Fuels R&D Public Meeting and Forum will be held November 30, 2021, through December 2, 2021. Members of the public who wish to attend the public meeting and forum must register between October 15, 2021, and November 15, 2021. Individuals requiring accommodations, such as sign language interpretation or other aids, are asked to notify PHMSA no later than November 1, 2021. Individuals will have an opportunity on a first come first SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1 jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 58390 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 201 / Thursday, October 21, 2021 / Notices serve basis to sign up to participate in specific workgroups between October 15, 2021, and November 15, 2021. ADDRESSES: This public meeting and forum will be held virtually. The agenda and instructions on how to attend virtually will be published once they are finalized on the following public meeting registration page at: https:// primis.phmsa.dot.gov/meetings/ MtgHome.mtg?mtg=153. Presentations will be available on the meeting website and on the E-gov website, https:// regulations.gov, at docket number PHMSA–2021–0086, no later than 30 days following the meeting. You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0086, by any of the following methods: • E-Gov Web: https:// www.regulations.gov. This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: DOT Docket Management System: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Instructions: Identify the Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0086, at the beginning of your comments. If you submit your comments by mail, please submit two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation that PHMSA received your comments, you must include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit comments at: https:// www.regulations.gov. • Note: All comments received are posted without edits to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. • Confidential Business Information: Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments in response to this notice contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this notice, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:35 Oct 20, 2021 Jkt 256001 CBI. Pursuant to 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 190.343, you may ask PHMSA to provide confidential treatment to information you give to the agency by taking the following steps: (1) Mark each page of the original document submission containing CBI as ‘‘Confidential;’’ (2) send PHMSA a copy of the original document with the CBI deleted along with the original, unaltered document; and (3) explain why the information you are submitting is CBI. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Nathan Schoenkin, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, DOT: PHMSA—PHP–80, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Any commentary PHMSA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket. • Privacy Act: DOT may solicit comments from the public regarding certain general notices. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. • Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. Alternatively, you may review the documents in person at the street address listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Schoenkin by phone at 202– 740–1978 or via email at nathan.schoenkin@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The mission of PHMSA is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy products and other hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. PHMSA oversees the transportation of hazardous materials, including energy products, through all modes of the transportation industry— and is focused on the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to mitigating climate change. PHMSA collaborates with stakeholders from the public, academia, interagency, international partners, and pipeline industry that share PHMSA’s goal of advancing knowledge and technology in the pursuit of improved pipeline safety. The PHMSA’s research agenda will adapt to address existing and future initiatives such as the market shift to more climate friendly commodities. Due to the importance of energy products and other hazardous materials PO 00000 Frm 00144 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 to our economy and standard of living, it is essential that research projects promote safety, protection of the environment, reliability, and ensure our transportation system’s efficient and reliable performance. To this end, PHMSA hopes to discuss and receive public feedback on repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of leak prone, legacy cast iron pipelines; integrity of underground fuel storage including hydrogen; utilization of inspection tools and network components on hydrogen pipeline facilities; integrity management of natural gas and hazardous liquids pipeline to include carbon dioxide lines; and methane mitigation from pipeline infrastructure. II. Public Forum Details and Agenda The virtual meeting and forum will take place November 30, 2021, through December 2, 2021. The first day of the virtual public meeting will include panel discussions in a general session between government, industry, research consortiums, and environmental advocacy stakeholders on emerging fuels and pipeline safety R&D. Each panel discussion will include an opportunity for questions and answers. The second day will be the virtual public forum which will consist of smaller workgroups that members of the public will have an opportunity to sign up for in advance. The workgroups will explore specific research gaps and topics, including the transportation of hydrogen by pipelines, and develop relevant research topics to address the gaps. The third day of the virtual public meeting will be a report from the workgroups as well as a public comment period. III. Public Participation The virtual public meeting and forum will be open to the public. Members of the public who wish to attend must register on the meeting website and include their names and organization affiliation. PHMSA is committed to providing all participants with equal access to these meetings. If you need disability accommodations, please contact Nathan Schoenkin by phone at 202–740–1978 or via email at nathan.schoenkin@dot.gov. PHMSA is not always able to publish a notice in the Federal Register quickly enough to provide timely notification regarding last minute changes that impact a previously announced meeting. Therefore, individuals should check the meeting website listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice or contact Nathan Schoenkin by phone at 202–740–1978 or via email at E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 201 / Thursday, October 21, 2021 / Notices nathan.schoenkin@dot.gov regarding any possible changes. PHMSA invites public participation and public comment on the topics addressed in this public meeting and forum. Please review the ADDRESSES section of this notice for information on how to submit written comments. Issued in Washington, DC, on October 15, 2021, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.97. Alan K. Mayberry, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 2021–22913 Filed 10–20–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Bureau of Transportation Statistics [Docket Number DOT–OST–XXX–XXXX] Agency Information Collection Activity: Notice of Request for Approval To Continue To Collect Information: Oil and Gas Industry Safety Data Program Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST–R), U.S. Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of request to continue to collect. AGENCY: In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of BTS to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the data collection for: Oil and Gas Industry Safety Data. In August 2013, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and BTS signed an Interagency Agreement to develop and implement SafeOCS, a voluntary program for confidential reporting of ‘near misses’ occurring on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Oil and Gas Industry Safety Data (ISD) program, is a component of BTS’s SafeOCS data sharing framework, that provides a trusted, proactive means for the oil and gas industry to report sensitive and proprietary safety information, and to identify early warnings of safety problems and potential safety issues by uncovering hidden, at-risk conditions not previously exposed from analysis of reportable accidents and incidents. Companies participating in the ISD are voluntarily submitting safety data, there is no regulatory requirement to submit such data. DATES: Written comments should be submitted by December 20, 2021. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:35 Oct 20, 2021 Jkt 256001 To ensure that your comments are not entered more than once into the docket, submit comments by only one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. Docket Number: DOT–OST–XXXX–XXXX. • Mail: Docket Services, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. Identify all transmission with ‘‘Docket Number DOT–OST–XXXX–XXXX’’ at the beginning of each page of the document. Instructions: All comments must include the agency name and docket number for this notice. Paper comments should be submitted in duplicate. The Docket Management Facility is open for examination and copying, at the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you wish to receive confirmation of receipt of your written comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped postcard with the following statement: ‘‘Comments on Docket Number DOT–OST–XXXX– XXXX.’’ The Docket Clerk will date stamp the postcard prior to returning it to you via the U.S. mail. Please note that all comments received, including any personal information, will be posted and will be publicly viewable, without change, at www.regulations.gov. You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; pages 19477–78) or you may review the Privacy Act Statement at www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Demetra V. Collia, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Statistical and Economic Analysis, RTS–31, E36–302, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001; Phone No. (202) 366–1610; Fax No. (202) 366– 3383; email: demetra.collia@dot.gov. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Data Confidentiality Provisions: The confidentiality of oil and gas industry safety data information submitted to BTS is protected under the BTS ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00145 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58391 confidentiality statute (49 U.S.C. 6307) and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA), Public Law 115–435, Title III, Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018. In accordance with these confidentiality statutes, only statistical (aggregated) and non-identifying data will be made publicly available by BTS through its reports. BTS will not release to BSEE or any other public or private entity any information that might reveal the identity of individuals or organizations mentioned in failure notices or reports without explicit consent of the respondent and any other affected entities. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ISD identifies a broader range of data categories to ensure safe performance and appropriate risk management, which adds a learning component to assist the oil and gas industry in achieving improved safety performance. BTS will: Be the repository for the data, analyze and aggregate information given under this program, and publish reports providing identification of potential causal factors and trends or patterns before safety is compromised, and affording continuous improvement by focusing on repairing impediments to safety. I. The Data Collection The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35; as amended) and 5 CFR part 1320 require each Federal agency to obtain OMB approval to initiate an information collection activity. BTS is seeking OMB approval to continue to collect the following new data: Title: Oil and Gas Industry Safety Data (ISD) Program. OMB Control Number: XXXX–XXXX. Type of Review: Approval of data collection. This information collection for oil and gas Industry Safety Data is to ensure the safe performance and appropriate risk management within the oil and gas industry, including but not limited to exploration and production. Respondents: Oil and gas industry companies involved in the exploration and/or production working in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Responsibility for establishing the actual scope and burden for this collection resides with BTS. Number of Potential Responses: 30. Estimated Time per Response: 8 hours. Frequency: Bi-annual. Total Annual Burden: 480 hours. Abstract: The Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA) of 2018 (Pub. L. E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 201 (Thursday, October 21, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58389-58391]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22913]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0086]


Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Transportation; Hydrogen and Emerging 
Fuels Research and Development (R&D) Public Meeting and Forum

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Notice of virtual public meeting and forum.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces a virtual public meeting and forum 
titled: ``Pipeline Transportation and Emerging Fuels R&D Public Meeting 
and Forum.'' The public meeting and forum will serve as an opportunity 
for pipeline stakeholders to discuss research gaps and challenges in 
pipeline safety and emerging fuels, including hydrogen transportation. 
Furthermore, it will also serve as a venue for PHMSA, public interest 
groups, industry, academia, intergovernmental partners, and the public 
to collaborate on PHMSA's future R&D agenda.

DATES: The Pipeline Transportation and Emerging Fuels R&D Public 
Meeting and Forum will be held November 30, 2021, through December 2, 
2021. Members of the public who wish to attend the public meeting and 
forum must register between October 15, 2021, and November 15, 2021. 
Individuals requiring accommodations, such as sign language 
interpretation or other aids, are asked to notify PHMSA no later than 
November 1, 2021. Individuals will have an opportunity on a first come 
first

[[Page 58390]]

serve basis to sign up to participate in specific workgroups between 
October 15, 2021, and November 15, 2021.

ADDRESSES: This public meeting and forum will be held virtually. The 
agenda and instructions on how to attend virtually will be published 
once they are finalized on the following public meeting registration 
page at: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/meetings/MtgHome.mtg?mtg=153. 
Presentations will be available on the meeting website and on the E-gov 
website, https://regulations.gov, at docket number PHMSA-2021-0086, no 
later than 30 days following the meeting. You may submit comments, 
identified by Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0086, by any of the following 
methods:
     E-Gov Web: https://www.regulations.gov. This site allows 
the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by 
any agency. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: DOT Docket Management System: West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9:00 
a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Instructions: Identify the Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0086, at 
the beginning of your comments. If you submit your comments by mail, 
please submit two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation that 
PHMSA received your comments, you must include a self-addressed stamped 
postcard. Internet users may submit comments at: https://www.regulations.gov.
     Note: All comments received are posted without edits to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
     Confidential Business Information: Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both 
customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the 
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments in response to this notice contain 
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as 
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or 
responsive to this notice, it is important that you clearly designate 
the submitted comments as CBI. Pursuant to 49 Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR) 190.343, you may ask PHMSA to provide confidential 
treatment to information you give to the agency by taking the following 
steps: (1) Mark each page of the original document submission 
containing CBI as ``Confidential;'' (2) send PHMSA a copy of the 
original document with the CBI deleted along with the original, 
unaltered document; and (3) explain why the information you are 
submitting is CBI. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Nathan 
Schoenkin, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, DOT: PHMSA--PHP-80, Washington, 
DC 20590-0001. Any commentary PHMSA receives that is not specifically 
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket.
     Privacy Act: DOT may solicit comments from the public 
regarding certain general notices. DOT posts these comments, without 
edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to 
www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/
ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy.
     Docket: For access to the docket to read background 
documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. 
Alternatively, you may review the documents in person at the street 
address listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Schoenkin by phone at 202-740-
1978 or via email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The mission of PHMSA is to protect people and the environment by 
advancing the safe transportation of energy products and other 
hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. PHMSA 
oversees the transportation of hazardous materials, including energy 
products, through all modes of the transportation industry--and is 
focused on the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government 
approach to mitigating climate change. PHMSA collaborates with 
stakeholders from the public, academia, interagency, international 
partners, and pipeline industry that share PHMSA's goal of advancing 
knowledge and technology in the pursuit of improved pipeline safety. 
The PHMSA's research agenda will adapt to address existing and future 
initiatives such as the market shift to more climate friendly 
commodities.
    Due to the importance of energy products and other hazardous 
materials to our economy and standard of living, it is essential that 
research projects promote safety, protection of the environment, 
reliability, and ensure our transportation system's efficient and 
reliable performance. To this end, PHMSA hopes to discuss and receive 
public feedback on repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of leak 
prone, legacy cast iron pipelines; integrity of underground fuel 
storage including hydrogen; utilization of inspection tools and network 
components on hydrogen pipeline facilities; integrity management of 
natural gas and hazardous liquids pipeline to include carbon dioxide 
lines; and methane mitigation from pipeline infrastructure.

II. Public Forum Details and Agenda

    The virtual meeting and forum will take place November 30, 2021, 
through December 2, 2021. The first day of the virtual public meeting 
will include panel discussions in a general session between government, 
industry, research consortiums, and environmental advocacy stakeholders 
on emerging fuels and pipeline safety R&D. Each panel discussion will 
include an opportunity for questions and answers.
    The second day will be the virtual public forum which will consist 
of smaller workgroups that members of the public will have an 
opportunity to sign up for in advance. The workgroups will explore 
specific research gaps and topics, including the transportation of 
hydrogen by pipelines, and develop relevant research topics to address 
the gaps. The third day of the virtual public meeting will be a report 
from the workgroups as well as a public comment period.

III. Public Participation

    The virtual public meeting and forum will be open to the public. 
Members of the public who wish to attend must register on the meeting 
website and include their names and organization affiliation. PHMSA is 
committed to providing all participants with equal access to these 
meetings. If you need disability accommodations, please contact Nathan 
Schoenkin by phone at 202-740-1978 or via email at 
[email protected].
    PHMSA is not always able to publish a notice in the Federal 
Register quickly enough to provide timely notification regarding last 
minute changes that impact a previously announced meeting. Therefore, 
individuals should check the meeting website listed in the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice or contact Nathan Schoenkin by phone at 202-740-
1978 or via email at

[[Page 58391]]

[email protected] regarding any possible changes.
    PHMSA invites public participation and public comment on the topics 
addressed in this public meeting and forum. Please review the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice for information on how to submit written 
comments.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 15, 2021, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Alan K. Mayberry,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 2021-22913 Filed 10-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P

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