I
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7448
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 23, 2024
Mrs. Steel introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
A BILL
To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to implement a restructuring plan in San Pedro Bay, and for other purposes.
Improving vessel traffic service monitoring
Proximity of anchorages to pipelines
Implementation of restructuring plan
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall implement the November 2021 proposed plan of the Vessel Traffic Service Los Angeles-Long Beach for restructuring the Federal anchorages in San Pedro Bay described on page 54 of the Report of the National Transportation Safety Board titled Anchor Strike of Underwater Pipeline and Eventual Crude Oil Release
and issued January 2, 2024.
Study
The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall conduct a study to identify any anchorage grounds other than the San Pedro Bay Federal anchorages in which the distance between the center of an approved anchorage ground and a pipeline is less than 1 mile.
Report
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study required under paragraph (2). Such a report shall include—
a list of the anchorage grounds described under paragraph (2);
whether it is possible to move each such anchorage ground to provide a minimum distance of 1 mile; and
a recommendation of whether to move any such anchorage ground and explanation for the recommendation.
Proximity to pipeline alerts
Audible and visual alarms
The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall consult with the providers of vessel monitoring systems to add to the monitoring systems for vessel traffic services audible and visual alarms that alert the watchstander when an anchored vessel is encroaching on a pipeline.
Notification procedures
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop procedures for all vessel traffic services to notify pipeline and utility operators following potential incursions on submerged pipelines within the vessel traffic service area of responsibility.
Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the implementation of paragraphs (1) and (2).