H.R.1182 - Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1182, the Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025, aims to enhance the safety and oversight of foreign manufacturers of cylinders used in transporting hazardous materials. The bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations regarding the approval process for these manufacturers. It introduces stricter requirements, including shorter approval periods and more thorough inspections.
The Act also establishes a process for reevaluating FMOC approvals based on evidence of inaccurate or fraudulent attestations. Furthermore, it requires increased transparency through public notification of applications and annual publication of approved manufacturers.
Ultimately, the bill seeks to improve the safety and compliance of compressed gas cylinders used in the transportation of hazardous materials within the United States.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased scrutiny and regulation of foreign manufacturers of compressed gas cylinders. This will involve more frequent inspections, shorter approval periods, and a greater emphasis on compliance with safety standards.
It will also create a mechanism for interested parties to raise concerns about the accuracy and safety of FMOC operations. The bill aims to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safe transport of hazardous materials.
This may lead to increased costs for foreign manufacturers and potentially higher prices for consumers, but it is intended to improve overall safety and accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Safety: The bill's focus on stricter regulations and inspections should lead to safer compressed gas cylinders.
- Increased Transparency: Public notification of applications and publication of approved manufacturers will improve transparency.
- Accountability: The reevaluation process allows for greater accountability of foreign manufacturers.
- Improved Compliance: The additional questions and requirements will encourage better compliance with safety standards.
- Harmonization of Standards: The bill allows for the harmonization of cylinder standards, potentially streamlining international trade.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: The more stringent regulations and inspections could increase costs for foreign manufacturers, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
- Administrative Burden: The Secretary of Transportation will face an increased administrative burden in implementing and enforcing the new regulations.
- Potential Trade Barriers: The stricter requirements could create barriers to trade with foreign manufacturers.
- Complexity: The regulations could become complex and difficult for manufacturers to navigate.
- Potential for Delays: The approval process could be slowed down due to the increased scrutiny and reevaluation process.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. By regulating foreign manufacturers of cylinders used in transporting hazardous materials, the bill aims to ensure the safety and integrity of interstate and international commerce.
There are no apparent infringements on individual liberties or rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The bill focuses on regulating commercial activities related to hazardous materials transportation.
However, the implementation of the regulations must adhere to due process requirements to ensure fairness and avoid arbitrary enforcement.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).