Pipeline Safety Act of 1979

Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 - Title I: Natural Gas - Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act Amendments of 1979 - Declares the finding of Congress that the purposes of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 will be more effectively realized by amendments thereto providing the Secretary of Transportation with preconstruction design approval authority for pipeline facilities and with improved investigation and enforcement powers.

Amends such Act to include liquid natural gas within the definition of "gas".

Provides the Secretary with preconstruction design approval authority for pipeline facilities. Stipulates that such approval shall be contingent on compliance with applicable safety standards and such other terms and conditions as determined by the Secretary.

Clarifies that safety standards generally applicable to new pipeline facilities can be made applicable to existing facilities which are considered hazardous to life or property.

Amends the provision of existing law authorizing waivers of compliance with standards established under this Act by allowing such waivers only by order of the Secretary.

Abolishes the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee.

Requires certified State agencies to encourage and promote programs to prevent damage to pipeline facilities from certain demolition and construction activities.

Amends the reporting and investigation requirements imposed on state agencies certified under this Act.

Establishes procedures for the collection of civil penalties assessed for violations of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, and imposes criminal penalties for willful violations of such Act or regulations issued thereunder, or for willful destruction of interstate gas transmission facilities.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue orders directing compliance with such Act or regulations, and provides for enforcement of such orders by petitioning the appropriate U.S. District Court.

Authorizes the Secretary to obtain equitable relief to correct violations of such Act.

Rearranges, clarifies and expands specified current administrative duties and powers of the Secretary.

Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968.

Title II: Liquid Pipeline Safety - Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 - Declares the policy of Congress to improve the Secretary's ability to protect life and property from risks inherent in hazardous liquid transportation by pipeline.

Defines "hazardous liquid" as a liquid substance which may pose an unreasonable risk to life or property when transported by pipeline facilities.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue Federal safety standards for the transportation of hazardous liquids and for pipeline facilities.

Provides the Secretary with preconstruction design approval authority for such pipeline facilities. Stipulates that such approval shall be contingent on compliance with applicable safety standards and such other terms and conditions as determined by the Secretary.

Provides that safety standards generally applicable to new pipeline facilities can be made applicable to existing facilities which are considered hazardous to life or property.

Authorizes the Secretary by order, to waiver compliance with standards established under this Title.

Grants to States safety authority over intrastate hazardous liquid pipeline facilities.

Allows persons aggrieved by standards or orders issued under this Title to obtain judicial review thereof by filing a petition with the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.

Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of provision of this Title and for willful destruction of interstate pipeline facilities. Established procedures for the collection of such civil penalties.

Authorizes the Secretary to issue orders directing compliance with this Title or regulations, and provide for enforcement of such orders by petitioning the appropriate U.S. District Court.

Authorizes the Secretary to obtain equitable relief to correct violations of this Title.

Requires each person engaged in the transportation of hazardous liquids or who owns or operates pipeline facilities to file with the Secretary or with the appropriate State agency a maintenance and inspection plan designed to meet the need for pipeline safety.

Authorizes the Secretary to conduct investigations, make reports, issue subpoenas, conduct hearings, and perform other specified administrative duties to carry out the provisions of this Title.

Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit a report on the administration of this Title for the preceding calendar year.

Authorizes citizens civil actions for injunctive relief against violators of provisions of this Title, or regulations and orders issued thereunder, upon giving prior notice to the Secretary of such violations.

Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.