S. 2320: Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025, aims to regulate foreign manufacturers of cylinders used for transporting hazardous materials in the United States. It mandates the Secretary of Transportation to establish specific regulations concerning these manufacturers to enhance safety and oversight.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Definitions: The bill defines relevant terms, including what constitutes a "cylinder" and establishes the criteria for a "foreign manufacturer of cylinders" (FMOC). The term "in good standing" is also defined, indicating compliance with appropriate regulations.
• Regulatory Approval: The Secretary is required to promulgate regulations that limit the approval of FMOCs to a period of no longer than one year. However, under certain conditions, a five-year approval may be granted if the FMOC can demonstrate adherence to specific compliance measures and has no prohibitive issues regarding their cylinders.
• Inspections: The bill allows the Secretary to conduct inspections of FMOCs. If an FMOC obstructs an inspection, their approval may be suspended or terminated. The bill also emphasizes the need for the Secretary to establish a systematic process for annual inspections in certain circumstances.
• Public Interaction: Upon receiving an application for approval from a foreign manufacturer, the Secretary must publish the details of the application online and allow for public comments for 30 days before granting approval.
• Reevaluation Process: The Secretary must create a process that allows interested parties to request reevaluation of an FMOC's approval if they possess evidence of any discrepancies in the information provided by the FMOC.
• Application Requirements: The bill specifies various questions an FMOC must answer when applying for approval, which includes past civil penalties or misconduct. This aims to ensure that only those with a clean record are permitted to operate.
• Publication of Approved Manufacturers: The Secretary is required to publish and maintain a list of approved foreign manufacturers, including the duration of their approval, to promote transparency.
• Foreign Inspection Costs: The Secretary may revise the regulations to include the recovery of costs associated with foreign inspections and allow for additional testing and documentation to be requested as needed.

Overall Goals

The overarching objective of this bill is to improve safety and reliability in the transportation of hazardous materials by ensuring that foreign manufacturers of gas cylinders comply with stringent regulations. The measures outlined seek to prevent unsafe practices and enhance accountability among manufacturers, thereby safeguarding public health and safety.

Relevant Companies