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 regulatory oversight of foreign manufacturers of compressed gas cylinders used in the transportation of hazardous materials within the United States. The bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations concerning the approval process for these foreign manufacturers.
Key provisions include limiting approval periods, requiring attestations regarding compliance with U.S. laws, and establishing a process for reevaluating approvals based on evidence of inaccurate or fraudulent information. The Act also emphasizes transparency through public notification of applications and annual publication of approved manufacturers.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that cylinders used to transport hazardous materials meet stringent safety standards, regardless of where they are manufactured, thereby protecting public safety and the environment.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to stricter scrutiny of foreign manufacturers of compressed gas cylinders. This includes more frequent inspections and a greater emphasis on compliance with U.S. safety regulations.
It will also create a mechanism for interested parties to raise concerns about the accuracy and safety of FMOC operations, potentially leading to increased accountability. The increased oversight may also result in higher costs for foreign manufacturers, some of which may be passed on to consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced safety in the transportation of hazardous materials due to stricter oversight of foreign manufacturers.
- Increased transparency through public notification of approval applications and publication of approved manufacturers.
- A mechanism for interested parties to request reevaluation of FMOC approvals based on evidence of non-compliance.
- Potential for improved compliance with U.S. safety regulations by foreign manufacturers.
- Reduced risk of accidents involving compressed gas cylinders due to improved safety standards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased regulatory burden on foreign manufacturers, potentially leading to higher costs.
- Possible delays in the approval process for foreign manufacturers due to more stringent requirements.
- Potential for trade disputes if the regulations are perceived as discriminatory.
- Increased administrative costs for the Department of Transportation to implement and enforce the new regulations.
- The act may disproportionately affect smaller foreign manufacturers who may lack the resources to comply with the new requirements.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act 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 the safety standards of compressed gas cylinders manufactured abroad but used in the U.S., the Act falls within the scope of this power.
Furthermore, the Act's emphasis on safety and the protection of public health aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare".
There are no apparent violations of individual rights or liberties as the Act focuses on regulating commercial activities related to hazardous materials.
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).