The TPSSC and THLPSSC review PHMSA¿s proposed regulatory initiatives to assure the technical feasibility, reasonableness, cost-effectiveness and practicability of each proposal. The committees also evaluate the cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment information of the proposals. Each committee has 15 members with equal representation from government, industry, and the public.

These committees are chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C § 9 (c) (App 2). The charters describe each committee's mission, goals, and objectives as specified by the FACA. The FACA governs advisory committee activities, and requires the Department to review the pipeline technical advisory committee charters every two years to determine the need for continuing the committees. The Secretary of Transportation and the General Services Administration (GSA) must approve each charter. For more information on the requirements of the FACA, contact GSA's Committee Management Secretariat.

Each pipeline safety advisory committee has 15 members - with equal representation from Government, industry, and the public. Members' qualifications must include: (1) knowledge of the Pipeline Safety Regulations addressing transportation of hazardous liquids or natural gas, and experience with operating pipeline facilities; or, (2) technical training, experience, or knowledge in at least one field of engineering applicable to the safe operations of pipeline facilities. The charter includes a description of the composition and duties delineated in current legislation 49 U.S.C. § 60115.

Past Technical Advisory Committee meeting supplemental information, including transcripts, can be found at htttp://www.Regulations.gov under the following docket numbers:
PHMSA-RSPA-1998-4470
PHMSA-2009-0203
PHMSA-2011-0127