The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee cleared bipartisan legislation Wednesday to reauthorize the nation’s pipeline safety regulator unanimously after adding drone inspection language and rejecting a contentious amendment on carbon capture.
H.R. 5301, the “Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act,” is the committee’s attempt to reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s pipeline safety programs after years of failed attempts. The bill passed by voice vote.
“Pipelines remain the safest and most economically efficient means of delivering resources such as oil and natural gas,” said Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.). “The ‘PIPES Act’ strikes the right balance between innovation, safety, and ensuring our nation remains a global leader in the production and exportation of energy.”
PHMSA, which regulates millions of miles of pipelines and all hazardous material shipments, was last fully authorized in 2020.
