The head of the nation’s pipeline safety regulator told lawmakers Wednesday that enforcement actions will return to typical levels in 2026, after a sharp drop last year that drew criticism from Democrats.
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration head Paul Roberti appeared before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee to discuss legislation to reauthorize the agency for the first time in years.
But Democrats quickly pivoted to PHMSA data showing that enforcement actions against pipeline operators in 2025 fell to roughly half their normal levels.
“During your confirmation hearing and also today, you stated that you wanted to assure the public that pipeline safety was a top priority,” said committee ranking member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.). “But I think PHMSA’s actions speak louder than your words, frankly, and enforcement actions clearly declined dramatically last year.”
