Trump picks official from his first term to run pipeline agency

By Mike Soraghan | 02/05/2025 06:30 AM EST

Paul Roberti oversaw enforcement of the agency’s regulations during the first Trump administration and is a former Rhode Island utility regulator.

Paul Roberti

President Donald Trump nominated Paul Roberti to be the head of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Linkedin, iStock

The nation’s top pipeline safety agency could soon get its first Senate-confirmed leader in years, after President Donald Trump nominated Paul Roberti to be administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Roberti served as the agency’s top attorney during Trump’s first term. His name was among 28 nominations Trump quietly sent to the Senate on Monday. The White House did not issue a press release or make any other notifications about his selection to run PHMSA, a branch of the Transportation Department.

Roberti got a warm welcome from industry groups. The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America said it was “pleased” with Roberti’s nomination and called for his swift confirmation in an emailed statement. The Liquid Energy Pipeline Association applauded the Trump administration in an email for “nominating a proven leader.”

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The Pipeline Safety Trust, the main advocacy group for pipeline safety, was more neutral. Executive Director Bill Caram said in a forwarded statement that members and staff “look forward to working with PHMSA’s new leadership,” adding “we have a long way to go to get to zero incidents.”

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