Senate Passes Pipelines Policy Bill

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The Senate this month passed a bipartisan bill that would reauthorize the agency overseeing pipeline safety across the country.

The Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines Enhancing Safety Act would reauthorize Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration programs for four years.

The PIPES Act also would allow the agency to carry out pilot programs meant to evaluate innovative safety technologies, as well as enhance congressional oversight on pending rulemakings.

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In addition, it would direct the agency to update regulations for large-scale liquefied natural gas facilities, according to a summary the Commerce Committee provided.

“Improving the safe and reliable transportation of energy is essential to keeping our businesses and homes running,” Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said Aug. 7. “The PIPES Act would provide the necessary resources to ensure the safety of our pipeline system. It would also allow PHMSA to conduct pilot programs to evaluate and carry out innovative pipeline safety programs and technologies.”

“Pipelines carry much of the energy that powers our nation, and helping ensure the safe transportation of that energy is critical for homeowners and businesses across Illinois and our nation,” added Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Transportation and Safety Subcommittee ranking member.

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