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Bill regarding pipeline safety passed by committee, including measures for carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipelines

Committee Approves Legislation for Shipping and Estuary Program Renewal

Bill on pipeline regulation, including provisions for carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipeline systems,...
Bill on pipeline regulation, including provisions for carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipeline systems, is approved by the panel

Bill regarding pipeline safety passed by committee, including measures for carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipelines

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has unanimously passed a bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5301, known as the "Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act." The bill, which aims to reauthorize the pipeline safety programs managed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), was introduced by U.S. Representative Garret Graves.

Sam Graves, the Chair of the committee and a representative from Missouri (R-Mo.), stated that pipelines remain the safest and most economically efficient means of delivering resources such as oil and natural gas. He further added that the PIPES Act strikes a balance between innovation, safety, and ensuring the nation remains a global leader in the production and exportation of energy.

The PIPES Act includes provisions for drone inspections of pipelines, a measure aimed at improving safety and efficiency. However, a contentious amendment on carbon capture was rejected during the bill's consideration.

The passage of the PIPES Act was done by a voice vote in the committee. The bill is an attempt to reauthorize the pipeline safety programs after years of failed attempts, and its unanimous approval indicates broad support for the initiative.

PHMSA, the agency that regulates millions of miles of pipelines and all hazardous material shipments, was last fully authorized in 2020. The PIPES Act is a significant step towards ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of the nation's pipeline infrastructure.

The committee's approval of the PIPES Act marks a milestone in the legislative process. The bill will now move to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. If passed, it will provide much-needed funding and authorization to PHMSA to carry out its crucial role in maintaining the safety of the nation's pipeline system.

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