House Panel Weighs PHMSA Pipeline Safety Reauthorization
Congressional lawmakers reviewed legislation to reauthorize the PHMSA pipeline safety program for five years, outlining proposed regulatory changes and safety priorities for the nation’s 3.3 million miles of pipeline infrastructure.
(P&GJ) — U.S. lawmakers on March 4 reviewed legislation to reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program during a House Energy Subcommittee hearing focused on oversight of the nation’s pipeline infrastructure.
Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, opened the hearing by emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong safety oversight while supporting the continued expansion of U.S. pipeline infrastructure.
“Good morning and welcome to today’s Energy Subcommittee hearing to discuss legislation authorizing the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s pipeline safety program.”
Latta welcomed PHMSA Administrator Paul Roberti, noting the agency plays a key role in regulating the safety of the country’s energy transportation network.
“I’d like to welcome our witness, the Honorable Paul Roberti, Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or PHMSA, and thank him for appearing before us today.”
PHMSA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, oversees federal safety regulations for pipelines and the transportation of hazardous materials across the United States.
“Your perspective will inform our legislative effort and update us on the Administration’s priorities for maintaining the safety of America’s pipeline infrastructure and enabling the safe expansion of it.”
Latta noted that PHMSA works with industry operators and state regulators to oversee more than 3.3 million miles of natural gas and liquid pipelines across the country. States conduct inspections and enforce regulations on more than 85% of the pipeline infrastructure under PHMSA’s authority, he said.
“PHMSA works closely with industry and pipeline operators to ensure the safe delivery of nation’s most abundant energy resources, from natural gas and crude oil, to propane, jet fuel, gasoline, and other refined petroleum products.”
The legislation under discussion would reauthorize PHMSA’s pipeline safety program for five years, while introducing several policy changes intended to streamline regulatory oversight and strengthen enforcement.
“The draft legislation before us focuses on safety, exactly as Congress originally intended with PHMSA’s mission. This discussion draft reauthorizes PHMSA for 5 years, enabling PHMSA to continue modernizing and enhancing its pipeline safety program.”
Provisions in the draft proposal include removing regulations deemed duplicative, strengthening penalties for pipeline safety violations, and expanding voluntary information-sharing programs to improve safety practices across the industry.
The bill would also seek to improve state damage prevention programs, which address excavation-related incidents — the leading cause of pipeline damage.
“The United States’ energy system is at a turning point. We’re witnessing unprecedented energy demand not seen in decades, and demand is only expected to increase over the next several years.”
Latta said maintaining safe and reliable pipeline infrastructure will remain critical to meeting growing energy demand and ensuring reliable energy delivery across the country.
“Safe, efficient development and oversight of our gas and liquid pipeline system is key to providing reliable energy and power to American families.”