The PIPES Act of 2025 proposes changes to federal pipeline safety rules and programs. It would increase funding for pipeline safety work and grants, allow up to 30 additional technical staff, and require public updates on delayed safety rules and pipeline inspections. It would expand federal safety oversight to carbon dioxide pipelines and require studies or rulemaking on topics including hydrogen use, pipeline materials, geohazards, and emergency alerts. The bill also proposes stronger excavation prevention practices, a voluntary confidential system for sharing pipeline safety information, and a criminal penalty of up to 10 years in prison for knowingly damaging pipeline equipment or disrupting operations. Its status is in progress; the House ordered it reported with amendments by voice vote.
The bill would require more public information about inspections and pipeline safety rulemaking. It would also direct officials to assess how operators share safety information with communities and emergency responders, and to study whether local emergency alerts for pipeline incidents are needed. The alert system would be studied, not required by this bill. Grants could help eligible public and Tribal natural gas utilities repair or replace pipeline infrastructure.
The bill authorizes funding for pipeline safety programs and grants for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. It authorizes $150 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for grants to eligible public natural gas utilities. It also authorizes $1 million for a voluntary information-sharing system in fiscal year 2026 and $10 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. These are authorized amounts; the text does not state how much would ultimately be spent.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.