On November 29, 2023, the leaders of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee introduced H.R. 6494, the Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2023.
The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety programs for the next four years and provides an efficient and effective framework to advance the safety of energy infrastructure across the United States.
The bill was introduced by Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO); full Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA); Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX); and Subcommittee Ranking Member Donald M. Payne Jr. (R-NJ). The PIPES Act was approved by the Committee by voice vote on December 6, 2023.
In summary, the PIPES Act advances traditional and emerging fuels and technology, reemphasizes and improves PHMSA’s safety mission, and fosters collaboration and transparency in and between the industry and PHMSA.
Committee Activity:
December 6, 2023 - T&I Committee Approves Bipartisan PIPES Act of 2023
December 6, 2023 – Full Committee Markup of the PIPES Act
November 30, 2023 – T&I Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Bill
March 8, 2023 – Hearing: Pipeline Safety: Reviewing Implementation of the PIPES Act of 2020 and Examining Future Safety Needs
Additional Resources:
Bill text (updated December 4, 2023)
Section-by-section summary
Letter & Statement of Support for the PIPES Act of 2023:
American Gas Association (AGA)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
American Public Gas Association (APGA)
American Society of Civil Engineers
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG)
Distribution Contractors Association
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA)
Interstate Natural Gas Association of American (INGA)
Laborers International Union of North America
Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA)
National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)
Pipeline Open Data Standard Association
Plastics Pipe Institute
United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters
