Congressman Veasey Leads Bipartisan Group of Members to Introduce Pipeline Safety Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Marc Veasey, along with Representatives Lizzie Fletcher, Bob Latta, and Troy Balderson introduced the Pipeline Safety Pilot Program Act. The bill establishes a pilot program for pipeline safety enhancement at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This will allow testing of cutting edge pipeline safety technologies in every day applications.

"Safely transporting liquids and gases though this country's more than 2.5 Million miles of pipelines is a top priority," Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33) said. "As technologies advance, PHMSA needs the ability to test these technologies under real world conditions. Pipeline operators use a variety of tools to detect and identify anomalies in segments of pipe that can be replaced before they pose a danger. Ensuring they have the data to prove these safety technologies are effective is critical."

"As we build pipelines to provide energy across the United States, nothing is more important than ensuring the health and safety of our communities and our environment," Representative Bob Latta (OH-05) said. " Every year, the private sector makes technological advances that would allow for safer and more efficient energy delivery, but a lack of flexibility in regulations prevent these measures from being implemented within pipeline safety programs. The Pipeline Safety Pilot Program Act will bring together all voices with a stake in pipelines, both public and private, to advance innovation without sacrificing safety."

"There are nearly 2.5 million miles of existing pipeline in this country – Texas is home to many of them. It is vital that we modernize outdated regulations to help improve pipeline safety across the board," said Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). "Last year, I worked on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to incorporate a technology pilot program in the PHMSA reauthorization bill. I am glad to work with Representatives Marc Veasey, Bob Latta, and Troy Balderson to introduce my amendment as a bill and ensure these important changes can be implemented."

"PHMSA's core pipeline inspection and maintenance regulations are severely outdated. Each day, pipeline workers are put in harm's way because the regulations overseeing pipeline technologies—the very regulations that are supposed to keep these workers safe—haven't kept pace with technological advancements. As technologies develop, so should the regulations that oversee them. This pilot program will evaluate the innovative technologies and the operational practices that test for the safe operation of natural gas pipeline facilities and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities. I'm proud to introduce the Pipeline Safety Pilot Program Act with my colleagues, Representatives Veasey, Latta, and Fletcher," said Representative Troy Balderson (OH-12).

The Pipeline Safety Pilot Program Act is critical to advancing the technology to keep our pipelines operating safely and should be included in the legislative package to reauthorize PHMSA.