H.R. 5537: Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025
The "Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025" aims to enhance the regulation and safety of pipeline operations across the United States. The key features of the bill include:
Establishment of an Office of Public Engagement
The act establishes an Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This office’s mission is to improve public transparency and engage with communities regarding pipeline operations and incidents. Through this office, the public will have better access to information and have opportunities to participate in discussions related to pipeline safety and management.
Funding for Natural Gas Pipeline Modernization
To further enhance safety, the bill allocates funding for the modernization of natural gas pipelines. It emphasizes the prioritization of non-emitting alternatives and includes provisions for workforce training to ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage these updated systems effectively.
Regulations for Underground Gas Storage
The legislation mandates the Secretary of Transportation to establish regulations governing underground gas storage. These regulations are designed to ensure safety and efficiency while also maintaining public engagement in the decision-making process surrounding these operations.
Incident Reporting and Safety Standards
Pipeline operators will be required to report any incidents that may impact pipeline safety, including those involving blended products—materials that contain a mixture of substances. This requirement aims to increase accountability and improve the public's awareness of potential risks associated with pipeline operations.
Court Jurisdiction and Enforcement
The bill allows U.S. district courts to have jurisdiction to enforce pipeline safety standards and regulations, along with imposing civil penalties. Notably, these courts do not need to consider the monetary value in disputes or the citizenship of the parties involved. Legal actions can be initiated in the district where a violation occurred or in Washington, D.C., with the Secretary of Transportation also granted the authority to intervene in enforcement efforts.
Summary of Objectives
- Enhance public safety and transparency in pipeline operations.
- Modernize natural gas pipelines with a focus on safety and non-emitting alternatives.
- Implement better oversight and regulation of underground gas storage.
- Increase accountability for pipeline operators regarding incident reports.
- Strengthen enforcement of pipeline safety standards through U.S. district courts.
Relevant Companies
- OKE - Oneok Inc. may be impacted by the requirements for pipeline modernization and public reporting, affecting its operational costs and compliance measures.
- ET - Energy Transfer LP, which operates extensive pipeline networks, could face new regulations and reporting mandates that may influence its business operations.
- DUK - Duke Energy Corporation may be affected in relation to its gas infrastructure and compliance with new safety and reporting standards.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
3 actions
Date | Action |
---|---|
Sep. 20, 2025 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. |
Sep. 19, 2025 | Introduced in House |
Sep. 19, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
Corporate Lobbying
0 companies lobbying
None found.
* Note that there can be significant delays in lobbying disclosures, and our data may be incomplete.