Pipeline Operators Say High-Tech Tools Preclude Need for Expansive Safety Regulation

The 3.3 million-mile network of interstate pipelines pumping natural gas, crude oil, gasoline, and other hazardous fuels across the United States has been operating on auto-pilot for nearly two years. In 2023, Congress’ failed to reauthorize the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020 as required every three years, meaning for the last 20 months, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pipeline safety program has been in limbo. Industry and safety advocates agreed during a July 22 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee that adopting an updated PIPES Act is, as Chair Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) said, “imperative to public safety and the energy security of our nation.”...