House BillHR 5301Civil actions and liabilityLicensing and registrations
PIPES Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 11· LAST ACTION SEP 17
READING
81MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because pipeline safety directly impacts public safety and environmental protection. Pipelines are a critical part of the nation's energy infrastructure, but leaks or ruptures can lead to catastrophic accidents, explosions, environmental contamination, and disruptions to energy supply. This bill ensures that federal regulators have the necessary funds to inspect pipelines, develop safety standards, and respond to incidents.
If this bill becomes law, it means continued and increased federal attention and resources dedicated to preventing pipeline failures, training a skilled safety workforce, and researching new ways to make pipelines safer. Without it, funding for critical oversight, enforcement, and research could lapse or be reduced, potentially increasing risks to communities and the environment. It also signals Congress's intent to address emerging pipeline challenges, such as those related to hydrogen and carbon dioxide transport, which are growing in relevance.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Authorizes increased funding for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety programs for fiscal years 2026-2029, totaling over $775 million.
This ensures the federal agency overseeing pipelines has the resources to conduct inspections, enforce safety rules, and manage safety programs.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes funding specifically for underground natural gas storage facility safety, allocating $7 million annually from 2026-2029.
This provides dedicated resources for a specific type of infrastructure that has distinct safety concerns, separate from general pipelines.
PROVISION 03
Allocates dedicated funds from overall appropriations for recruitment and retention of pipeline safety personnel, growing from $3.4 million in 2026 to $8.5 million in 2029.
This directly addresses the need for a skilled workforce to inspect and regulate pipelines, crucial for maintaining safety standards.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes operational expenses for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for fiscal years 2026-2029.
This covers the day-to-day costs of running the federal agency responsible for pipeline safety, including staff salaries and administrative needs.
Voters should care about this bill because pipeline safety directly impacts public safety and environmental protection. Pipelines are a critical part of the nation's energy infrastructure, but leaks or ruptures can lead to catastrophic accidents, explosions, environmental contamination, and disruptions to energy supply. This bill ensures that federal regulators have the necessary funds to inspect pipelines, develop safety standards, and respond to incidents.
If this bill becomes law, it means continued and increased federal attention and resources dedicated to preventing pipeline failures, training a skilled safety workforce, and researching new ways to make pipelines safer. Without it, funding for critical oversight, enforcement, and research could lapse or be reduced, potentially increasing risks to communities and the environment. It also signals Congress's intent to address emerging pipeline challenges, such as those related to hydrogen and carbon dioxide transport, which are growing in relevance.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes increased funding for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety programs for fiscal years 2026-2029, totaling over $775 million.
This ensures the federal agency overseeing pipelines has the resources to conduct inspections, enforce safety rules, and manage safety programs.
med
Authorizes funding specifically for underground natural gas storage facility safety, allocating $7 million annually from 2026-2029.
This provides dedicated resources for a specific type of infrastructure that has distinct safety concerns, separate from general pipelines.
high
Allocates dedicated funds from overall appropriations for recruitment and retention of pipeline safety personnel, growing from $3.4 million in 2026 to $8.5 million in 2029.
This directly addresses the need for a skilled workforce to inspect and regulate pipelines, crucial for maintaining safety standards.
med
Authorizes operational expenses for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for fiscal years 2026-2029.
This covers the day-to-day costs of running the federal agency responsible for pipeline safety, including staff salaries and administrative needs.
A legislative act that permits money to be spent for specific government programs. It sets a maximum amount that can be funded, but the actual spending must be approved later through an appropriations act.
Fiscal Year
A 12-month period for budgeting and accounting, which in the U.S. federal government runs from October 1st to September 30th of the following calendar year.
Hazardous Liquid
Substances like crude oil, petroleum products, or anhydrous ammonia that are transported through pipelines and can pose risks if released.
PHMSA
Stands for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, a U.S. government agency that develops and enforces safety regulations for pipelines and the transportation of hazardous materials.
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
A fund managed by the U.S. Coast Guard used to pay for costs related to oil spill cleanup and compensation, funded by taxes on oil and chemical products.
Regulatory Updates
Changes or additions to the official rules and guidelines that government agencies, like PHMSA, set for industries to follow.
Workforce Development
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTS
SEP 17, 25
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Discharged
COMMITTEE
SEP 17, 25
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
COMMITTEE
SEP 17, 25
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
COMMITTEE
SEP 15, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
