President Obama is expected to sign a final version of legislation approved this week by the U.S. Senate to ensure the safety of the nation’s pipeline network. Approval of S. 2276, the PIPES Act came Tuesday night and reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through fiscal year 2019.
Senator Jim Inhofe, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee praised the unanimous passage.
“I appreciate Commerce committee chairman John Thune for working with me on language to support Oklahoma’s critical energy infrastructure,” said the Senator. “This legislation provides energy security and reliability while also supporting safe pipeline construction.”
He said the passage not only will support the national economy “but most importantly here at home in Oklahoma.”
The initial version was approved in March after being championed by Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). But Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) were cosponsors of the act.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Re-prioritizing and requiring PHMSA to complete outstanding mandates from the 2011 reauthorization bill.
- Requesting that GAO conduct an assessment of inspections process and Integrity Management programs for natural gas and liquid pipelines.
- Encouraging PHMSA to investigate and report on advanced mapping technologies for pipeline networks.
- Providing Emergency Order authority to PHMSA so they can correct pipeline problems that are an imminent hazard.
