Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas and Texas Rep. Randy Weber want more research to improve America’s 3 million miles of natural gas and oil pipelines.
Both are members of the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and together, they introduced a bill to do just that. They filed The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act which is designed to improve improve interagency coordination on pipeline research, development, and demonstration and help translate laboratory discoveries into technologies that can be commercialized and deployed by industry.
“Pipelines are an essential component of America’s energy infrastructure. Without the three million miles of pipelines crisscrossing our country, we wouldn’t be able to connect Americans with our supply of clean natural gas,” Ranking Member Lucas said.
According to a press release by Rep. Lucas, the bill would establish a demonstration initiative for basic research conducted by the Department of Energy and Department of Transportation on projects related to pipeline performance, safety, and integrity. It also codifies a joint research and development program between the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Lastly, the legislation directs the Department of Energy to establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center, which will serve as a collaboration hub for industry to understand and assist the research efforts of these agencies.
“As we continue to innovate and expand newer energy sources like captured carbon and hydrogen, it’s critical that we have pipelines in place that can safely and efficiently transport these fuels as well,” added the western Oklahoma Representative.
“I appreciate Rep. Weber’s work to support the research and development necessary to ensure our pipelines are operating at their peak not just for current natural gas supplies, but also for the future of American energy development.”
“Pipeline infrastructure is extremely important, not only to Texas’ 14th Congressional District, but for our entire country. It is critical we invest in research and development to ensure the proper improvements and upgrades are made,” said Rep. Weber. “Our pipelines are the safest way to transport energy.”
