Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, reintroduced the Pipeline Accountability Act, comprehensive legislation to update pipeline safety standards, enhance public engagement in pipeline safety, improve responsiveness to pipeline disasters, and address environmental and climate harms. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) are cosponsors of the legislation.
Devastating accidents such as the 2018 gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts and the 2020 carbon dioxide pipeline rupture in Satartia, Mississippi highlight the urgent need for more stringent safety measures and greater transparency and accountability.
“Families in the Merrimack Valley know all too well the devastation that a pipeline disaster can cause. No community should be left in the dark when leaks or explosions happen, and no family should have to fear for their safety because of outdated standards,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “The Pipeline Accountability Act will give communities a real voice in the process, strengthen safety rules, and help prevent tragedies before they occur.”
“As residents of the Merrimack Valley painfully know, communities near pipelines pay the price for leaks, breaks, and failures – compromising their own health and safety as pipeline safety regulations and enforcement fail to keep up,” said Senator Markey. “Our Pipeline Accountability Act would improve public safety by closing loopholes companies use to operate old, unsafe pipelines and by ensuring communities know if disasters occur and have the tools to prevent them. Our homes and our environment will be safer with strong standards, transparent rulemaking, and the power to hold violators accountable.”
“Fossil fuel pipelines pose numerous risks to our public health and environment – and our nation’s safety standards are long overdue for an update to crack down on shady practices that polluters use to circumvent regulation,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bill with Senator Markey to help strengthen pipeline safety and accountability guidelines, improve community engagement and better protect our climate as well as the American people from the risks that come along with transporting dangerous fossil fuels through pipelines.”
“For too long, the system has been rigged in favor of fossil fuels,” said Senator Wyden. “As our country races to meet skyrocketing energy demand, this legislation will help ensure proper safety and environmental standards for fossil fuels that go hand-in-hand with Oregon’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in a clean energy future.”
Specifically, the Pipeline Accountability Act would:
Enhance safety and environmental standards. The bill reiterates and mandates that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) consider climate impacts, the lifespan of fossil fuel infrastructure, and plans for transitioning to non-emitting alternatives when setting pipeline standards.
Streamline rulemaking. By eliminating duplicative cost-benefit analysis requirements, the bill allows PHMSA to act more swiftly and effectively in protecting public health and safety.
Increase public participation and transparency. The bill strengthens the role of public stakeholders in technical safety standards committees and ensures they are independent. Additionally, by establishing an Office of Public Engagement within PHMSA, funded at $12 million a year, this bill enhances the agency’s ability to educate and involve communities in pipeline safety discussions.
Require safety upgrades and regulations. The bill requires the application of updated safety standards to existing pipelines, prohibits significant releases of gas or hazardous liquids, and requires that pipelines can be rapidly isolated in the event of catastrophic failures. This bill also directs the development of robust safety regulations for CO2 pipelines, which present unique hazards, calls for an independent study on the safety of blending hydrogen into natural gas systems, and requires improvements to underground natural gas storage regulations.
Provide funding for pipeline modernization and non-emitting alternatives. By modifying adding new funding to the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program, the bill ensures continued investment in pipeline safety and modernization, with 20 percent of funds allocated to non-emitting alternatives and workforce training.
Require public disclosure and incident reporting. The bill mandates comprehensive disclosure of pipeline safety data to the public and lowers the thresholds for reporting incidents, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
Improve accountability measures. By removing limits on civil penalties for a related series of violations and allowing private citizens to take legal action against PHMSA for failing to enforce safety standards, the bill closes existing regulatory gaps and enhances accountability.
The Pipeline Accountability Act is endorsed by the Pipeline Safety Trust, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Appalachian Voices, Public Citizen, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Food and Water Watch, HEET, Mothers Out Front, Conservation Law Foundation, Oil Change International, Hold the Line Campaign, 350.org, 350Hawaii, and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice.
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