Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) today unveiled draft legislation, the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2023, which will help unleash clean, affordable American energy.

Chairs Rodgers and Duncan released the following statement:

“Pipelines are among the safest and most efficient ways to move the fuels that heat our homes, power our cars, and power our nation’s economy. Yet President Biden and Democrats are proactively working to shutdown America’s pipelines and prevent the necessary maintenance to ensure pipelines are operating safely and efficiently. The administration is also making it more difficult for new infrastructure to be built. This is preventing critical resources from getting to people who need them most.

“To address the needs of the American people, today, we are unveiling the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2023, which will ensure we can build more pipelines, maintain our current critical infrastructure, operate pipelines safely, transport more energy, and lower energy prices. We look forward to continuing to engage with stakeholders on this draft legislation to ensure everyone will have access to these critical energy resources.”

BACKGROUND

The Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2023 will ensure we can build more pipelines, protect this critical infrastructure, transport more energy, and lower energy prices:

Strengthens Pipeline Safety:

• Discourages attacks on critical pipeline infrastructure by strengthening penalties for damaging, destroying, or impairing the operation of pipeline facilities.
• Enhances federal and state pipeline safety programs by increasing funding to state pipeline safety inspectors and implementing innovative accident prevention initiatives.

Lowers Energy Prices for Americans and Protects Fuel Choice:

• Preserves Americans’ freedom to choose which energy resources best meet their needs by prohibiting states and local governments from banning natural gas or other fuels that people rely on.
• Directs Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to implement cutting edge technology innovation programs that will modernize regulatory processes and unlock America’s pipeline potential, while also strengthening pipeline safety.
• Expands America’s transportation capacity, which will minimize risks of disruption and price fluctuations.

Reduces Emissions:

• Establishes strong safety regulations for carbon dioxide pipeline transportation.
• Encourages investment in carbon capture and storage technologies to reduce emissions.

Expands America’s Pipeline Infrastructure:

• Allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant Federal authorizations to modernize existing pipelines and construct new pipelines in compliance with safety regulations.
• This will streamline the permitting process and ensure that developers are able to secure the permits necessary for pipeline projects without the federal government indefinitely stalling the process.

CLICK HERE to read the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2023 discussion draft.

CLICK HERE to read the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2023 section-by-section.