Pipeline Safety Legislative And Regulatory Developments

Overview:

The last several months have seen significant congressional and regulatory action targeting pipeline safety. The rapid pace of work on this issue is expected to continue through the remainder of 2016. 

The Senate is preparing to pass a bill that would reauthorize pipeline safety programs, providing direction to PHMSA on ongoing regulatory efforts and directing the agency to establish safety standards for natural gas storage facilities. The Senate Commerce Committee approved this legislation in December. The House of Representatives has two committees with jurisdiction over pipeline safety issues. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has announced a hearing on pipeline safety on February 25, and the Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to hold its own hearing the following week.