U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao praised Congressional efforts to pass the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020 Monday.
The legislation reauthorized safety programs within the US DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
“This important legislation will strengthen pipeline safety across our country, protect our communities and make energy transportation more reliable and affordable for all Americans,” Chao said.
In 2019, Chao presented Congress with a legislative proposal for pipeline safety focused on safety, innovation, and reliable U.S. energy infrastructure.
The PIPES Act of 2020 would allow the USDOT to further invest in pipeline safety research and improve the safety of natural gas distribution pipelines. In addition to strengthening requirements for distribution integrity management programs, the legislation also mandates the adoption of safety management systems, among other things.
“Reauthorizing PHMSA’s pipeline safety program couldn’t come at a more crucial time and will have an immense impact on safety,” said PHMSA Administrator Skip Elliott. “Thanks to Congress’s actions, consumers and communities will benefit from this robust legislation, including a safer pipeline system, greater pipeline capacity, more innovation, and a heightened focus on safety culture among all stakeholders.”