Click here or on the image above to view and download Senator Fischer’s floor speech on the SAFE PIPES Act. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This evening, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to help ensure the safety of America’s pipeline network. The bill, known as the SAFE PIPES Act, would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through fiscal year (FY) 2019. It was introduced in November of 2015 by Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are cosponsors. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senator Fischer, chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement:

“Every day across America, resources vital to our nation’s energy and economic security move through more than 2.5 million miles of pipeline. For families, consumers, workers, and businesses across our nation, the safety and security of our extensive pipeline network must remain a top priority. The bill we passed today will enhance the safety of these pipelines through stronger congressional oversight and necessary improvements to PHMSA.

“I would like to thank Senators Booker, Peters, and Daines for their hard work in shepherding this bipartisan bill through the Senate. I also appreciate Senators Feinstein and Boxer’s support of this critical legislation.”

Senator Booker, ranking member on the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement:

“America’s pipeline infrastructure is an important part of our national energy network. I’m pleased the Senate unanimously agreed to pass the SAFE PIPES Act, bringing us closer to our goal of implementing important oversight and accountability measures, encouraging the use of new technology, and helping ensure safer communities in New Jersey and around the country. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure its passage today.”

Senator Daines released the following statement:

“A safe, secure and efficient pipeline infrastructure is critical to our nation and essential to Montana – for energy security, jobs, and environment protection. Today’s passage of the SAFE PIPES Act is an important bipartisan step in protecting our natural resources, filling vacant inspector positions and improving communication between PHMSA and state agencies. I appreciate Senators Fischer, Booker and Peters for working with me on this crucial legislation.”

Senator Peters released the following statement:

“An oil spill in the Great Lakes would be catastrophic – not only for Michigan’s economy and environment but for the 40 million people that rely on the Lakes as their source for clean drinking water. I’m pleased that the Senate passed this critical legislation with unanimous bipartisan support, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to get this bill signed into law so that we can advance safety standards, improve ice cover response plans, and better protect against the devastating impacts an oil spill would have on our waterways and our way of life.”

Senator Feinstein released the following statement:

“The recent incident at Aliso Canyon in California showed us the dangers of natural gas leaks, as it forced the relocation of more than 11,000 people. By directing the government to create a federal task force to study the cause of and response to this incident, the SAFE PIPES Act will help us learn the lessons of Aliso Canyon, incorporate them into future regulations and keep communities across America safe.”

Senator Boxer released the following statement:

“I am so pleased that the Senate recognizes the importance of reviewing the Aliso Canyon gas leak so we can protect other communities in the future. Our provision was already included in the Senate energy bill, but the passage of the SAFE PIPES Act will provide another pathway to enactment.”

The SAFE PIPES Act would reauthorize PHMSA from FY 2016 through FY 2019. Key provisions of the bill include:

• Re-prioritizing and requiring PHMSA to complete outstanding mandates from the 2011 reauthorization bill.

• Requiring PHMSA to prioritize statutory requirements for rulemaking over new rulemaking.

• Requesting that PHMSA conduct an assessment of inspections process and Integrity Management programs for natural gas and liquid pipelines.

• Encouraging PHMSA to investigate and report on advanced mapping technologies for pipeline networks.

• Providing direct hire authority to the agency so PHMSA can address its staffing challenges. 

• Calling for minimum standards to ensure the safety of natural gas storage facilities and establishing an Aliso Canyon working group to study and report on the recent California natural gas leak that displaced hundreds of nearby families and homeowners. 

• Ensuring coordination and collaboration on research, development, and technology between PHMSA, industry, and public stakeholders.

Before introducing the SAFE PIPES Act, Senator Fischer convened two important hearings of the Senate’s Surface Transportation Subcommittee to examine PHMSA and the security of our nation’s pipeline network. On September 18, 2015, Senator Fischer convened a field hearing of the subcommittee with Senator Daines in Billings, Montana. The subcommittee heard from various stakeholders on ways to ensure the stability and efficiency of pipelines in this country. 

On September 29, 2015, the subcommittee looked at the transportation of natural gas. The hearing featured testimony from Christopher Hart, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board; Susan Fleming, director of physical infrastructure at the Government Accountability Office; and representatives from both pipeline inspections technology and pipeline operators. The bill unanimously passed the Senate Commerce Committee on December 9, 2015.

Click here to view the text of S. 2276 The SAFE PIPES Act.

# # #