On October 7, Sen. Cantwell introduced the bipartisan PIPELINE Act of 2025 to address known safety risks, close gaps in the transportation of underregulated carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipelines, and improve the accountability of pipeline operators. The legislation reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration through September 2030.
Address known safety risks, close gaps in the transportation of underregulated carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipelines, and improve the accountability of pipeline operators by supporting the PIPELINE Act of 2025, which reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration through September 2030.
Occurrences
Evidence
On October 6, 2025, Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell, Todd Young, and Gary Peters introduced the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill reauthorizing the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through September 2030. The legislation aims to address known safety risks, close gaps in the transportation of underregulated carbon dioxide and hydrogen pipelines, and improve the accountability of pipeline operators.
On October 21, 2025, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025 by voice vote. The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes PHMSA's safety programs until 2030 and includes provisions for new studies and standards for hydrogen and carbon dioxide pipelines.
On September 17, 2025, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2025 (H.R. 5301). This bipartisan bill reauthorizes PHMSA's pipeline safety programs for the next four years, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in U.S. energy infrastructure.
On March 4, 2026, the House Energy Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss legislation reauthorizing PHMSA's pipeline safety program for five years. The proposed legislation includes policy changes to streamline regulatory oversight and strengthen enforcement, focusing on improving safety and efficiency in the nation's pipeline infrastructure.
Assessments
The evidence shows Maria Cantwell introduced and supported the PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, which directly fulfills the promise’s intent by addressing safety risks, closing pipeline regulatory gaps, and reauthorizing PHMSA through 2030. The bill passed committee stages in both chambers and sparked further legislation, but there is no evidence indicating final passage into law or full enactment as of the evidence cutoff, which limits this to partial fulfillment. However, strong legislative efforts are clear.