Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy Ranking Member Randy Weber (TX) was joined by Ranking Member Frank Lucas and other Science Committee Republicans to introduce a bill that will improve America’s pipeline infrastructure for current and future energy sources.
The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act will improve interagency coordination on pipeline research, development, and demonstration and help translate laboratory discoveries into technologies that can be commercialized and deployed by industry. The bill establishes a demonstration initiative for basic research conducted by the Department of Energy and Department of Transportation on projects related to pipeline performance, safety, and integrity. It also codifies a joint research and development program between the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and National Institute of Standards and Technology. Lastly, the legislation directs the Department of Energy to establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center, which will serve as a collaboration hub for industry to understand and assist the research efforts of these agencies.
“Pipeline infrastructure is extremely important, not only to Texas’ 14th Congressional District, but for our entire country. It is critical we invest in research and development to ensure the proper improvements and upgrades are made,” said Rep. Weber. “Our pipelines are the safest way to transport energy. Many pipelines run through Texas, bringing fuel and feedstock to a variety of consumers, including homeowners, businesses, and power plants. Let’s not forget that the United States has the largest network of pipelines in the world, and that is why this bill is so critically important.”
“Pipelines are an essential component of America’s energy infrastructure. Without the three million miles of pipelines crisscrossing our country, we wouldn’t be able to connect Americans with our supply of clean natural gas,” Ranking Member Lucas said. As we continue to innovate and expand newer energy sources like captured carbon and hydrogen, it’s critical that we have pipelines in place that can safely and efficiently transport these fuels as well. I appreciate Rep. Weber’s work to support the research and development necessary to ensure our pipelines are operating at their peak not just for current natural gas supplies, but also for the future of American energy development.
“U.S. energy independence is critical to create jobs, lower costs of fuel and utilities, strengthen our domestic resources and ensure we do not have to rely on adversaries to fuel our country. We must improve our energy pipelines to keep our communities running,” said Rep. Kim. “The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act is a commonsense bill to improve energy infrastructure, boost American innovation and secure our supply chains. I’ll keep fighting for U.S. energy independence.”
“For America to have a thriving energy future, we need to renew our energy infrastructure and ensure that aging energy transportation systems don’t stand in our way. Our Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act will help ensure important modernizations are implemented rapidly to keep our energy infrastructure strong,” said Rep. Obernolte.
“As a steadfast advocate for American energy independence, I am pleased to cosponsor this important legislation in support of our nation’s pipelines,” said Rep. Babin. “The United States has the largest network of energy pipelines in the world, and it is critical that we continue to modernize our infrastructure. This bill will help ensure our pipelines operate at peak performance while prioritizing safety and innovation.”
“Ensuring America’s energy independence means maintaining the pipeline infrastructure we already have in place and supporting the research and development required to improve that infrastructure to accommodate new energy sources,” said Rep. Carey. “We in Congress must do all we can to maintain America’s energy production and independence and I believe Rep. Weber’s Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act does just that.”
Permalink: https://science.house.gov/2022/11/science