releases: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9e4c38e5-f90c-4d2b-877a-ef51751981c7
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9e4c38e5-f90c-4d2b-877a-ef51751981c7 | Senators Introduce Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Bill | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | NE | Deb Fischer | F000463 | www.fischer.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. This afternoon, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help ensure the safety of Americas pipeline network. The legislation, known as the Securing Americas Future Energy: Protecting Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (SAFE PIPES) Act, would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2019. Senator Fischer, chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement: Americas pipelines move critical energy resources to our homes and businesses. Congress must conduct robust oversight to ensure the safety of this important network. That is why Im proud to join my colleagues today to introduce bipartisan pro-safety legislation to reauthorize PHMSA.Our bill would require the agency to prioritize significant safety objectives, facilitate the hiring of new pipeline inspectors, and bolster communication between PHMSA and the states, industry, and safety stakeholders. Senator Booker, ranking member on the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement: Americas existing pipeline infrastructure serves an important role as a part of our national energy transportation network. In New Jersey, close to thirty-five thousand miles of gas pipelines connect residents and their energy needs.With new technologies at our fingertips, we should be pursuing more effective and efficient ways to safeguard against potential pipeline accidents that threaten public safety and our environment. By implementing important oversight and accountability measures, providing more flexibility to PHMSA, and deploying innovative technology, the SAFE PIPES Act will help ensure safer communities in New Jersey and around the country. Im pleased to have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve these ends and look forward to working to pass this bill. Senator Daines released the following statement: Safe and secure pipeline infrastructure is critical to our nation and is especially important to Montanans both for economic opportunity and environmental protection in our state. The SAFE PIPES Act will improve the protection of pipeline river crossings, help fill vacant inspector positions and better facilitate communications between PHMSA and state agencies. I appreciate Senators Fischer, Booker and Peters for working with me on this important legislation to enhance pipeline safety and protect our economic and environmental resources. Senator Peters released the following statement: Michiganders know firsthand the disastrous consequences of a pipeline break, and with the Great Lakes providing drinking water for over 40 million people, we cannot risk a pipeline break that would devastate our environment and economy. Im proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will take meaningful steps to help ensure pipeline safety and protect both our natural resources and population centers. The SAFE PIPES Act would reauthorize PHMSA from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2019. Key provisions of the bill include: Requiring PHMSA to prioritize statutory requirements for rulemaking over new rulemaking. Requesting that PHMSA conduct an assessment of 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. Ensuring coordination and collaboration on research, development and technology between PHMSA, industry, and public sector stakeholders. Before introducing the SAFE PIPES Act, Senator Fischer convened two important hearings of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee to examine PHMSA and the security of our nations pipeline network. 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. 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. Click here to view the text of the SAFE PIPES Act. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |