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Bill116th CongressFiled Jul 25, 2019Transportation and Public Works
S. 2299

PIPES Act of 2020

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What it doesSummary passed senate (Aug 6, 2020)

Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 or the PIPES Act of 2020

TITLE I--IMPROVING PIPELINE SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE

This title addresses pipeline safety and infrastructure with respect to natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. It authorizes appropriations through FY2023 for specified pipelines safety programs under the Pipelines Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and related enactments.

Among other provisions, the title

  • requires fees for compliance reviews of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities;
  • authorizes the establishment of limited safety-enhancing testing programs to evaluate innovative technologies and operation practices testing the safe operation of natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities;
  • sets forth requirements for idled natural or other gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines;
  • updates the standards for LNG facilities;
  • establishes the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety and Training to include a repository of information on best practices relating to LNG operations;
  • requires advanced leak-detection technologies and practices that include a schedule for repairing or replacing each leaking pipe, except a pipe with a leak so small that it poses no potential hazard, with appropriate deadlines;
  • directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to finalize a rule on gas gathering lines; and
  • allows the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to use the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado, for research and development relating to transportation safety improvements that will advance the safe and efficient transportation of hazardous materials and energy products.

TITLE II--LEONEL RONDON PIPELINE SAFETY ACT

Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act

This title addresses pipeline safety with respect to gas distribution systems.

Among other provisions, the title directs DOT to require

  • each distribution integrity plan developed by an operator of a gas distribution pipeline to include the risks from the presence of cast iron pipes and mains and risks that may result from the operation of a low-pressure distribution system;
  • operators to establish protocols for communicating with fire, police, and other relevant public officials after a disaster that includes fires, explosions, or one or more fatalities;
  • procedural manuals for operations, maintenance, and emergencies to include certain written procedures;
  • operators to identify and manage traceable, reliable, and complete, records that are critical to ensuring proper pressure control for a gas distribution system; and
  • the development of standards that promote sufficient staffing for monitoring and regulating gas pressure levels by each operator.

What just happenedAug 14, 2020

Held at the desk.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE](R-NE)Sponsor
1 cosponsor1 D
Read on Congress.gov
1cosponsors1committees13actions1amendments2related bills33subjects
  1. Aug 14, 2020FloorH15000

    Held at the desk.

  2. Aug 14, 2020FloorH14000

    Received in the House.

  3. Aug 11, 2020Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  4. Aug 6, 2020Floor

    Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5337-5345)

  5. Aug 6, 2020Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5337-5345)

  6. Aug 6, 2020Floor

    The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent. (CR S5354)

  7. Aug 6, 2020Floor

    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5348-5354)

  8. Feb 13, 2020Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 427.

  9. Feb 13, 2020Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-217.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  10. Feb 13, 2020Committee14000

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-217.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  11. Jul 31, 2019Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  12. Jul 25, 2019IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  13. Jul 25, 2019IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Passed SenateAug 6, 202055

Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 or the PIPES Act of 2020

TITLE I--IMPROVING PIPELINE SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE

This title addresses pipeline safety and infrastructure with respect to natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. It authorizes appropriations through FY2023 for specified pipelines safety programs under the Pipelines Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and related enactments.

Among other provisions, the title

  • requires fees for compliance reviews of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities;
  • authorizes the establishment of limited safety-enhancing testing programs to evaluate innovative technologies and operation practices testing the safe operation of natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities;
  • sets forth requirements for idled natural or other gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines;
  • updates the standards for LNG facilities;
  • establishes the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety and Training to include a repository of information on best practices relating to LNG operations;
  • requires advanced leak-detection technologies and practices that include a schedule for repairing or replacing each leaking pipe, except a pipe with a leak so small that it poses no potential hazard, with appropriate deadlines;
  • directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to finalize a rule on gas gathering lines; and
  • allows the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to use the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado, for research and development relating to transportation safety improvements that will advance the safe and efficient transportation of hazardous materials and energy products.

TITLE II--LEONEL RONDON PIPELINE SAFETY ACT

Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act

This title addresses pipeline safety with respect to gas distribution systems.

Among other provisions, the title directs DOT to require

  • each distribution integrity plan developed by an operator of a gas distribution pipeline to include the risks from the presence of cast iron pipes and mains and risks that may result from the operation of a low-pressure distribution system;
  • operators to establish protocols for communicating with fire, police, and other relevant public officials after a disaster that includes fires, explosions, or one or more fatalities;
  • procedural manuals for operations, maintenance, and emergencies to include certain written procedures;
  • operators to identify and manage traceable, reliable, and complete, records that are critical to ensuring proper pressure control for a gas distribution system; and
  • the development of standards that promote sufficient staffing for monitoring and regulating gas pressure levels by each operator.
Reported to SenateFeb 13, 202025

PIPES Act of 2019

This bill addresses pipeline safety and infrastructure. It authorizes appropriations through FY2023 for specified pipeline safety programs under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and related enactments.

Among other things, the bill

  • requires fees for compliance reviews of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities;
  • authorizes the establishment of limited safety-enhancing testing programs to evaluate innovative technologies and operational practices testing the safe operation of natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities;
  • sets forth requirements for idled natural or other gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines;
  • updates the standards for LNG facilities;
  • establishes the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety and Training to include a repository of information on best practices relating to LNG operations;
  • requires each distribution integrity plan developed by an operator of a gas distribution pipeline to include the risks from the presence of cast iron pipes and mains and risks that may result from the operation of a low-pressure distribution system;
  • directs operators to establish protocols for communicating with fire, police, and other relevant public officials after a disaster that includes fires, explosions, or one or more fatalities; and
  • requires procedural manuals for operations, maintenance, and emergencies to include certain written procedures.
Introduced in SenateJul 25, 2019

PIPES Act of 2019

This bill addresses pipeline safety and infrastructure. It authorizes appropriations through FY2023 for specified pipeline safety programs under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and related enactments.

Among other things, the bill

  • requires fees for compliance reviews of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities;
  • authorizes the establishment of limited safety-enhancing testing programs to evaluate innovative technologies and operational practices testing the safe operation of natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities;
  • sets forth requirements for idled natural or other gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines;
  • updates the standards for LNG facilities;
  • establishes the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety and Training to include a repository of information on best practices relating to LNG operations;
  • requires each distribution integrity plan developed by an operator of a gas distribution pipeline to include the risks from the presence of cast iron pipes and mains and risks that may result from the operation of a low-pressure distribution system;
  • directs operators to establish protocols for communicating with fire, police, and other relevant public officials after a disaster that includes fires, explosions, or one or more fatalities; and
  • requires procedural manuals for operations, maintenance, and emergencies to include certain written procedures.
PIPES Act of 2020 — Informed