Bill · H.R. 5537· House(119-HR-5537)
Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 9/19/2025
- Last activity
- 9/20/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- Sponsored by
- Lori Trahan
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025 aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code to enhance safety and transparency regarding pipelines. It requires the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The bill introduces stricter safety standards for carbon dioxide pipelines and requires rupture-mitigation valves on certain gas pipelines. It also mandates a study on blending hydrogen into natural gas systems and modifies grant programs to encourage non-emitting alternatives. Additionally, the Act expands the ability of private persons to bring civil actions for pipeline safety violations.
Yes· 3 of 22
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill implements stricter safety standards and oversight to prevent pipeline leaks and environmental damage.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill significantly increases transparency by requiring public disclosure of safety data and increasing public engagement.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill prioritizes outreach and assistance to Tribal and Indigenous communities.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
The bill imposes new operational requirements, reporting burdens, and legal liabilities on pipeline operators.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Public Transparency: The bill requires operators of covered facilities to provide specific safety information, such as the substances being transported and emergency response plans, to the public free of charge via a website (Sec. 203).
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Enhanced Community Engagement: The establishment of an Office of Public Engagement will coordinate assistance, educational materials, and outreach to communities, specifically prioritizing environmental justice communities (Sec. 201).
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Improved Safety for High-Risk Areas: Operators of certain covered pipelines will be required to fully isolate ruptured segments within 30 minutes to minimize product release in high consequence areas (Sec. 105).
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Specific Protections for Carbon Dioxide Pipelines: The bill mandates the Secretary to consider minimum safety standards, leak detection through odorants, and the development of emergency response plans for carbon dioxide pipelines (Sec. 106).
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Support for Energy Transition: The Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program will be modified to encourage the use of non-emitting alternatives (Sec. 108).
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Empowerment through Legal Action: The Act expands the rights of individuals to bring civil actions in district courts for pipeline safety violations, including seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties (Sec. 302).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Operational Requirements for Operators: Pipeline operators are required to implement specific technical measures, such as rupture-mitigation valves, which may involve significant operational changes (Sec. 105).
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New Reporting Burdens: Operators of natural gas pipelines must report blended products that exceed 1 percent by volume, and gas pipeline operators must adhere to new incident reporting standards (Sec. 204, Sec. 205).
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Mandatory Safety Research and Studies: The Comptroller General must conduct a study regarding the risks of blending hydrogen into existing natural gas systems (Sec. 107).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Asian Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Union Workers+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Business Owners-5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Reduces Lobbying+4Improves Due Process+3Increases Federal Power+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+4Improves Economic Growth+1Increases Job Creation+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- 9/20/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
- 9/19/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan