Bill · S. 2905· Senate(119-S-2905)
Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 9/18/2025
- Last activity
- 9/18/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025 aims to increase safety and transparency for pipeline operations. It requires the creation of an Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to assist the public and environmental justice communities. The bill mandates stricter safety standards, including 30-minute isolation requirements for ruptured pipelines in high consequence areas and new safety rules for carbon dioxide pipelines. It also requires pipeline operators to disclose safety data and emergency plans to the public via websites and annual notifications. Additionally, the bill allows private citizens to bring civil actions for safety violations and provides funding for non-emitting energy alternatives.
Yes· 3 of 36
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
Implements stricter leak standards and mandates the mitigation of negative global climate impacts.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+7
Mandates funding for non-emitting alternatives and considers climate impacts in safety standards.
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+7
Requires 20 percent of grant funds to be used for non-emitting alternatives like renewable energy.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Pipeline operators face significant new compliance costs and stricter legal liabilities.
Would billionaires be better off under this?-3
Increased regulation and liability for large energy infrastructure companies.
Is this likely to lower the price at the pump?-2
Increased operational costs for pipeline operators may be passed on to consumers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Public Transparency: Operators must provide the public with free, accessible websites containing information on transported substances, decommissioning plans, and emergency response plans (Sec. 203).
- Enhanced Community Support: The new Office of Public Engagement will provide financial, technical, and educational assistance to the public, with specific outreach and translation services for environmental justice communities (Sec. 201).
- Faster Emergency Mitigation: Operators of covered pipelines in high consequence areas must isolate ruptured segments within 30 minutes to minimize product release (Sec. 105).
- Improved Carbon Dioxide Safety: The bill requires the development of leak detection methods, fracture protection, and specific training for emergency responders regarding carbon dioxide pipeline ruptures (Sec. 106).
- Legal Accountability: Private individuals can bring civil actions in federal court against other persons or the Secretary for violations of pipeline safety standards or failure to perform nondiscretionary duties (Sec. 302).
- Support for Clean Energy: The bill modifies grant programs to encourage "non-emitting alternatives" like electrification and renewable energy, requiring at least 20 percent of funds be used for these purposes (Sec. 108).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Operational Burdens on Operators: Pipeline operators face strict new mandates, such as the 30-minute isolation requirement and comprehensive annual notifications to residents and tenants, which may be operationally or economically challenging (Sec. 105, Sec. 203).
- Financial Penalties: The bill prohibits the release of gas or hazardous liquids in quantities that require incident reporting, creating a legal basis for penalties (Sec. 301).
- Restrictions on Hydrogen Use: Pipeline operators are prohibited from transporting hydrogen (beyond trace amounts) in natural gas distribution systems until Congress provides specific statutory regulation (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 African Americans+6Good For Asian Americans+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Native Americans+6Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Urban Residents+5Good For High Income Households+4Good For Immigrants+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Union Workers+4Good For White Americans+4Good For Children+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Students+2Good For Business Owners-4Good For Billionaires-3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Increases Renewable Energy Investment+7Reduces Carbon Emissions+7Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+4Improves Rural Development+3Reduces Gas Prices-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Improves Due Process+5Increases Federal Power+4Reduces Lobbying+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5Improves Union Protections+3Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1Reduces Government Spending-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+6Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+2
- 9/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon