Randy Weber (R-TX)
Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act aims to improve public-private partnerships and increase Federal research regarding pipeline systems. It establishes an Advanced Pipeline Materials and Technologies Demonstration Initiative to award financial assistance for various demonstration projects. The bill also creates a Joint Research and Development Program involving the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, and NIST. Additionally, it establishes a National Pipeline Modernization Center to collaborate with industry and stakeholders. Finally, the act directs NIST to carry out a program focused on measurement research and standardization for pipeline integrity.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill prioritizes technologies that reduce environmental impacts on air, water, or soil quality.
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill significantly increases funding for research in pipeline materials and technologies.
- Scored +2
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill facilitates research into carbon dioxide transport and helps evaluate the transition to alternative fuels.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Advancing Pipeline Safety and Integrity: The bill focuses on various technologies such as advanced leak detection, mitigation tools, and novel materials to improve the integrity of both new and existing pipelines (Section 4(b)(1-3)).
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Environmental Protection: The initiative prioritizes projects that can quantifiably reduce environmental impacts on air, water, or soil quality, specifically noting benefits for underserved and rural communities (Section 4(c)(8)).
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Technological Innovation and Monitoring: The act promotes the use of advanced sensor technologies, such as wireless and autonomous systems, to provide real-time monitoring of pipeline assets to mitigate leaks (Section s 4(b)(5)).
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Energy Transition Support: The bill includes tools to evaluate the feasibility of repurposing existing infrastructure for the transport of alternative fuels, blends, and carbon dioxide (Section 4(b)(12)).
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Economic and Regional Diversity: The Secretary is encouraged to promote regional diversity, including participation from entities in rural States (Section 4(c)(1)).
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Training Opportunities: The National Pipeline Modernization Center is tasked with coordinating with training centers to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhanced training for Federal and State pipeline safety inspectors and investigators (Section 6(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Resource Allocation Limits: The various programs, such as the Joint Research and Development Program and the National Pipeline Modernization Center, are subject to the availability of appropriations (Sections 5(a) and 6(a)).
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Time-Limited Programs: The demonstration initiative and the Joint Program are both scheduled to terminate five years after the date of the act's enactment (Sections 4(e) and 5(h)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill prioritizes technologies that reduce environmental impacts on air, water, or soil quality. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill encourages regional diversity and participation from entities in rural States. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The initiative supports infrastructure for alternative fuels, blends, and renewable natural gas. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill facilitates research into carbon dioxide transport and helps evaluate the transition to alternative fuels.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill supports public-private partnerships and commercialization of new technologies. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically encourages participation and benefits for rural States and communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill aims to prioritize projects that reduce environmental impacts in underserved communities. Would students be better off under this? — The bill supports institutions of higher education through research and development opportunities.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investment in R&D for pipeline technologies can stimulate economic growth through innovation and infrastructure modernization. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Improved pipeline safety and leak detection can reduce risks to consumer-facing energy infrastructure. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill promotes technological innovation and training opportunities which can support job creation in the energy sector.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill significantly increases funding for research in pipeline materials and technologies.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill explicitly includes strategies for integrated cybersecurity considerations for pipelines.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal research and demonstration initiatives through the Department of Energy.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill increases federal research funding for pipeline safety and technology.
- 4/29/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 4/2/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina