Lori Trahan (D-MA)
Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill implements stricter safety standards and oversight to prevent pipeline leaks and environmental damage.
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill significantly increases transparency by requiring public disclosure of safety data and increasing public engagement.
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes outreach and assistance to Tribal and Indigenous communities.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would business owners be better off under this?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes outreach and assistance to Tribal and Indigenous communities. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes environmental justice communities which includes communities of color. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes environmental justice communities which includes communities of color. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes environmental justice communities which includes communities of color. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides enhanced support and assistance for environmental justice and low-income communities. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill enhances safety and transparency for people living near pipeline facilities. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill encourages workforce training programs that comply with apprenticeship requirements. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill enhances safety and transparency for people living near pipeline facilities. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill imposes new operational requirements, reporting burdens, and legal liabilities on pipeline operators.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill implements stricter safety standards and oversight to prevent pipeline leaks and environmental damage. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill encourages transition toward non-emitting alternatives and promotes safety for carbon dioxide pipelines. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill modifies grant programs to encourage the use of non-emitting energy alternatives. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill improves local emergency response capabilities through enhanced coordination and training.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill significantly increases transparency by requiring public disclosure of safety data and increasing public engagement. Does this limit the influence of paid lobbyists? — The bill restricts individuals with financial interests in the pipeline industry from serving on technical safety committees. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill expands the ability of private persons to bring civil actions against operators for safety violations. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the authority of the Secretary and the Administration over pipeline safety and public engagement.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances consumer protection by mandating the public disclosure of pipeline safety data and emergency response plans. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The modification of the grant program to include non-emitting alternatives may support long-term economic transitions. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill may support job creation through workforce training programs associated with non-emitting energy alternatives.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill prioritizes outreach and assistance to environmental justice communities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill mandates a study regarding the safety of blending hydrogen into natural gas systems.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill aims to protect public health by mandating stricter safety standards for carbon dioxide pipelines.
- 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