Edward Markey (D-MA)
Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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 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
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
Implements stricter leak standards and mandates the mitigation of negative global climate impacts.
- Scored +7
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Mandates funding for non-emitting alternatives and considers climate impacts in safety standards.
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
Requires 20 percent of grant funds to be used for non-emitting alternatives like renewable energy.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Pipeline operators face significant new compliance costs and stricter legal liabilities.
- Scored -3
Would billionaires be better off under this?
Increased regulation and liability for large energy infrastructure companies.
- Scored -2
Is this likely to lower the price at the pump?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Targets environmental justice communities, which disproportionately include people of color. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Targets environmental justice communities through increased federal support. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Provides translation services and targeted outreach for environmental justice communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Provides targeted outreach and financial/technical assistance to low-income and environmental justice communities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Explicitly includes Tribal and Indigenous communities in its environmental justice definitions. Would farmers be better off under this? — Increases safety and transparency for land where pipelines are often located. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Improves safety and transparency for rural areas where pipelines are prevalent. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Increases safety in high-consequence areas which often include densely populated urban zones. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Enhances safety and provides better information on hazards for residential property owners. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Provides translation services for impacted populations in environmental justice communities. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Enhances safety and provides better information on hazards for residential property owners. Would union members be better off under this? — Prioritizes grants for applicants paying prevailing wages and using apprenticeships. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Increases general public safety regarding pipeline infrastructure. Would children be better off under this? — Improves long-term environmental safety and reduces risk of catastrophic pipeline failures. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Increases safety and transparency for those living near pipeline corridors. Would retired people be better off under this? — Increases safety and transparency for residents living near pipeline infrastructure. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Increases safety and transparency for those living near pipeline corridors. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Supports the transition to non-emitting energy alternatives. Would students be better off under this? — Supports an energy transition toward non-emitting alternatives. Would business owners be better off under this? — Pipeline operators face significant new compliance costs and stricter legal liabilities. Would billionaires be better off under this? — Increased regulation and liability for large energy infrastructure companies.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Implements stricter leak standards and mandates the mitigation of negative global climate impacts. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Requires 20 percent of grant funds to be used for non-emitting alternatives like renewable energy. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Mandates funding for non-emitting alternatives and considers climate impacts in safety standards. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — Aims to avoid unnecessarily prolonging the life span of fossil fuel infrastructure. Does this invest in rural communities? — Modernizes gas distribution infrastructure in various areas including rural regions. Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — Increased operational costs for pipeline operators may be passed on to consumers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires public disclosure of safety data, decommissioning plans, and emergency response plans. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Allows private citizens to bring civil actions to enforce safety standards. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands federal oversight of pipeline safety and mandates federal standards for operators. Does this limit the influence of paid lobbyists? — Prohibits individuals with financial interests in the pipeline/gas industry from serving on technical safety committees.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Increases transparency for residents and tenants regarding pipeline hazards and emergency plans. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The bill gives additional consideration to grant applicants who pay prevailing wages and utilize apprenticeship programs. Is this likely to create jobs? — Funding for non-emitting energy alternatives and infrastructure modernization may create green energy jobs. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investment in non-emitting energy alternatives supports long-term economic transition. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes new spending for the Office of Public Engagement and grant programs.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — Specifically targets assistance and outreach to environmental justice communities, often comprising people of color. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Provides financial and technical assistance to low-income communities affected by pipeline infrastructure.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Drives research into CO2 leak detection and hydrogen blending safety.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — Requires research into leak detection and safety for carbon dioxide pipelines.
- 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