Bipartisan House science committee members introduce bill to advance next generation pipelines

Looking to public-private partnerships and federal research as the key to the future, a pair of House Science, Space and Technology Committee Members introduced the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act this week to advance pipelines.

The brainchild of U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (R-TX) and Yadira Caravea (D-CO), this piece of energy legislation would authorize the Secretary of Energy and other federal leaders to work together on a demonstration initiative and joint research and development program for low to mid-technology readiness level research projects. It would also establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center at the Department of Energy to spur collaboration on commercialization between industry and stakeholders.

“Pipelines are the safest and most efficient ways to move the fuels that heat our homes, fuel our vehicles, and unleash our economy,” Weber said. “The United States has over 2.6 million miles of pipelines. We must invest in research and development to ensure proper improvements and upgrades are made to our pipeline infrastructure. America’s pipelines continue to transport natural gas, liquid fuels, and feedstocks across the country as safely, reliably, and efficiently as possible. The Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development will be instrumental as we continue innovating and expanding our energy sources.”

Faced with a rapidly aging infrastructure nationwide, this legislation would also spur a program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focused on measurement research, development, demonstration and standardization to guarantee pipeline reliability and safety.