Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2024
If passed, HB 7655 would significantly amend existing federal laws pertaining to pipeline transport, particularly by reinforcing safety measures and increasing accountability for pipeline operators. It encourages states to adopt leading practices for one-call notification programs to reduce excavation damage incidents and would require reports detailing incidents of underground facility damages. The bill is designed to respond to rising concerns about the environmental impacts and operational safety related to carbon dioxide transport, reflecting a shift towards more rigorous regulations in response to climate change initiatives.
House Bill 7655, also known as the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2024, aims to enhance the safety of pipeline transportation within the United States. The bill focuses on implementing stricter safety and operational standards for gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, particularly emphasizing the transportation and regulation of carbon dioxide pipelines. It introduces measures to improve leak detection procedures, safety practices during excavation, and mandates the use of advanced technologies in the industry to minimize risks associated with underground facilities.
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 7655 include concerns voiced by various stakeholders regarding the potential regulatory burden on small operators and the financial impact on state agencies responsible for enforcing the new regulations. There are arguments that the bill could impose undue restrictions on the energy sector, with some industry representatives advocating for a balance between safety regulations and the need for energy infrastructure development. Additionally, there are discussions on the effectiveness of the proposed measures in truly preventing incidents, which may lead to debates over the practicality and enforceability of the bill's provisions.