The Pipeline Accountability Act of 2025 significantly strengthens federal oversight of natural gas, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen pipelines while establishing new accountability measures for pipeline operators. The bill requires pipelines in high-consequence areas to isolate ruptured segments within 30 minutes, creates new safety standards for CO2 pipelines within 18 months, and prohibits hydrogen blending in natural gas distribution systems pending congressional authorization and further study. It establishes a new Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration ($12 million annually through 2028) to improve community outreach and transparency, requires operators to publicly disclose pipeline information and emergency plans, and authorizes $200 million annually (2027-2030) for natural gas infrastructure upgrades with preference for projects meeting prevailing wage standards. The bill also strengthens enforcement by expanding citizens' rights to sue operators for safety violations and removing caps on civil penalties for pipeline releases, while barring pipeline committee members with financial ties to the fossil fuel industry from decision-making.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.