Pipeline safety debate heats up in Congress amid continuing incidents

More than a decade after major pipeline safety reforms, U.S. Congress remains divided on the need for increased oversight amidst persistent safety incidents.

James Osborne reports for the Houston Chronicle.

In short:

• Despite significant pipeline safety laws, 2022 saw 265 major incidents, mirroring numbers from 2010.
• The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) faces challenges with underfunding and increased pipeline volume, impacting effective regulation.
• Bipartisan efforts aim to increase PHMSA funding, but disagreements persist over the extent and focus of regulations.

Key quote:

"The volume of assets that PHMSA is overseeing has greatly increased and it will increase further as a result of the tens of billions of dollars being invested in the build out of hydrogen and (carbon capture) infrastructure."

— PHMSA Spokesperson

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