[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7073 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 7073

 To improve public-private partnerships and increase Federal research, 
    development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next 
          generation pipeline systems, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 22, 2024

   Mr. Weber of Texas (for himself, Ms. Caraveo, Mr. Lucas, and Mr. 
  Obernolte) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
              Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To improve public-private partnerships and increase Federal research, 
    development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next 
          generation pipeline systems, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Next Generation Pipelines Research 
and Development Act''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the 
        Department of Energy.
            (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                    (A) an institution of higher education (as such 
                term is defined in section 101(a) of the Higher 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))), including 
                historically Black colleges and universities (within 
                the meaning of the term ``part B institution'' in 
                section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                U.S.C. 1061)), Tribal colleges and universities (as 
                such term is defined in section 316 of the Higher 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c)), and minority 
                serving institutions (including the entities described 
                in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) 
                of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1067q(a)));
                    (B) a nonprofit research organization;
                    (C) a National Laboratory (as such term is defined 
                in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
                U.S.C. 15801));
                    (D) a private commercial entity;
                    (E) a partnership or consortium of two or more 
                entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) 
                that leverages existing Department efforts; or
                    (F) any other entity the Secretary determines 
                appropriate.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Energy.
            (4) Technical standards.--The term ``technical standard'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 12(d)(5) of the 
        National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 
        U.S.C. 272 note).

SEC. 3. COORDINATION.

    In carrying out this Act--
            (1) the Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication and 
        achieve shared mission goals by coordinating with the 
        Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
        Administration of the Department of Transportation and across 
        all relevant program offices at the Department of Energy, 
        including--
                    (A) the Office of Science;
                    (B) the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon 
                Management;
                    (C) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
                Energy;
                    (D) the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, 
                and Emergency Response;
                    (E) the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy;
                    (F) the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations; and
                    (G) any other cross-cutting program office 
                determined appropriate;
            (2) the Secretary of Transportation shall ensure 
        participation of and coordination with the Secretary of Energy 
        of--
                    (A) the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
                Administration of the Department of Transportation; and
                    (B) any other program office of the Department of 
                Transportation determined appropriate; and
            (3) the Secretary shall coordinate with the Director of the 
        National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Secretary 
        of the Interior, and the heads of other relevant Federal 
        agencies, as appropriate.

SEC. 4. ADVANCED PIPELINE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES DEMONSTRATION 
              INITIATIVE.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle E of title III of division D of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) is amended 
by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 40344. ADVANCED PIPELINE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES 
              DEMONSTRATION INITIATIVE.

    ``(a) Establishment of Initiative.--The Secretary shall establish a 
demonstration initiative (in this section referred to as the 
`Initiative') under which the Secretary, through a competitive merit 
review process, shall award financial assistance to eligible entities 
to carry out demonstration projects on low- to mid-technology readiness 
level subjects to achieve deployment of technologies that--
            ``(1) are applicable to pipelines and associated 
        infrastructure, including liquefied natural gas facilities and 
        underground and above ground gas and liquid fuel storage 
        facilities; and
            ``(2) involve the development of next generation pipeline 
        systems, components, and related technologies.
    ``(b) Demonstration Project Focus Areas.--In carrying out the 
Initiative, the Secretary shall select demonstration projects that best 
advance research undertaken by the Department and the Department of 
Transportation and incorporate a range of technology focus areas, which 
may include the following:
            ``(1) Advanced leak detection and mitigation tools and 
        technologies.
            ``(2) Novel materials, including alloy and nonmetallic 
        materials, to improve integrity for new and existing pipelines, 
        such as pipeline coatings, sleeves, and liners, and corrosion 
        resistant materials, including maximum and minimum flow rates 
        and immunity to electrical discharge processes.
            ``(3) Technologies and methods for retrofitting existing 
        pipelines, resolving material compatibility issues, and 
        minimizing leakage, such as field protective coatings and 
        material treatment.
            ``(4) Advanced manufacturing approaches for producing, 
        fitting, and coupling pipelines, including the fabrication of 
        higher performance pipeline materials and new extrusion 
        technologies or methods to join ultra-high strength and 
        corrosion resistant materials at a scale for distribution.
            ``(5) Advanced sensor technologies and processes that 
        enable real-time or in situ monitoring of pipeline assets to 
        assess and mitigate leaks, both internal and external to the 
        pipeline, which may include the following:
                    ``(A) Wireless sensors, such as surface acoustic 
                wave sensors.
                    ``(B) Advanced and cost-effective electrochemical 
                sensors.
                    ``(C) Distributed fiber optic sensors.
                    ``(D) Autonomous sensor systems, including uncrewed 
                aircraft.
                    ``(E) Optical methods.
                    ``(F) Multi-use platforms for diverse sources.
                    ``(G) Hybrid data-analysis platforms.
            ``(6) Advanced computational, data analytics, and machine 
        learning models to achieve the following:
                    ``(A) Multiscale modeling, characterization, and 
                optimization of transmission and distribution systems 
                and components to aid in planning for optimized and 
                resilient infrastructure.
                    ``(B) Correlation between sensor and emissions data 
                at all operational points and across a variety of 
                scales to assure system integrity spanning large areas.
                    ``(C) Accurate material lifecycle predictions and 
                simulation platforms to forecast pipeline health.
                    ``(D) Secure real time autonomous monitoring and 
                repair capabilities.
                    ``(E) Mapping and monitoring of structural health 
                parameters, such as corrosion.
            ``(7) Self-healing and self-repair functionalities, 
        including by chemical treatment methods.
            ``(8) Autonomous robotic and patch technologies for 
        inspection and repair.
            ``(9) Dynamic compressor technologies, including retrofit 
        kits for existing compressor systems.
            ``(10) Strategies and technologies for integrated 
        cybersecurity considerations and countering cyberattacks.
            ``(11) Technologies and methods to reduce potential 
        environmental impacts, including at the atmospheric and 
        subsurface level, associated with pipelines, liquefied natural 
        gas facilities, and gas and liquid fuel storage facilities, 
        such as equipment failure.
            ``(12) Tools to evaluate geographical pipeline data for the 
        feasibility of repurposing existing infrastructure for safe and 
        effective transport and use of alternative fuels, blends, and 
        carbon dioxide.
            ``(13) Tools and technologies applicable to improving the 
        safety, operation, and efficiency of liquefied natural gas 
        facilities and gas and liquid fuel storage facilities.
    ``(c) Selection Requirements.--In selecting eligible entities for 
demonstration projects under the Initiative, the Secretary shall, to 
the maximum extent practicable, take the following actions:
            ``(1) Encourage regional diversity among eligible entities, 
        including participation by such entities located in rural 
        States.
            ``(2) Prioritize technological diversity among eligible 
        entities.
            ``(3) Prioritize a diverse mix of energy, substances, fuel 
        sources, and byproducts, including the following:
                    ``(A) Gas and liquid hydrocarbons, including 
                natural gas, renewable natural gas, methane, ethane, 
                and liquefied natural gas.
                    ``(B) Carbon dioxide.
                    ``(C) Hydrogen.
                    ``(D) Biofuels.
                    ``(E) Water.
                    ``(F) Substances in the hydrogen supply chain, 
                including ammonia and liquid organic hydrogen carriers.
                    ``(G) Blends of gases or liquids, including 
                hydrogen blends.
                    ``(H) Any other source the Secretary determines 
                appropriate.
            ``(4) Prioritize projects that leverage and are 
        complementary to existing energy infrastructure.
            ``(5) Prioritize projects that leverage matching funds from 
        non-Federal sources.
            ``(6) Ensure that selected projects are coordinated with or 
        expand on the existing technology demonstration programs of the 
        Department.
            ``(7) Evaluate projects and topics for technical 
        performance and economic feasibility as part of lifecycle 
        assessments for return on investment impact.
    ``(d) Location.--To the maximum extent practicable, demonstration 
projects under the Initiative shall be located on sites with existing 
research infrastructure or with the ability to coordinate with existing 
Department user facilities and research centers.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of funds authorized to 
be appropriated for--
            ``(1) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 
        and
            ``(2) the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management,
pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (6), respectively, of section 10771 of 
subtitle O of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, 
and Innovation Act (enacted as division B of Public Law 117-167), there 
is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry 
out this section $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $50,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
    ``(f) Sunset.--This section shall terminate five years after the 
date of the enactment of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 40343 the following new item:

``Sec. 40344. Advanced pipeline materials and technologies 
                            demonstration initiative.''.

SEC. 5. JOINT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the 
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and in 
coordination with the demonstration initiative established pursuant to 
section 40344 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 
117-58), as added by section 4, shall establish within the Department a 
joint research and development program (referred to in this Act as the 
``Joint Program'') to carry out research projects that--
            (1) develop cost-effective advanced materials and 
        technologies for pipeline transportation systems at different 
        scales;
            (2) enable the commercialization of innovative materials 
        and technologies for pipeline transportation systems;
            (3) support the development of technical standards of 
        innovative materials and technologies for pipeline 
        transportation systems; and
            (4) are at a low technology readiness level and not pursued 
        by the Pipeline Safety Research Program of the Pipeline and 
        Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the Department of 
        Transportation.
    (b) Memorandum of Understanding.--Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into or 
update an existing memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Director of the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology to administer the Joint Program. Such memorandum shall 
require each participating agency to--
            (1) identify unique research capabilities to contribute 
        while avoiding duplication of existing efforts; and
            (2) include cost sharing and cost reimbursement abilities 
        among participating agencies, including any training or 
        resource outlays that will be required.
    (c) Infrastructure.--In carrying out the Joint Program, the 
Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Director of the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology shall--
            (1) use existing research infrastructure at--
                    (A) Department of Energy facilities, including 
                National Laboratories;
                    (B) Department of Transportation initiatives, 
                including any such initiatives carried out through the 
                Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; 
                and
                    (C) the National Institute of Standards and 
                Technology; and
            (2) develop new infrastructure for potential projects, if 
        appropriate.
    (d) Goals and Metrics.--The Secretary, the Secretary of 
Transportation, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology shall develop goals and metrics for each agency in 
meeting technological progress under the Joint Program, consistent with 
existing United States energy safety, resilience, and security 
policies.
    (e) Selection of Projects.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Director of the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology shall ensure the 
following with respect to the Joint Program:
            (1) Projects are carried out under conditions that 
        represent a variety of geographies, physical conditions, and 
        market constraints.
            (2) Projects represent an appropriate balance of the 
        following:
                    (A) Larger, higher-cost projects.
                    (B) Smaller, lower-cost projects.
            (3) To the maximum extent practicable, projects are 
        transferred between participating agencies based on the stage 
        of research and capabilities of each agency.
    (f) Priority.--In carrying out the Joint Program, the Secretary, 
the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and 
the Secretary of Transportation shall, through consultation with the 
demonstration initiative established pursuant to section 40344 of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), as added by 
section 4, to identify and advance areas of research most needed for 
demonstration projects under such demonstration initiative, give 
priority to research and demonstration projects that--
            (1) are likely to be of value to such demonstration 
        initiative; and
            (2) are done in coordination with, or advance knowledge 
        critical to, the National Pipeline Modernization Center 
        established pursuant to section 6.
    (g) Relation to Existing Law.--Nothing in this section may be 
construed to change existing agency roles, responsibilities, or areas 
of expertise as described in section 12 of the Pipeline Safety 
Improvement Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-355; 49 U.S.C. 60101 note)
    (h) Sunset.--This section shall terminate five years after the date 
of the enactment of this section.

SEC. 6. NATIONAL PIPELINE MODERNIZATION CENTER.

    (a) In General.--In carrying out the demonstration initiative 
established pursuant to section 40344 of the Infrastructure Investment 
and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), as added by section 4, and the Joint 
Program and subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Secretary shall establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center 
(referred to in this Act as the ``Center''), which shall focus on 
collaborating with industry and stakeholders to coordinate and carry 
out research, development, and demonstration projects focused on 
commercializing cost-effective products and procedures aligned with the 
goals and priorities set forth by the Department.
    (b) Selection.--The Secretary shall administer the Center in 
conjunction with an eligible entity pursuant to an agreement between 
the Department and such entity. Such entity shall be selected on a 
competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
    (c) Existing Centers.--In administering the Center, the Secretary 
shall prioritize higher education energy-related research centers in 
existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (d) Period of Performance.--An agreement under subsection (b) shall 
be for a period of not more than five years, subject to the 
availability of appropriations.
    (e) Location.--The Center shall be located in proximity to critical 
transportation infrastructure connecting to an existing national 
pipeline transportation system and other Department monitoring assets, 
as determined by the Secretary.
    (f) Coordination With Training and Qualifications Center.--In 
carrying out the functions described in subsection (a), the Center 
shall coordinate and collaborate with training centers of the Pipeline 
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the Department of 
Transportation to facilitate knowledge sharing among, and enhanced 
training opportunities for, Federal and State pipeline safety 
inspectors and investigators.
    (g) Duplication.--The Secretary shall ensure the coordination of, 
and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities under this section 
with the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety 
established pursuant to section 111 of the Protecting our 
Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 (49 U.S.C. 
60103 note; Public Law 116-260, div. R, title I).

SEC. 7. NIST PIPELINE METROLOGY.

    (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall 
carry out a program of measurement research, development, 
demonstration, and standardization to--
            (1) ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities; and
            (2) support pipeline safety, security, efficiency, 
        sustainability, and resilience.
    (b) Testing.--The Director of the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology, in consultation with the private sector and 
international standards organizations, shall support testing, 
evaluation, and research infrastructure to support the activities 
described in subsection (a).
    (c) Allocation of Appropriations.--From amounts appropriated or 
otherwise made available for the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology shall allocate up to $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 
2024 through 2028 to carry out this section.

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Out of funds authorized to be appropriated for the 
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Office of 
Fossil Energy and Carbon Management pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (6), 
respectively, of section 10771 of subtitle O of title VI of the 
Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as 
division B of Public Law 117-167), there is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out--
            (1) section 5, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and 
        $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028; and
            (2) section 6, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and 
        $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
    (b) Offset.--Section 10771 of subtitle O of title VI of the 
Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as 
division B of Public Law 117-167) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``2026'' and inserting ``2028''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
                ``1,200,000,000'' and inserting ``$1,100,000,000''; and
            (2) in subsection (6)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``2026'' and inserting ``2028'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
                ``600,000,000'' and inserting ``$445,000,000'';
                    (C) in subparagraph (B)--
                            (i) by striking ``200,000,000'' and 
                        inserting ``$100,000,000''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``and'' after the 
                        semicolon;
                    (D) in subparagraph (C)--
                            (i) by striking ``1,000,000,000'' and 
                        inserting ``$900,000,000''; and
                            (ii) by striking the period and inserting 
                        ``; and''; and
                    (E) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                    ``(D) $445,000,000 to carry out pipeline research, 
                development, demonstration, and commercial application 
                activities.''.
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