[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 148 (Monday, September 23, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5631-H5635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NEXT GENERATION PIPELINES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(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, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 7073
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
[[Page H5632]]
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.
``(8) Prioritize projects that can quantifiably reduce the
environmental impacts of pipelines and associated
infrastructure on air, water, or soil quality in all regions
of the United States, especially in underserved and rural
communities.
``(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 2025, and $50,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
``(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 reviews,
approvals, trainings, 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
[[Page H5633]]
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 collaboration with the Secretary
of the Department of Transportation and 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 2025 through 2029
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 2025, and
$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029; and
(2) section 6, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, and
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
(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 ``2029''; 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 ``2029'';
(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) $455,000,000 to carry out pipeline research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application
activities.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
General Leave
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material in the Record on the bill now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Oklahoma?
There was no objection.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7073, the Next Generation
Pipelines Research and Development Act, which I am proud to cosponsor.
The United States pipeline network consists of nearly 2.8 million
miles of pipeline, enough to wrap around the world at the equator more
than 112 times.
Yet, 50 percent of the Nation's pipeline system is more than 60 years
old, and the Department of Energy estimates that as many as 96,000
miles of new pipeline will be needed to handle carbon dioxide capture
from power plants and directly from the air.
As the Representative of Cushing, Oklahoma, the pipeline crossroads
of the world, I see firsthand the importance of pipeline
infrastructure, not just for our energy security but for economic
growth in America. This is infrastructure that must be maintained now
and well into the future.
A new and modern emphasis on science collaboration, as well as
increased industry involvement and public-private demonstration
projects, will be required to meet our future energy demands and ensure
the continued safety and efficient use of our pipelines.
Not only do pipelines carry the oil and natural gas that currently
fuel our economy, but they are also critical in transporting the next
generation of fuels like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane.
H.R. 7073 enables that by invigorating Federal research focused on
improving pipeline safety and technology.
The bill establishes a demonstration initiative to advance research
undertaken by DOE and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration. It will also help lab-scale, basic research overcome
the ``valley of death'' through commercial development.
It also establishes a national pipeline modernization center as a
central location for industry and stakeholders to collaborate with
Federal agencies on pipeline research and development and enable new
cost-effective products and procedures.
Simply put, 7073 is necessary for the continued growth of the
American energy industry. It will strengthen pipeline infrastructure
networks that will be essential to achieving our shared energy,
economic, security, and environmental goals.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
[[Page H5634]]
House of Representatives,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Washington, DC, September 19, 2024.
Hon. Frank D. Lucas,
Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Lucas: I write to you concerning H.R. 7073,
the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act.
The bill was referred primarily to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology. Specifically, provisions of H.R. 7073
fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this
legislation before the House of Representatives in an
expeditious manner, and accordingly, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure will forgo action on the
bill. However, this is conditional on our mutual
understanding that doing so will not prejudice the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure with respect to the
appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional
claim over the subject matter contained within the bill or
similar legislation that falls under the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure's Rule X jurisdiction.
Further, should a conference on the bill be necessary, I
appreciate your agreement to support my request to have the
Committee represented on the conference committee.
Finally, I would ask that a copy of this letter and your
response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest in the
bill be included in the Committee Report and Congressional
Record during consideration of H.R. 7073 on the House floor.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Washington, DC, September 19, 2024.
Hon. Sam Graves,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Graves: I am writing concerning H.R. 7073,
the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act,
which was introduced on January 22, 2024, and solely referred
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
I appreciate you agreeing to withdraw your request for a
sequential referral of H.R. 7073, so that the bill may be
considered expeditiously. I acknowledge that forgoing your
referral claim now does not waive the right to jurisdictional
claims in the future on subject matter contained in this bill
or similar legislation. Further, I will appropriately consult
and involve the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure as the bill moves forward on issues that fall
within your Rule X jurisdiction. In addition. should a
conference on the bill be necessary, I would support your
request to have the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure represented on the conference committee.
Finally, I will include of copy of our letter exchange in
the Committee Report and the Congressional Record when the
bill is considered on the House floor.
Sincerely,
Frank D. Lucas,
Chairman.
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Next Generation Pipelines
Research and Development Act.
As has been mentioned, a majority of the Nation's pipeline system is
more than 60 years old. With this magnitude of aging pipelines
operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is inevitable that without
new inspection and leak detection technologies, catastrophic defects
and anomalies will occur more frequently.
Too often we are confronted with news of pipeline failures that cause
mass casualties, environmental disasters, damage property, and service
interruptions for thousands. There is much that industry can do to
secure their assets while contributing to the development of next
generation pipelines.
H.R. 7073 seeks to prevent future infrastructure failure and improve
pipeline safety and technology through innovation. This bill will
improve the work of the DOE and the Department of Transportation's
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration by establishing
a demonstration initiative that will help lab-scale, basic research
overcome the ``valley of death'' and achieve commercial deployment.
DOE, DOT, and NIST will also be empowered to work together in a joint
pipeline research program.
Finally, it directs DOE to establish a national pipeline
modernization center, a place for industry and Federal agencies to
collaborate on pipeline research and development.
{time} 1945
What we have in front of us is much-needed harm reduction
legislation. I extend my congratulations to Mr. Weber and Dr. Caraveo
and my appreciation for their hard work on this legislation. It is a
good bill. I support it, and I encourage others, as well, to support
it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber) to speak on his bill.
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R.
7073, the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act.
I introduced this important piece of legislation earlier this year to
direct the Department of Energy toward a new and more modern approach
to pipeline research and development.
The chairman talked about over 2 million something miles of pipelines
in the United States. Well, I am from the great State of Texas, which
has over half a million miles of gas and liquid pipelines, so that is
about a fourth of the whole pipelines in the United States if my high
school math is holding up. This creates $374 billion, with a b, in
total economic output for my State.
That is because pipelines deliver oil and gas safely, reliably, and
efficiently. However, as the chairman mentioned, half of all U.S.
pipelines are over 60 years old, so we can expect defects and anomalies
to occur more often. It is just a fact of the wear and tear they are
under. Imagine driving a car that was over 60 years old, and yet it had
never been tended to, which is unbelievable.
Now, that is not to say that pipelines are dangerous, Mr. Speaker.
Actually, the truth is quite the opposite, as pipelines safely deliver
oil and gas without incident--check these numbers out--24/7, 99.999
percent of the time. That is a pretty good safety record, Mr. Speaker.
As new energy sources emerge, like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and
methane, we can expect pipelines to be the primary source of
transportation to American energy independence into the future.
H.R. 7073 encourages new public-private projects in maintenance of
our current pipeline infrastructure, and in supporting next-generation
systems. Through the technological innovation directed by this
legislation, the American energy sector will actually see a
strengthened focus on material behavior, leak detection capabilities,
and multifuel transportation.
The Next Generation Pipeline R&D Act also brings together industry
stakeholders, academia, and Federal agencies to collaborate and
coordinate on vital pipeline research needs. It ensures that the
Department of Energy focuses on basic research that is actually too low
on the technology readiness level for industry to conduct. At the same
time, this bill enables industry to be involved and ready to run with
the innovation that does come from that kind of research.
Lastly, this bill codifies and updates a multiagency research program
that includes the Department of Energy, the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, and the Department of Transportation. This
language updates and builds upon the original memorandum of
understanding that was put in place way back in 2004.
H.R. 7073 is a good government bill with bipartisan support, as you
have heard here tonight. It strengthens U.S. leadership in oil and
natural gas research and actually provides a good return on investment
for the American taxpayer. I thank Representatives Caraveo and
Obernolte, as well as Chairman Lucas and our ranking member across the
aisle for cosponsoring and being great partners on this bill. I urge
all of my colleagues to support it.
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, we are fortunate, indeed, to have Dr.
Caraveo as a Member of our House with her keen intellect and pragmatic
approach to solving America's problems.
I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Colorado
(Ms. Caraveo).
Ms. CARAVEO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Lofgren for
yielding.
Mr. Speaker, in Colorado we know how critical pipelines are, whether
[[Page H5635]]
they are for carrying different types of energy sources or even
delivering water to communities from places that are miles away. In
fact, according to the Office of Pipeline Safety, there are more than
45,000 miles of pipeline in Colorado.
As one of the leading energy producers in the country, my district is
home to miles of oil and hazardous liquid lines and natural gas
transmission lines. However, we are also no stranger to experiencing
accidents like a leak or break. We need to be doing what we can to
ensure this important piece of our energy infrastructure remains safe
and effective for years to come.
That is why I am proud to lead the Next Generation Pipeline Research
and Development Act with Representative Weber, which would invest in
R&D for our aging pipeline infrastructure while also leveraging public-
private partnerships to do so. This bipartisan effort will be a win for
keeping our environment clean while maintaining one of the primary
conduits for bringing energy to Coloradans.
One of the biggest issues in my district right now is that our
pipelines are getting older, particularly those used to transport
natural gas, and that makes them more prone to leak. The most prevalent
leak we see is methane, which is a more potent greenhouse gas than
carbon dioxide. Just one leak can be damaging to the environment, so we
need to be making these investments now to secure our pipeline
infrastructure. This will also be important as we begin to use
pipelines not just for traditional energy sources like natural gas, but
for newer sources like hydrogen. The future of our energy grid will
rely on a mix of different fuels, and securing our pipeline
infrastructure is vital to that future.
Before I close, I will highlight how this bill will help those of us
living in the West. As drought continues to affect places like
Colorado, water sources are becoming more important to access,
especially to keep up with growth. There are plenty of cities in
Colorado, including in my district, that rely on pipelines to bring
water to consumers, and there is no sign of this stopping. We need to
ensure these pipelines are maintained with up-to-date technology, and
this bill will make certain of that.
I again thank Representative Weber for working with me on this bill
and for the leadership both Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Lofgren
have shown on the Science Committee. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues
to support this effort.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am
prepared to close once the gentlewoman from California closes.
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I urge that we support and enact this good
bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I
thank my Science Committee colleagues, Mr. Weber and Ms. Caraveo, for
leading this bipartisan effort. I urge all my colleagues to support
this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 7073, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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