The Clean Hydrogen Task Force meeting held by the Louisiana Legislature on April 8, 2025, focused on the safety and regulatory aspects of hydrogen pipeline transportation. The session began with a discussion led by the chairman, who expressed concerns regarding the safety records of materials transported through pipelines, particularly in relation to inadvertent releases. He inquired whether similar safety assessments are conducted in the hydrogen sector, to which representatives confirmed that they do follow stringent safety protocols.

The conversation then shifted to the integrity assessment requirements for hydrogen pipelines. A representative clarified that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) mandates integrity assessments every seven years for gas pipelines, while hazardous liquid pipelines are assessed every five years. This distinction raised questions about the adequacy of the seven-year interval for hydrogen pipelines.

Further inquiries were made regarding potential changes to the Federal Energy Management Agency (FEMSA) reauthorization that could impact hydrogen operations. Representatives indicated that there were no significant recent changes affecting their operations, although they would need to consult further for detailed insights.

The meeting also highlighted technological advancements in pipeline safety, specifically the use of an "intelligent pig," a patented technology developed in partnership with TD Williamson. Questions arose about the commercialization of this technology for broader use in hydrogen pipeline construction across the U.S., with representatives promising to provide more information after consulting with their business development team.

Lastly, discussions touched on the ownership of the pipelines, which are privately owned by Air Products. A member raised concerns about the implications of opening these pipelines to other hydrogen producers, questioning whether it would compromise safety. The representative explained that if such a scenario were to occur, minimum safety conditions would be established for any external parties wishing to use the pipelines.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in the hydrogen pipeline industry, while also exploring technological innovations and market dynamics. The task force plans to continue addressing these critical issues in future discussions.