Committee advances Next Generation Pipelines R&D Act to spur research and demonstrations

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology voted to favorably report HR 2613, the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act, a bill that directs federal agencies to coordinate research, development, and demonstration activities aimed at modernizing the nation’s pipeline systems.

Sponsors emphasized the scale and age of the U.S. pipeline network and the need for updated technologies. “There are approximately 2,800,000 miles of gas and liquid pipelines in These United States, most of which are unseen, unappreciated, and even undervalued,” Representative Weber said while introducing the bill. He described a demonstration initiative within the Department of Energy to move early-stage technologies toward commercialization and cited interagency collaboration with PHMSA and NIST.

Representative Ross and other members stressed environmental concerns from methane leaks and the need for leak detection, mitigation, and suitability for future fuels — including water, biofuels, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. Members cited the San Bruno pipeline accident as an example of why advanced detection technologies matter. No amendments were prefiled.

Chairman Babin moved that the committee report HR 2613 to the House with a favorable recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote and the bill was ordered favorably reported. The markup transcript does not record a roll-call tally; implementation will involve DOE, DOT/PHMSA, and NIST per bill language described by sponsors, and funding details were not specified in the committee record.