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Pipeline Safety Legislation Mark-Up

By Stuart Saulters posted 06-27-2019 11:08 AM

  
On June 26, the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy held a mark-up on the Safer Pipelines Act of 2019 (H.R. 3432). There were several amendments offered, but none were adopted. However, through this, the Republicans were able to express concern over the legislation removing the cost-benefit provision within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rulemaking process, as well as allowing for mandamus lawsuits, or the ability to “sue and settle.”

Congressman Kennedy, from Massachusetts, also submitted an amendment that was withdrawn to include the provisions from the Leonel Rondon Act, which is the bill Senator Markey and the Massachusetts delegation introduced earlier this year. There are several concerns that have been highlighted by APGA members with this draft legislation. APGA staff was able to attend the mark-up and will continue to follow the PHMSA reauthorization activities, as the Senate Commerce Committee will likely have draft legislation, as well as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the upcoming weeks. Meetings are being held with staff for these to ensure interest from companies in APGA’s membership are represented. To see the mark-up or read more on the event from the Subcommittee, click here.

For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.

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