Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2613

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-29: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2025-11-06T16:50:11Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act (H.R. 2613) aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and boost federal efforts in research, development, and demonstration (R&D&D) for advanced pipeline systems. It focuses on improving the safety, efficiency, resilience, and environmental sustainability of pipelines and related infrastructure, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and fuel storage sites, to support next-generation energy transportation.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: Establishes key terms, including "Department" (Department of Energy, or DOE), "eligible entity" (broadly covering universities—especially historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions—nonprofits, national labs, private companies, partnerships, or others deemed suitable by the Secretary of Energy), "Secretary" (Secretary of Energy), and "technical standard" (a documented agreement on product characteristics or processes, as defined in existing law).

• Coordination Requirements: Mandates collaboration across DOE offices (e.g., Office of Science, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of the Interior, and other agencies to avoid duplication and align on shared goals like energy safety and security.

• Advanced Pipeline Materials and Technologies Demonstration Initiative: Adds a new section (40344) to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). DOE must establish a competitive grant program for demonstration projects on technologies at low-to-mid "technology readiness levels" (a scale measuring how mature a technology is, from basic research to full deployment). Focus areas include:
• Leak detection and mitigation tools.
• Novel materials (e.g., corrosion-resistant alloys or nonmetals) for new and existing pipelines.
• Retrofitting methods to fix compatibility issues and reduce leaks.
• Advanced manufacturing for pipeline production and joining.
• Sensors for real-time monitoring (e.g., wireless, fiber optic, or drone-based).
• Computational models and machine learning for system optimization, leak prediction, and health monitoring.
• Self-healing materials, robotic repairs, dynamic compressors, cybersecurity, and environmental impact reductions.
• Tools for repurposing pipelines for alternative fuels (e.g., hydrogen, CO2, biofuels) and improving LNG/storage safety.

Selection prioritizes regional and technological diversity, matching funds from non-federal sources, complementarity with existing infrastructure, and benefits to underserved/rural areas. Projects should use existing research sites where possible. Authorizes $45 million for fiscal year (FY) 2026 and $50 million annually for FY 2027–2030, funded from DOE's energy efficiency and fossil energy offices. Sunsets after 5 years.

• Joint Research and Development Program: DOE, in consultation with DOT and NIST, creates a program for early-stage (low technology readiness level) research on cost-effective materials and technologies for pipelines. Goals include commercialization, technical standards development, and avoiding overlap with PHMSA's existing pipeline safety research. Requires a memorandum of understanding (MOU) within 1 year for resource sharing and cost mechanisms. Uses existing infrastructure (e.g., national labs) and develops new if needed. Emphasizes diverse project scales, geographies, and transfers between agencies. Prioritizes research supporting the demonstration initiative and a new modernization center. Authorizes $20 million for FY 2026 and $30 million annually for FY 2027–2030. Sunsets after 5 years. Does not alter existing agency roles under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (2002).

• National Pipeline Modernization Center: DOE establishes a center, operated with a competitively selected eligible entity (prioritizing existing university energy research centers), to collaborate with industry on commercializing pipeline innovations. Located near key pipeline and transportation infrastructure. Coordinates with PHMSA training centers for inspector education and avoids duplicating the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety (2020). Agreements last up to 5 years. Authorizes $10 million for FY 2026 and $15 million annually for FY 2027–2030.

• NIST Pipeline Metrology Program: NIST leads a program on measurement science (metrology: the study of accurate measurements) for pipeline integrity, safety, efficiency, and resilience. Includes testing and evaluation in partnership with DOT and private/international standards groups. Allocates up to $2.5 million annually for FY 2026–2030 from NIST's budget.

• Funding Authorizations and Offsets: Draws from existing authorizations in the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (2022) for DOE offices, while reducing overall funding in those areas (e.g., cutting $100 million from energy efficiency and $555 million from fossil energy totals through FY 2030) to redirect toward pipeline R&D&D, including a new $455 million subcategory for pipeline activities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) by inserting a new section (40344) on the demonstration initiative and updating its table of contents.
• Modifies the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (2022) by extending authorization periods to FY 2030, reducing specified funding amounts, and adding explicit pipeline R&D&D allocations.
• Builds on but does not override prior laws like the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (2002) or the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act (2020), emphasizing coordination to prevent overlap.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Enhances inter-agency collaboration (e.g., DOE, DOT, NIST), providing new funding streams and infrastructure for R&D&D while requiring MOUs and metrics for efficiency. Could streamline pipeline oversight and innovation but adds administrative burdens for coordination and reporting.
• Citizens: Improves pipeline safety and reduces risks of leaks or failures, potentially lowering environmental damage (e.g., to air, water, soil) in communities, especially rural and underserved areas. May create jobs in research, manufacturing, and training, and support transition to cleaner fuels like hydrogen or biofuels.
• International Relations: Primarily domestic-focused, but advancements in standards and technologies (e.g., for CO2 or hydrogen transport) could influence global energy trade and safety norms through NIST's international collaborations, indirectly bolstering U.S. energy security.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: DOE (lead role), DOT/PHMSA (safety and transportation expertise), NIST (measurement standards), and others like the Department of the Interior.
• Industry and Private Sector: Pipeline operators, energy companies (e.g., natural gas, LNG, alternative fuels), manufacturers of materials/sensors, and private eligible entities benefiting from grants and commercialization opportunities.
• Academic and Research Institutions: Universities (particularly HBCUs, Tribal colleges, minority-serving institutions), national labs, and nonprofits, prioritized for partnerships and center operations.
• Communities and States: Rural and underserved populations near pipelines, gaining from safety improvements and environmental protections; state regulators and inspectors through enhanced training.
• Broader Groups: Environmental advocates (via reduced impacts) and energy consumers (via efficient infrastructure).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Authorizes specific appropriations with 5-year sunsets, ensuring temporary programs that require reauthorization; emphasizes competitive, merit-based selection to comply with federal grant rules. Reinforces existing frameworks without expanding agency authority beyond coordination and R&D&D.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers under Article I (e.g., taxing/spending for general welfare, regulating interstate commerce in energy transport). No apparent conflicts with federalism, as it involves voluntary state/federal coordination.
• Political: Promotes bipartisan energy innovation (introduced by a Republican and Democrat), balancing fossil fuels with renewables/alternatives amid debates on energy security and climate goals. Offsets funding to avoid net spending increases, potentially appealing in budget-constrained environments, but could spark debates over reallocations from other energy priorities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-29: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
• 2025-04-29: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-04-02: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
• 2025-04-02: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-02: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act — issued 2025-04-02 — PDF (20 pages)