Draft PHMSA Bill Serves As Proxy For CO2 Pipeline, Methane Leak Debates

Debate over House lawmakers’ draft legislation to reauthorize the federal pipeline agency’s programs is serving as a proxy for major disputes over various agency activities such as its proposed rule addressing methane leaks and an ongoing effort to set safety standards for pipelines carrying carbon dioxide. These debates surfaced during a Jan. 18 House Energy & Commerce climate subcommittee hearing to discuss Republicans’ draft legislation reauthorizing various programs at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The draft bill...