WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland’s (WA-10) proposal, the Pipeline Safety Engagement Act, was included in the final version of the bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2023, which passed favorably out of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
“Pipelines affect surrounding areas through safety, health, and the environment. The public must be fully informed on safety measures and regulations,” said Rep. Strickland. “Creating an Office of Public Engagement will allow PHMSA to ramp up their efforts to engage with local communities about pipeline safety.”
The Pipeline Safety Engagement Act, in section 10 of the PIPES Act, designates the existing Community Liaison Services at PHMSA as the Office of Public Engagement and assigns specific duties to engage with the public, government officials, public safety organizations, and pipeline operators, as well as assist with inquiries regarding pipeline safety best practices and regulations. The Office will also promote the adoption and increased use of safety programs.
The PIPES Act reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety programs for the next four years. The act provides a framework to advance the safety of energy infrastructure across the United States. The bill now awaits further consideration in the House of Representatives.
You can read the bill text for the PIPES Act of 2023, which includes Strickland’s proposal, here.
U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.
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