Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland’s (WA-10) proposal, the Pipeline Safety Engagement Act, was included in the current version of the bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2025, which passed favorably out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The PIPES Act reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety programs for the next four years and provides a framework to advance the safety of energy infrastructure across the United States.
“Pipelines affect surrounding areas through safety, health, and the environment. The public must be fully informed on safety measures and regulations,” said 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 bill now awaits further consideration in the House of Representatives. You can read the bill text for the PIPES Act of 2025, which includes Strickland’s proposal, here.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.
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