Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s (WA-10) Pipeline Safety Engagement Act was included in the current version of the bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2025. Strickland’s remarks are transcribed below, and can be viewed here:
Chairman Sam Graves: Ms. Strickland.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland: Thank you Chairman Graves, and Ranking Member Larsen, and Chairman Webster, and Ranking Member Titus for leading this bipartisan effort to ensure the safe movement of energy through our 3.3-million-mile pipeline network.
The PIPES Act of 2025 renews Congress’ commitment to pipeline safety and integrity by shoring up subject-matter expertise at PHMSA, investing in the next generation of pipeline workers, and laying the groundwork for more efficient solutions as our energy needs evolve.
We do a lot of work here in this Committee, but safety is always our top priority. Safety is how we build public trust. And what I’ve learned from my conversations with my constituents – as I’m sure you all have – is that pipeline safety should never be a partisan issue. This is about trust. It’s about safety, and after pipes are laid. And that’s why I’m pleased that my bill, the Pipeline Safety Engagement Act of 2025, was included in this bill under Section 10.
My proposal elevates PHMSA’s public facing responsibilities by redesignating community liaison services as the Office of Public Engagement, and the direct point of contact for the public, local government officials, public safety organizations, and pipeline operators. People often don’t know where to go and this creates a centralized location. This office is going to respond to public inquiries regarding pipeline safety, best practices, and regulations.
It will also promote broader adoption of safety programs. And for example, when we think of natural gas pipelines out of sight, that does not mean they’re out of mind for families, homeowners, and business owners who live and work above them.
At a time when DOGE-related workforce cuts have raised concerns about federal agencies’ ability to communicate with the public and keep us safe, we must reaffirm PHMSA’s responsibility to reach the American people where they are with clear, accessible, and timely information.
This Administration says it wants to be the most transparent in our nation’s history – this is one way to do that. We must make good on the promise by making sure that the American people not only know what’s running under their homes and communities, but also know where they can go if they have issues, questions, or concerns. They want to know that government is in fact looking out for them.
This is about building relationships, about transparency, and building public trust. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back Mr. Chair.
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