WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), today announced a bipartisan and bicameral agreement has been reached on pipeline safety legislation. Earlier this fall, the Energy and Commerce Committee voted 52 to 0 in support of H.R. 2937, the Pipeline Infrastructure and Community Protection Act. Additional pipeline safety bills have advanced in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the U.S. Senate, and the involved lawmakers have now produced a merged bill for final approval in both chambers. House leadership today unveiled the compromise legislation that will likely be scheduled for House floor debate and vote as early as next week. Upton authored the Pipeline Infrastructure and Community Protection Act with fellow Michigander and former Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI).
Upton issued the following statement:
“Pipeline safety is an issue that is important to all Americans, but it hits especially close to home for me as I have witnessed a pipeline tragedy in my home district. To support a strong economy we need access to affordable energy supplies, but first and foremost, we need to ensure our energy supplies are transported safely.
“I have worked hard with my colleagues in the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Senate to provide strong pipeline safety legislation that will safeguard our communities. This bill does much to hold those responsible for pipeline accidents accountable, but we recognize that the top priority is to prevent any pipeline failure before they occur, which is why the bill takes measurable steps to strengthen safety standards.
“I believe this bill strikes the appropriate balance of ensuring safety and protecting the environment while avoiding unnecessary damage to the economy. This bill enjoys broad bipartisan support among both chambers in Congress and I look forward to seeing it signed into law."
