[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7073 Reported in House (RH)]
<DOC>
Union Calendar No. 593
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7073
[Report No. 118-699]
To improve public-private partnerships and increase Federal research,
development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next
generation pipeline systems, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 22, 2024
Mr. Weber of Texas (for himself, Ms. Caraveo, Mr. Lucas, and Mr.
Obernolte) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
September 20, 2024
Additional sponsor: Mr. Williams of New York
September 20, 2024
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on January
22, 2024]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve public-private partnerships and increase Federal research,
development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next
generation pipeline systems, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Next Generation Pipelines Research
and Development Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Energy.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) an institution of higher education (as such
term is defined in section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))), including
historically Black colleges and universities (within
the meaning of the term ``part B institution'' in
section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1061)), Tribal colleges and universities (as
such term is defined in section 316 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c)), and minority
serving institutions (including the entities described
in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a)
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067q(a)));
(B) a nonprofit research organization;
(C) a National Laboratory (as such term is defined
in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 15801));
(D) a private commercial entity;
(E) a partnership or consortium of two or more
entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D)
that leverages existing Department efforts; or
(F) any other entity the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(4) Technical standards.--The term ``technical standard''
has the meaning given such term in section 12(d)(5) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15
U.S.C. 272 note).
SEC. 3. COORDINATION.
In carrying out this Act--
(1) the Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication and
achieve shared mission goals by coordinating with the
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration of the Department of Transportation and across
all relevant program offices at the Department of Energy,
including--
(A) the Office of Science;
(B) the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon
Management;
(C) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy;
(D) the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security,
and Emergency Response;
(E) the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy;
(F) the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations; and
(G) any other cross-cutting program office
determined appropriate;
(2) the Secretary of Transportation shall ensure
participation of and coordination with the Secretary of Energy
of--
(A) the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration of the Department of Transportation; and
(B) any other program office of the Department of
Transportation determined appropriate; and
(3) the Secretary shall coordinate with the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Secretary
of the Interior, and the heads of other relevant Federal
agencies, as appropriate.
SEC. 4. ADVANCED PIPELINE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES DEMONSTRATION
INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--Subtitle E of title III of division D of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 40344. ADVANCED PIPELINE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
DEMONSTRATION INITIATIVE.
``(a) Establishment of Initiative.--The Secretary shall establish a
demonstration initiative (in this section referred to as the
`Initiative') under which the Secretary, through a competitive merit
review process, shall award financial assistance to eligible entities
to carry out demonstration projects on low- to mid-technology readiness
level subjects to achieve deployment of technologies that--
``(1) are applicable to pipelines and associated
infrastructure, including liquefied natural gas facilities and
underground and above ground gas and liquid fuel storage
facilities; and
``(2) involve the development of next generation pipeline
systems, components, and related technologies.
``(b) Demonstration Project Focus Areas.--In carrying out the
Initiative, the Secretary shall select demonstration projects that best
advance research undertaken by the Department and the Department of
Transportation and incorporate a range of technology focus areas, which
may include the following:
``(1) Advanced leak detection and mitigation tools and
technologies.
``(2) Novel materials, including alloy and nonmetallic
materials, to improve integrity for new and existing pipelines,
such as pipeline coatings, sleeves, and liners, and corrosion
resistant materials, including maximum and minimum flow rates
and immunity to electrical discharge processes.
``(3) Technologies and methods for retrofitting existing
pipelines, resolving material compatibility issues, and
minimizing leakage, such as field protective coatings and
material treatment.
``(4) Advanced manufacturing approaches for producing,
fitting, and coupling pipelines, including the fabrication of
higher performance pipeline materials and new extrusion
technologies or methods to join ultra-high strength and
corrosion resistant materials at a scale for distribution.
``(5) Advanced sensor technologies and processes that
enable real-time or in situ monitoring of pipeline assets to
assess and mitigate leaks, both internal and external to the
pipeline, which may include the following:
``(A) Wireless sensors, such as surface acoustic
wave sensors.
``(B) Advanced and cost-effective electrochemical
sensors.
``(C) Distributed fiber optic sensors.
``(D) Autonomous sensor systems, including uncrewed
aircraft.
``(E) Optical methods.
``(F) Multi-use platforms for diverse sources.
``(G) Hybrid data-analysis platforms.
``(6) Advanced computational, data analytics, and machine
learning models to achieve the following:
``(A) Multiscale modeling, characterization, and
optimization of transmission and distribution systems
and components to aid in planning for optimized and
resilient infrastructure.
``(B) Correlation between sensor and emissions data
at all operational points and across a variety of
scales to assure system integrity spanning large areas.
``(C) Accurate material lifecycle predictions and
simulation platforms to forecast pipeline health.
``(D) Secure real time autonomous monitoring and
repair capabilities.
``(E) Mapping and monitoring of structural health
parameters, such as corrosion.
``(7) Self-healing and self-repair functionalities,
including by chemical treatment methods.
``(8) Autonomous robotic and patch technologies for
inspection and repair.
``(9) Dynamic compressor technologies, including retrofit
kits for existing compressor systems.
``(10) Strategies and technologies for integrated
cybersecurity considerations and countering cyberattacks.
``(11) Technologies and methods to reduce potential
environmental impacts, including at the atmospheric and
subsurface level, associated with pipelines, liquefied natural
gas facilities, and gas and liquid fuel storage facilities,
such as equipment failure.
``(12) Tools to evaluate geographical pipeline data for the
feasibility of repurposing existing infrastructure for safe and
effective transport and use of alternative fuels, blends, and
carbon dioxide.
``(13) Tools and technologies applicable to improving the
safety, operation, and efficiency of liquefied natural gas
facilities and gas and liquid fuel storage facilities.
``(c) Selection Requirements.--In selecting eligible entities for
demonstration projects under the Initiative, the Secretary shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, take the following actions:
``(1) Encourage regional diversity among eligible entities,
including participation by such entities located in rural
States.
``(2) Prioritize technological diversity among eligible
entities.
``(3) Prioritize a diverse mix of energy, substances, fuel
sources, and byproducts, including the following:
``(A) Gas and liquid hydrocarbons, including
natural gas, renewable natural gas, methane, ethane,
and liquefied natural gas.
``(B) Carbon dioxide.
``(C) Hydrogen.
``(D) Biofuels.
``(E) Water.
``(F) Substances in the hydrogen supply chain,
including ammonia and liquid organic hydrogen carriers.
``(G) Blends of gases or liquids, including
hydrogen blends.
``(H) Any other source the Secretary determines
appropriate.
``(4) Prioritize projects that leverage and are
complementary to existing energy infrastructure.
``(5) Prioritize projects that leverage matching funds from
non-Federal sources.
``(6) Ensure that selected projects are coordinated with or
expand on the existing technology demonstration programs of the
Department.
``(7) Evaluate projects and topics for technical
performance and economic feasibility as part of lifecycle
assessments for return on investment impact.
``(8) Prioritize projects that can quantifiably reduce the
environmental impacts of pipelines and associated
infrastructure on air, water, or soil quality in all regions of
the United States, especially in underserved and rural
communities.
``(d) Location.--To the maximum extent practicable, demonstration
projects under the Initiative shall be located on sites with existing
research infrastructure or with the ability to coordinate with existing
Department user facilities and research centers.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of funds authorized to
be appropriated for--
``(1) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
and
``(2) the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management,
pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (6), respectively, of section 10771 of
subtitle O of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition,
and Innovation Act (enacted as division B of Public Law 117-167), there
is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry
out this section $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, and $50,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
``(f) Sunset.--This section shall terminate five years after the
date of the enactment of this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 40343 the following new item:
``Sec. 40344. Advanced pipeline materials and technologies
demonstration initiative.''.
SEC. 5. JOINT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and in
coordination with the demonstration initiative established pursuant to
section 40344 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law
117-58), as added by section 4, shall establish within the Department a
joint research and development program (referred to in this Act as the
``Joint Program'') to carry out research projects that--
(1) develop cost-effective advanced materials and
technologies for pipeline transportation systems at different
scales;
(2) enable the commercialization of innovative materials
and technologies for pipeline transportation systems;
(3) support the development of technical standards of
innovative materials and technologies for pipeline
transportation systems; and
(4) are at a low technology readiness level and not pursued
by the Pipeline Safety Research Program of the Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the Department of
Transportation.
(b) Memorandum of Understanding.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into or
update an existing memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of
Transportation and the Director of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology to administer the Joint Program. Such memorandum shall
require each participating agency to--
(1) identify unique research capabilities to contribute
while avoiding duplication of existing efforts; and
(2) include cost sharing and cost reimbursement abilities
among participating agencies, including any training or
resource outlays that will be required.
(c) Infrastructure.--In carrying out the Joint Program, the
Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology shall--
(1) use existing research infrastructure at--
(A) Department of Energy facilities, including
National Laboratories;
(B) Department of Transportation initiatives,
including any such initiatives carried out through the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration;
and
(C) the National Institute of Standards and
Technology; and
(2) develop new infrastructure for potential projects, if
appropriate.
(d) Goals and Metrics.--The Secretary, the Secretary of
Transportation, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology shall develop goals and metrics for each agency in
meeting technological progress under the Joint Program, consistent with
existing United States energy safety, resilience, and security
policies.
(e) Selection of Projects.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology shall ensure the
following with respect to the Joint Program:
(1) Projects are carried out under conditions that
represent a variety of geographies, physical conditions, and
market constraints.
(2) Projects represent an appropriate balance of the
following:
(A) Larger, higher-cost projects.
(B) Smaller, lower-cost projects.
(3) To the maximum extent practicable, projects are
transferred between participating agencies based on the stage
of research and capabilities of each agency.
(f) Priority.--In carrying out the Joint Program, the Secretary,
the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and
the Secretary of Transportation shall, through consultation with the
demonstration initiative established pursuant to section 40344 of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), as added by
section 4, to identify and advance areas of research most needed for
demonstration projects under such demonstration initiative, give
priority to research and demonstration projects that--
(1) are likely to be of value to such demonstration
initiative; and
(2) are done in coordination with, or advance knowledge
critical to, the National Pipeline Modernization Center
established pursuant to section 6.
(g) Relation to Existing Law.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to change existing agency roles, responsibilities, or areas
of expertise as described in section 12 of the Pipeline Safety
Improvement Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-355; 49 U.S.C. 60101 note)
(h) Sunset.--This section shall terminate five years after the date
of the enactment of this section.
SEC. 6. NATIONAL PIPELINE MODERNIZATION CENTER.
(a) In General.--In carrying out the demonstration initiative
established pursuant to section 40344 of the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), as added by section 4, and the Joint
Program and subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Secretary shall establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center
(referred to in this Act as the ``Center''), which shall focus on
collaborating with industry and stakeholders to coordinate and carry
out research, development, and demonstration projects focused on
commercializing cost-effective products and procedures aligned with the
goals and priorities set forth by the Department.
(b) Selection.--The Secretary shall administer the Center in
conjunction with an eligible entity pursuant to an agreement between
the Department and such entity. Such entity shall be selected on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
(c) Existing Centers.--In administering the Center, the Secretary
shall prioritize higher education energy-related research centers in
existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Period of Performance.--An agreement under subsection (b) shall
be for a period of not more than five years, subject to the
availability of appropriations.
(e) Location.--The Center shall be located in proximity to critical
transportation infrastructure connecting to an existing national
pipeline transportation system and other Department monitoring assets,
as determined by the Secretary.
(f) Coordination With Training and Qualifications Center.--In
carrying out the functions described in subsection (a), the Center
shall coordinate and collaborate with training centers of the Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the Department of
Transportation to facilitate knowledge sharing among, and enhanced
training opportunities for, Federal and State pipeline safety
inspectors and investigators.
(g) Duplication.--The Secretary shall ensure the coordination of,
and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities under this section
with the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas Safety
established pursuant to section 111 of the Protecting our
Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 (49 U.S.C.
60103 note; Public Law 116-260, div. R, title I).
SEC. 7. NIST PIPELINE METROLOGY.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall
carry out a program of measurement research, development,
demonstration, and standardization to--
(1) ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities; and
(2) support pipeline safety, security, efficiency,
sustainability, and resilience.
(b) Testing.--The Director of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology, in collaboration with the Secretary of the Department
of Transportation and in consultation with the private sector and
international standards organizations, shall support testing,
evaluation, and research infrastructure to support the activities
described in subsection (a).
(c) Allocation of Appropriations.--From amounts appropriated or
otherwise made available for the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall allocate up to $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years
2025 through 2029 to carry out this section.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--Out of funds authorized to be appropriated for the
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Office of
Fossil Energy and Carbon Management pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (6),
respectively, of section 10771 of subtitle O of title VI of the
Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as
division B of Public Law 117-167), there is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out--
(1) section 5, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, and
$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029; and
(2) section 6, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, and
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
(b) Offset.--Section 10771 of subtitle O of title VI of the
Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as
division B of Public Law 117-167) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``2026'' and inserting ``2029''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``1,200,000,000'' and inserting ``$1,100,000,000''; and
(2) in subsection (6)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``2026'' and inserting ``2029'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``600,000,000'' and inserting ``$445,000,000'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``200,000,000'' and
inserting ``$100,000,000''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(D) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``1,000,000,000'' and
inserting ``$900,000,000''; and
(ii) by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) $455,000,000 to carry out pipeline research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application
activities.''.
Union Calendar No. 593
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7073
[Report No. 118-699]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve public-private partnerships and increase Federal research,
development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next
generation pipeline systems, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
September 20, 2024
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed