Overview

Title

An Act 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.

ELI5 AI

H.R. 7073 is a plan to help people work together to make pipelines safer and better for the environment by giving money to support new ideas and projects. It also sets up special places and programs to study and improve how we use pipelines.

Summary AI

H.R. 7073, titled the "Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act," aims to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop advanced technologies for pipeline systems in the U.S. The bill seeks to enhance research, development, and demonstration projects focused on improving the safety, efficiency, and environmental impact of pipelines and related infrastructure. It includes provisions for substantial financial support to eligible entities, prioritizing technological diversity and regional representation. Additionally, the bill establishes a National Pipeline Modernization Center and involves the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in pipeline measurement and safety research.

Published

2024-09-24
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Engrossed in House
Date: 2024-09-24
Package ID: BILLS-118hr7073eh

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
9
Words:
3,871
Pages:
22
Sentences:
78

Language

Nouns: 1,184
Verbs: 272
Adjectives: 227
Adverbs: 10
Numbers: 167
Entities: 209

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.59
Average Sentence Length:
49.63
Token Entropy:
5.28
Readability (ARI):
28.32

AnalysisAI

General Summary of the Bill

The "Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act," also known as H.R. 7073, is legislation aimed at fostering innovation in pipeline technology in the United States. The Act seeks to improve public-private partnerships and bolster federal efforts in researching, developing, and demonstrating advanced pipeline systems. It emphasizes supporting projects that utilize cutting-edge materials and methods to enhance the safety, efficiency, and environmental compatibility of pipeline infrastructure.

The bill empowers the Department of Energy, in collaboration with other federal bodies like the Department of Transportation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to spearhead various initiatives and research programs. These efforts include a demonstration initiative for advanced pipeline technologies, a joint research and development program, and the establishment of a National Pipeline Modernization Center.

Summary of Significant Issues

One substantial issue with the bill pertains to the broad definition of "eligible entity," which allows for wide discretion by the Secretary of Energy in determining qualifying participants. This discretion could lead to uncertain eligibility criteria and the potential for favoritism. Furthermore, sections allocating financial resources, such as the $50 million annually from 2026 to 2029, do not clearly define performance metrics or guidelines for evaluating projects, which may result in inefficient spending or resource misallocation.

The bill also indicates a preference for projects leveraging existing energy infrastructure, potentially disadvantaging smaller or rural organizations that lack such resources. Additionally, the inclusion of specific materials, like hydrogen and ammonia, could implicitly favor projects incorporating these substances, further complicating equitable distribution of support.

Coordination between initiatives and participating agencies appears crucial yet complex, which could lead to redundant efforts if not properly managed. Lastly, sunset clauses within the bill may not provide adequate plans for transitioning or continuing successful projects, risking the loss of valuable developmental momentum.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this bill could have significant positive impacts on public safety and environmental health by advancing pipeline reliability and reducing risks of leaks and associated disasters. Improved pipeline systems could also contribute to economic growth by enhancing energy efficiency and enabling the integration of alternative, cleaner energy sources.

For consumers, the long-term benefits could include more stable energy prices and a transition towards more sustainable energy options. However, the bill's success heavily depends on the effective allocation and management of appropriations, ensuring that projects deliver tangible public benefits.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Energy Companies and Manufacturers: These stakeholders could benefit from newly available funding and opportunities to participate in innovative projects, potentially leading to market expansion and technological advancements.

Research Institutions and Universities: These entities might gain research opportunities and funding support, fostering new academic-industry collaborations and advancements in the science of pipeline technology.

Environmental Advocacy Groups: While supportive of the bill’s environmental focus, these groups may closely monitor the implementation to ensure that promised reductions in environmental impacts materialize.

Rural and Underserved Communities: These communities could face challenges if emphasis and funding disproportionately favor projects in established, wealthier infrastructure regions. Efforts ensuring equitable distribution and participation would be necessary to mitigate potential disparities.

In conclusion, successful implementation of H.R. 7073 could spur significant technological and economic advancements in the pipeline sector; however, careful oversight will be necessary to navigate the described issues and ensure equitable access and benefits across various stakeholders.

Financial Assessment

The bill, titled the "Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act," outlines several financial allocations and appropriations aimed at advancing pipeline technology and infrastructure in the United States. The financial aspects of the bill address both specific appropriations and broader financial strategies to promote research and development.

Spending and Appropriations

The bill includes a significant allocation of funds to enhance pipeline research and development. Notably, $45 million is authorized for fiscal year 2025, with additional funds of $50 million annually from 2026 through 2029. This funding is specifically directed towards the Secretary of Energy to support the provisions outlined in Section 4 of the bill. The funds are intended to be drawn from resources authorized for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.

Additionally, Section 5 outlines further financial commitments for joint research and development programs. The bill authorizes $20 million for fiscal year 2025, increasing to $30 million for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2029.

For the establishment of the National Pipeline Modernization Center detailed in Section 6, the bill authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 2025 and $15 million per year from 2026 to 2029.

There is also a specific allocation in Section 7, where up to $2.5 million per year from 2025 to 2029 is allocated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support pipeline metrology programs.

Issues Related to Financial Allocations

The financial allocations articulated in the bill raise several issues, as identified in the analysis. One of the central concerns is the lack of specific guidelines or metrics for evaluating the projects that will receive this substantial funding. Without clear criteria for assessment, there is a risk of wasteful spending or misallocation of resources, potentially leading to inefficiencies.

Another issue is the broad definition of "eligible entity" which gives the Secretary of Energy considerable discretion over which organizations can qualify for funding. This could lead to a lack of transparency or favoritism in the distribution of funds.

The bill also prioritizes projects that leverage existing energy infrastructure, possibly sidelining smaller or rural entities that might not have access to such infrastructure. This could result in an inequitable allocation of resources, where regions or entities already well-equipped receive the majority of financial benefits.

In Section 4, the emphasis on certain materials like hydrogen and ammonia might lead to a concentration of funding in these areas, potentially overlooking other deserving projects or technologies.

The competitive merit review process for awarding financial assistance lacks specificity, and concerns of unclear assessment criteria or favoritism are prevalent.

Finally, the sunset clauses in Sections 4 and 5, which provide a termination date for these sections five years after enactment, do not adequately outline plans for continuing or transitioning successful initiatives. This could lead to disruptions or a loss of progress if key projects are left without funding.

In summary, while the bill earmarks substantial financial resources towards the advancement of pipeline technologies, it also presents potential challenges in ensuring these funds are allocated effectively, equitably, and transparently to achieve the intended outcomes.

Issues

  • The broad definition of 'eligible entity' in Section 2 allows for wide discretion by the Secretary of Energy in determining what entities qualify, potentially leading to unclear eligibility criteria and favoritism concerns.

  • Section 4 outlines a substantial allocation of appropriations ($45 million for FY 2025 and $50 million annually from 2026 to 2029) without specific guidelines or metrics for evaluating projects, which could result in wasteful spending or misallocation of resources.

  • The prioritization of projects that leverage existing energy infrastructure in Section 4 might unintentionally favor organizations or regions already possessing such infrastructure, potentially disadvantaging smaller or rural entities.

  • The language regarding 'regional diversity' and 'technological diversity' in Section 4 is vague and lacks specific criteria, raising concerns about how these priorities will actually be implemented and monitored.

  • In Section 4, the inclusion of specific materials like hydrogen and ammonia in the demonstration initiative criteria might result in favoritism towards projects focused on these substances due to their direct mention.

  • There is a lack of specificity in the competitive merit review process for financial assistance outlined in Section 40344, which might lead to unclear assessment and favoritism concerns.

  • Section 6 discusses establishing a National Pipeline Modernization Center without clear criteria for eligible entity selection, which could lead to wasteful spending and inefficiencies.

  • Sections 5 and 6 have potential for duplication of efforts and responsibilities, requiring better coordination and clear delineation of roles to ensure efficiency and transparency.

  • Section 7 does not clearly specify the goals or metrics for evaluation of the NIST pipeline metrology program, posing risks of inefficiencies or lack of accountability.

  • The sunset clause in Sections 4 and 5 might fail to provide clear plans for continuation or transition of successful initiatives, potentially resulting in disruption or loss of progress.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The first section of the Act provides a short title for the legislation, which is the “Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act”.

2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section defines key terms used in the Act, including the "Department" as the Department of Energy, the "Secretary" as the Secretary of Energy, and "Technical Standards" based on the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act. It also describes an "Eligible Entity" as various organizations that can participate, such as universities, research organizations, laboratories, private companies, or partnerships, as determined by the Secretary.

3. Coordination Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, the Secretary is tasked with coordinating efforts to avoid unnecessary duplication and meet mission goals by working with various offices within the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation. Additionally, the Secretary must collaborate with other key federal agencies including the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Department of the Interior.

4. Advanced pipeline materials and technologies demonstration initiative Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes an initiative where the Secretary of Energy will fund projects to demonstrate advanced pipeline technologies, focusing on improving the safety, efficiency, and environmental impact of pipelines and related infrastructure through innovative materials and methods. The initiative will prioritize diversity in location, technology, and energy sources while coordinating with existing research facilities and is backed by significant federal funding through 2029.

Money References

  • “(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.”.

40344. Advanced pipeline materials and technologies demonstration initiative Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes a demonstration initiative led by the Secretary of Energy to financially support projects that develop advanced pipeline technologies. These projects focus on improving pipeline systems and infrastructure through innovative materials, leak detection, manufacturing techniques, sensors, and cybersecurity, with an emphasis on regional and technological diversity and reducing environmental impacts.

Money References

  • (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. ---

5. Joint research and development program Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Joint Program is a research initiative managed by the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, aimed at developing advanced materials and technologies for pipelines. It focuses on collaboration between these agencies to avoid duplicated efforts, and ensures projects are balanced between larger and smaller cost scales, with a priority on projects that aid the National Pipeline Modernization Center and are valuable for infrastructure demonstrations.

6. National Pipeline Modernization Center Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text establishes a National Pipeline Modernization Center aimed at working with industry and stakeholders to develop cost-effective products for pipeline infrastructure. The Center will be chosen competitively, prioritize existing research centers, have a five-year operation period, be near major transportation systems, and coordinate with safety training centers to avoid overlapping with other similar initiatives.

7. NIST pipeline metrology Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is tasked with starting a program focused on research, development, and setting standards to ensure pipeline safety and efficiency, as long as funding is available. NIST will work with the Department of Transportation and other organizations to support testing and research, with up to $2.5 million allocated annually from 2025 to 2029 for these activities.

Money References

  • (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. ---

8. Authorization of appropriations Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section authorizes the appropriation of funds for energy initiatives, specifying $20 million for fiscal year 2025 and $30 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 for one section, and $10 million for fiscal year 2025 and $15 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 for another. It also updates funding provisions by changing amounts and extending the timeline from 2026 to 2029, and adds $455 million for pipeline research and development activities.

Money References

  • (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.”. ---