H.R. 2613

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2613 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2613

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

April 2, 2025

Mr. Weber of Texas (for himself and Ms. Ross) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology

_______________________________________________________________________

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 2026, and $50,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.
``(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 reviews, approvals, 
trainings, 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, 
respectively, 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, 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; enacted as division R of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260)).

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 
2026 through 2030 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 2026, and 
$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030; and
(2) section 6, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and 
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.
(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 ``2030''; 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 ``2030'';
(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.''.
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