Pipeline Safety Engagement Act of 2025
The Pipeline Safety Engagement Act of 2025 would rename the Community Liaison Services within the Office of Pipeline Safety of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) as the Office of Public Engagement within one year of enactment. The bill then defines the Office’s duties as proactively engaging with a broad group of stakeholders (the public, pipeline operators, public safety organizations, and state, local, and Tribal officials) to raise awareness of pipeline safety, promote safety programs, inform the public about regulations and best practices, and assist with inquiries about pipeline safety. It also requires that Office activities and information be accessible to the public and preserves the position of “community liaisons” under the new Office. A report detailing implementation must be submitted to Congress within 18 months.
Key Points
- 1Within one year of enactment, rename the Community Liaison Services to the Office of Public Engagement within PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety.
- 2The Office’s duties include proactive stakeholder engagement to raise safety awareness, promote safety programs, inform the public about regulations and best practices, and assist with safety inquiries.
- 3The Office must ensure its activities and information are accessible to the public (public access requirement).
- 4The existing “community liaisons” positions would be incorporated into the new Office.
- 5The Secretary must submit a report to Congress on the implementation of these changes within 18 months.