SAT Act

The SAT Act would amend the federal pipeline safety law to require the Secretary of Transportation to authorize the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and satellites for inspecting the surface conditions along a pipeline’s rights-of-way (ROW). In other words, it directs federal policymakers to enable and permit pipeline owners and operators to use drones and satellite imagery as part of routine ROW inspections, alongside existing inspection methods. The bill also clarifies that this authorization does not relieve operators of their obligations to follow all applicable laws and regulations governing the operation of drones or satellite systems (e.g., FAA rules).