Plant Safety Authorities Coordination Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 3, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to reduce federal pipeline safety regulatory oversight for certain gas movements within and immediately adjacent to industrial plants, potentially clarifying jurisdiction and reducing compliance burdens for operators.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 60101(a)(21) of title 49, United States Code, to narrow the definition of "transporting gas" under federal pipeline safety regulations. It specifically excludes gas movement through in-plant piping systems located entirely on plant grounds, and through transfer piping systems extending less than 1 mile outside plant grounds, provided the gas is used for direct plant operations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this legislation clarifies regulatory jurisdiction, preventing duplicative oversight by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for gas systems already subject to other robust plant safety protocols. They contend it will streamline compliance for industrial operators without compromising safety, as these systems are integral to plant operations and distinct from long-haul pipelines.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that this exclusion creates a regulatory loophole, potentially weakening safety standards for gas infrastructure near populated areas or critical facilities. They could argue that even short transfer lines outside plant grounds pose risks that warrant consistent federal oversight, and that existing plant safety protocols may not be as robust or consistently enforced as federal pipeline safety regulations.
The bill text is very short and can be read quickly, but understanding its full implications requires familiarity with existing federal pipeline safety regulations.
Section 2, amending 49 U.S.C. 60101(a)(21)
Exclusion of Plant-Internal and Short Transfer Gas Piping from 'Transporting Gas' Definition
This provision modifies federal law to specify that the movement of gas by a plant owner or operator for use in plant operations is not considered "transporting gas" under federal pipeline safety regulations, provided it occurs through specific piping systems. These include in-plant piping systems located entirely on the grounds of the plant, and transfer piping systems that extend less than 1 mile in length outside the grounds of the plant. This means the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) would no longer regulate these specific types of gas lines.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this clarifies that these systems, which are integral to plant operations, are best regulated under existing occupational safety and environmental regulations or state/local industrial codes, rather than federal pipeline safety rules designed for long-haul transmission. This avoids redundant regulation and allows for more tailored safety management.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that removing these systems from PHMSA's jurisdiction could create regulatory gaps, especially for transfer lines extending outside plant grounds, even if less than a mile. They may contend that PHMSA's expertise and national standards are crucial for ensuring consistent safety across all gas infrastructure, regardless of its primary purpose or location relative to a plant boundary.
Tradeoffs
The bill navigates the tension between streamlined, potentially less duplicative regulation for industrial facilities and the desire for comprehensive federal oversight of all gas infrastructure to ensure public and environmental safety. It balances industry's call for clarity and reduced burden against concerns about potential regulatory gaps.