WHAT:

H.R. 2613, the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act, will shore up U.S. energy security by expanding cross-agency research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities to develop innovative technologies that advance the next generation of pipeline infrastructure.

WHY IT MATTERS:

America’s vast network of pipelines – over three million miles – are the backbone of the U.S. energy and industrial sectors, securely delivering the resources that power our homes, grow our economy, and protect our national security. Today, approximately half of this system is more than 60 years old. As this critical infrastructure continues to age and as new clean energy comes online, there is an urgent need to modernize American pipelines for the next generation.

To meet this challenge, the U.S. must invest in a range of advanced technologies that keep many energy products – like LNG, CO2, hydrogen, ammonia, and others – in mind. Federal agencies like the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) require updated policy guidance and funding for research, development, and demonstration activities to ensure the longevity of our energy infrastructure.

As a leader in both energy innovation and fundamental research in advanced computing, materials science, and engineering, DOE plays a central role in these efforts. While DOE has an established history of leadership in pipeline RD&D through its Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management and its Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, these activities have never been formally authorized.

This reform will help accelerate the development of geothermal resources, a critical but often overlooked component of energy expansion. By removing unnecessary regulatory delays, the bill strengthens the U.S. geothermal industry and provides developers with greater certainty in project timelines. By streamlining the approval process, the GEO Act helps unlock the full potential of geothermal energy, reduces energy costs, and strengthens U.S. energy security.

WHAT'S NEXT:

The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act will provide Congressional direction for DOE, in coordination with other agencies like PHMSA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to preserve and expand these essential RD&D activities.

ORIGINAL SPONSOR:

Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC)

SUPPORT:

ClearPath Action

CONGRESS.GOV LINK:

H.R. 2613

PRINTABLE SUMMARY:

Printable summary of H.R. 2613