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119-hr-2613119th Congress

Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act

Sponsored By: Representative Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

In Committee

Summary

Creates a coordinated federal push to accelerate next‑generation pipeline research, demonstrations, and commercialization. It sets up DOE‑led programs, a National Pipeline Modernization Center, and a NIST metrology effort to move new materials, sensors, and safety tools toward markets.

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  • Industry and workers: Funds commercialization, manufacturing scale‑up, and training with priority for existing higher education energy research centers. Section 6 is authorized at $10 million in FY2026 and $15 million annually for FY2027–2030.
  • Researchers and national labs: Establishes a DOE Joint Research and Development Program and a Demonstration Initiative covering 13 focus areas from advanced materials and coatings to sensors, data analytics, robotics, compressor tech, cybersecurity, and alternative fuels. Section 5 is authorized at $20 million in FY2026 and $30 million annually for FY2027–2030.
  • Regulators and standards bodies: Creates a NIST pipeline metrology program with up to $2.5 million per year for FY2026–2030 to improve measurement, testing, and standards, and it adjusts existing R&D authorizations while adding a dedicated $455 million line for pipeline R&D.

*Authorizes targeted appropriations and repurposes existing R&D authorizations through offsets, focusing on reallocations rather than clearly increasing total federal spending in the sources.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New pipeline demos and joint research

This bill would fund two DOE efforts to test and mature pipeline tech. It would authorize $45 million in FY2026 and $50 million each year in FY2027–FY2030 for competitive demonstration awards. It would also authorize $20 million in FY2026 and $30 million each year in FY2027–FY2030 for a joint low‑TRL research program run with DOT and NIST. The Secretary would need a formal agreement with DOT and NIST within one year, and projects must not duplicate PHMSA’s safety research. These programs would end at the close of FY2030 and depend on future appropriations.

Shifts in research funds toward pipelines

The bill would move and extend existing federal R&D authorizations to support pipeline work. It would change dates in section 10771 from 2026 to 2030. It would cut four existing authorization lines by $100 million, $155 million, $100 million, and $100 million, and add a new $455 million authorization dedicated to pipeline R&D, demonstration, and commercialization. These are authorizations only and would take effect upon enactment but still need future appropriations.

Who can apply and agency coordination

The bill would define who can apply for awards: colleges (including HBCUs, Tribal colleges, and MSIs), nonprofits, national labs, private firms, and consortia. It would also use the federal definition of a technical standard. DOE would need to coordinate with PHMSA, NIST, Interior, and multiple DOE offices to avoid duplicate work and align goals. These rules would guide all programs created by the bill.

National pipeline center and NIST standards

The bill would set up a National Pipeline Modernization Center with a competitively selected partner. It would authorize $10 million in FY2026 and $15 million each year in FY2027–FY2030 for the center, which must coordinate with PHMSA training centers and avoid duplication with the LNG safety center. NIST would run a pipeline measurement and standards program, with up to $2.5 million each year in FY2026–FY2030 from NIST funds. These efforts would sunset at the end of FY2030 and rely on future appropriations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 4/2/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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