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119-hr-3948119th CongressWALLET

Offshore Pipeline Safety Act

Sponsored By: Representative Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]

Introduced

Summary

Tightens offshore pipeline safety and decommissioning rules. The bill would require more frequent third-party inspections and continuous volumetric leak detection, and would set fees and studies to manage pipeline removals and environmental risks.

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  • Owners and operators would have to arrange internal and external third-party inspections at least every two years unless waived and equip pipelines with continuous volumetric leak-detection systems with alarms. They would also face an annual fee of at least $10,000 per mile for pipelines in 500+ foot water depth and $1,000 per mile for pipelines in water less than 500 feet.
  • Coastal communities, fishers, and mariners would get stronger safety and navigation protections because BSEE must consider hazards to navigation and fishing and must monitor and remove or re-secure exposed or shifting pipeline segments.
  • BSEE and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management would jointly study environmental tradeoffs of leaving pipelines in place versus removing them, identify high-risk decommissioned lines, and report within 18 months. The bill also requires a separate study on chemicals used in offshore operations with a report due in two years.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger oversight of offshore pipelines

If enacted, BSEE would track the condition and location of pipelines left on the seabed and keep records. If a pipeline segment is exposed or shifts, BSEE would remove it, make it safe, or re‑secure it on the seafloor. When deciding if a pipeline can be left in place, BSEE would weigh risks to navigation, fishing, other uses, and the environment. BSEE and BOEM would study whether to remove or leave pipelines and how to use fee money, and report to Congress within 18 months. BSEE would also study risks from chemicals used in offshore oil and gas and report within two years. No action under this bill would take effect without checking if it would reduce reef fish habitat.

Higher fees and checks for pipeline owners

If enacted, owners of offshore pipelines would face a new yearly fee. It would be at least $10,000 per mile in water 500 feet deep or more, and at least $1,000 per mile in shallower water. BSEE would set fee rules within 180 days. Within 18 months, owners would also need third‑party internal and external inspections at least every two years, unless BSEE says an inspection is not required. Pipelines would need continuous leak‑detection that compares input and output and sounds alarms.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 6/23/2025

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 6/23/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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