Washington (July 29, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), along with Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) introduced the Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act of 2025 to modernize decades-old gas pipeline leak detection and repair requirements. The bill would codify a Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rule that enhances the safety of natural gas pipelines by reducing methane emissions.
“Old and leaky pipelines are a critical issue in Massachusetts, which has some of the nation’s oldest gas infrastructure. When pipes leak methane, they release a potent planet-warming greenhouse gas that is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Households also foot the bill for leaky pipes, since utilities still charge for all that missing gas. We must address methane leaks in order to address climate change, cut energy bills, and keep communities safe and healthy. We can’t delay any longer – this bill will ensure pipeline leak detection and repair finally happens,” said Senator Markey.
“In New Mexico and across the country, stronger gas leak detection and repair standards are critical to protecting our communities,” said Senator Luján. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act – legislation to modernize outdated requirements, reduce harmful emissions, and improve pipeline safety. This legislation will allow us to address gas leaks before they ever endanger lives, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this passed.”
“Methane and other natural gas pipeline leaks threaten the safety of our communities and worsen the climate crisis,” said Representative Peters. “America’s pipeline safety standards are dangerously out-of-date. The Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act will codify the final PHMSA rule, which will deploy more advanced leak detection technologies, strengthen surveying and reporting requirements, and quicken leak repairs. I look forward to passing this commonsense legislation to keep American communities safe and healthy.”
“Louisiana is at the forefront of America's evolving energy landscape — and we understand that strong, smart pipeline safety rules protect the environment, our economy, and our communities. This bill will help us prevent costly and dangerous methane leaks, reduce waste, support thousands of good-paying jobs, and promote cutting-edge technology developed right here at home. It builds on years of research and recommendations from industry and environmental experts, and ensures our energy system is safer, cleaner, and more efficient for the next generation,” said Representative Carter.
The Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act of 2025 would update decades-old leak detection and repair requirements and enhance safety by:
The PHMSA rule was drafted with robust stakeholder input and support in response to section 113 of the PIPES Act of 2020. The new requirements in the rule are based on 28 consensus recommendations from representatives of the pipeline sector. The codification of this rule would simultaneously reduce methane emissions while protecting public health, promoting U.S. innovation in new technologies, lowering energy costs for families by reducing inefficiency and waste, and supporting good-paying jobs for thousands of skilled workers across the country.
“Pipeline Safety Trust commends Senator Luján, Senator Markey, Representative Peters and Representative Carter for their leadership in championing the finalization of PHMSA’s advanced leak detection and repair rule. Finalizing this rule is a long overdue step toward protecting communities living near gas pipelines. Allowing entirely preventable and dangerous gas leaks to go unaddressed puts lives at risk. This legislation ensures that operators are required to find and fix leaks before they become disasters. It’s a commonsense safety improvement that will save lives, and we strongly support it,” said Erin Sutherland, Policy & Program Director/Counsel at Pipeline Safety Trust.
“Rigorous pipeline maintenance is essential for keeping our communities and environment safe from leaking natural gas pipelines and reducing methane waste,” said Joanna Slaney, Vice President for Political and Governmental Affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund. “Natural gas pipelines leak enough each year to meet the gas needs of nearly 2.5 million homes. Senator Lujan, Senator Markey, Representative Peters, and Representative Carter’s proposed legislation will reduce this waste, stop dangerous leaks of natural gas pollution and keep our air clean by updating decades-old leak detection and repair requirements for natural gas pipelines.”
The legislation is cosponsored by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M).
The legislation is supported by Pipeline Safety Trust, Environmental Defense Fund, Moms Clean Air Force, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Appalachian Voices.
Full list of supporting quotes can be found HERE.
Full bill text is available HERE.
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