Review – S 2661 Introduced – Pipeline Risk-Based Inspections

Back in August Sen Curtis (R,UT) introduced S 2661, to allow for the use of risk-based inspections for in-service breakout tanks. The bill would require the DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to revise 49 CFR 195.432 to allow for risk-based inspections of in-service breakout tanks. No new funding would be authorized by this legislation.

Moving Forward                                                            

Curtis is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee to which this bill was assigned for consideration. This means that there may be sufficient influence to see the bill considered in Committee. I suspect that there may be some opposition in Committee to this level of detail in providing direction to PHMSA’s regulatory development efforts. Even if this this bill were to be favorably reported out of Committee, it would be very unlikely to be considered by the full Senate because of time constraints.

 

For more information on the provisions of this bill, please see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/s-2661-introduced-pipeline-risk-based - subscription required.

Review - Bills Introduced – 8-1-25

Yesterday, with the Senate in Washington and the House meeting in proforma session, there were 99 bills introduced. Two of those bills will receive additional coverage here:

S 2660 A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to protect the use of risk-based approaches by owners and operators of certain pipeline facilities, and for other purposes. Curtis, John R. [Sen.-R-UT]

S 2661 A bill to allow for the use of risk-based inspections for in-service breakout tanks. Curtis, John R. [Sen.-R-UT]

 

For more information on these bills, including legislative history for similar bills in the 118th, as well a a mention in passing of a regulatory disapproval resolution from Democrats, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/bills-introduced-8-1-25 - subscription required.