Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes programs for researching, developing, and demonstrating advanced materials and technologies applicable to pipelines and associated infrastructure, such as liquefied natural gas facilities and liquid fuel storage facilities.

Highlights:

• Establishes programs for researching, developing, and demonstrating advanced materials and technologies applicable to pipelines and associated infrastructure, such as liquefied natural gas facilities and liquid fuel storage facilities (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a 5-year initiative under which DOE awards financial assistance for carrying out demonstration projects on low to mid-technology readiness level subjects to achieve deployment of technologies that (Sec. 2):

• Are applicable to pipelines and associated infrastructure; and

• Involve the development of next generation pipeline systems, components, and related technologies.

• Requires DOE to select projects that (Sec. 2):

• Best advance research undertaken by DOE and the Department of Transportation (DOT); and

• Incorporate a range of technology focus areas.

• Specifies that the DOE, in onsultation with DOT and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) establish a joint research and development program concerning advanced and innovative materials and technologies for pipeline transportation systems. 

• Requires that the DOE must enter into or update an existing memorandum of understanding with DOT and NIST to administer the joint program (Sec. 2).

• Requires that the DOE must also establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center, which must focus on collaborating with industry and stakeholders to coordinate and carry out research, development, and demonstration projects related to commercializing cost-effective products and procedures aligned with the goals and priorities set forth by DOE (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that additionally, NIST must carry out a program of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to (Sec. 2):

• Ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities; and

• Support pipeline safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text