Next-gen pipelines R&D bill cosponsored by Kim

To promote U.S. energy security, U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) on Nov. 17 joined six of her Republican colleagues to introduce legislation that would improve public-private partnerships and increase federal research, development, and demonstration around next-generation pipeline systems.

“U.S. energy independence is critical to create jobs, lower costs of fuel and utilities, strengthen our domestic resources and ensure we do not have to rely on adversaries to fuel our country,” Rep. Kim said. “We must improve our energy pipelines to keep our communities running.” 

The congresswoman signed on as an original cosponsor of the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act, H.R. 9349,  with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) and five fellow cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK).

If enacted, the bill would create a demonstration initiative at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that would support projects related to energy pipeline performance, safety and integrity, according to a bill summary provided by her office.

“The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act is a common-sense bill to improve energy infrastructure, boost American innovation and secure our supply chains,” said Rep. Kim. “I’ll keep fighting for U.S. energy independence.” 

H.R. 9349 also would establish a joint R&D program between DOE, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and form a National Pipeline Modernization Center at DOE as a collaboration hub for the public and private sectors to understand and assist the joint R&D research and demonstration projects, the bill summary says.

The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee for consideration.