WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in unanimously approving bipartisan legislation that will enhance pipeline safety, clarify safety oversight efforts, and provide greater regulatory certainty. The PIPES Act of 2016 reauthorizes the federal pipeline safety program within Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) for four years and requires the agency to update safety regulations, increase transparency, and embrace emerging technologies. The legislation also includes a provision championed by Upton that requires increased inspections for some underwater pipelines, including the Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac.

“More than two-thirds of U.S. energy consumption moves through our nation’s pipeline network and our bipartisan efforts will improve safety of this critical infrastructure here in Michigan and across the country,” said Upton. “Certain pipelines should be subject to greater scrutiny and more frequent inspections, and Line 5, which runs cross the Straights of Mackinac, is a perfect example. If a spill were to occur there, the consequences would be unthinkable. We promised action and I am proud that we have a bipartisan agreement that will make a real difference. This legislation is a bipartisan win for Southwest Michigan, our Great Lakes, and the American people.”

In 2011, Upton joined with Michigan Democrat John Dingell in authoring a bipartisan pipeline safety bill that was signed into law by President Obama. The PIPES Act reauthorizes that legislation.

To view video of Upton’s floor speech, please click here.