Senate passes PIPELINE Safety Act aimed at strengthening buried utility protection
(UI) - The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025, advancing legislation aimed at strengthening buried utility protection and reducing excavation-related infrastructure damage nationwide.
The bill would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s pipeline safety program for five years while adding provisions focused on excavation damage prevention, utility mapping and 811 participation requirements. Industry groups said the legislation represents a significant step toward improving protection of underground energy, water and communications infrastructure.
According to Common Ground Alliance data cited by industry advocates, nearly 200,000 utility damage incidents are reported annually across the United States, affecting natural gas, electric, broadband and water systems. Infrastructure leaders urged the House to advance related legislation and continue efforts to modernize damage prevention standards.
The legislation also encourages expanded use of GIS mapping, utility damage reporting and contractor training requirements as part of broader efforts to reduce utility strikes and improve underground infrastructure safety.
Related News
From Archive
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Fatal trench collapse in Mass. leads to $4.6 million OSHA penalty, dozens of violations
- OSHA investigates fatal trench collapse at Conroe construction site
- Final Lake Erie sewer tunnel project set to begin after decades-long $3 billion effort
- 11-mile Texas pipeline replacement upgrades 72-in. PCCP to 102-in. steel
- Alaska fiber buildout to expand broadband in rural communities
- 11-mile Texas pipeline replacement upgrades 72-in. PCCP to 102-in. steel
- Fatal trench collapse in Mass. leads to $4.6 million OSHA penalty, dozens of violations
- Texas811 launches real-time excavation detection to prevent utility strikes
- Race Communications breaks ground on Bakersfield fiber network
Comments