Understanding S2979: PHMSA Voluntary Information Sharing Act

The PHMSA Voluntary Information Sharing Act is designed to make pipelines safer by setting up a system where companies can share safety information confidentially. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to create a platform for pipeline operators and other stakeholders to exchange data about gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. This system is meant to be nonpunitive, which means that the information shared cannot be used to penalize the participants. This encourages companies to be honest about safety issues without worrying about getting in trouble. The idea is to improve the overall safety of pipelines by allowing operators to share inspection results, risk analyses, and other safety-related data. By doing this, companies can learn from each other and improve their safety practices. The bill builds on previous efforts, like the 2016 PIPES Act, which recommended such a system but did not require it to be fully implemented. This bill is still in the early stages. It was introduced in the Senate on October 7, 2025, and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As of now, there have been no further actions or votes on it.

Pipelines are a crucial part of the energy infrastructure in the United States, delivering oil, gas, and other hazardous materials that power homes, vehicles, and industries. When pipelines fail, it can lead to serious consequences, including disruptions in energy supply, environmental damage, and even loss of life. By creating a system for sharing safety information, this bill aims to prevent such incidents from happening. Everyday Americans benefit from safer pipelines because it means a more reliable energy supply and potentially lower costs for heating and fuel. Communities near pipelines, like the 20,000 miles of pipelines in Nevada, will also benefit from increased safety measures. The bill's focus on voluntary and confidential sharing of information is designed to encourage more proactive safety practices, which could prevent accidents and improve public confidence in pipeline safety.

- Improves Pipeline Safety: Supporters believe that sharing safety data will lead to better management of pipeline integrity and reduce the number of incidents. - Encourages Innovation: By sharing information about inspection technologies, companies can develop better tools and methods for ensuring pipeline safety. - Overcomes Legal Barriers: The bill creates a secure platform that protects proprietary data, addressing long-standing legal and regulatory challenges. - Enhances Collaboration: It brings together various stakeholders, including industry, safety advocates, and government officials, to work towards common safety goals. - Supports Energy Infrastructure: The bill aligns with broader efforts to upgrade the U.S. pipeline network, which spans 3.4 million miles.

- Data Protection Concerns: Critics worry that despite confidentiality measures, there could be breaches that expose sensitive information. - Limited Enforcement: The nonpunitive nature might limit the ability of regulators to act on shared data, potentially delaying responses to risks. - Implementation Challenges: Building and maintaining the system could be burdensome for PHMSA, especially with existing workforce shortages. - Voluntary Participation Doubts: There is uncertainty about whether companies will participate if they distrust the confidentiality of the system.