Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 2026

The Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 2026 expands federal oversight of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines by clarifying which smaller rural systems are exempt from regulation and raising maximum civil penalties for safety violations to $3.4 million. It requires the Department of Transportation to establish a confidential voluntary information-sharing system where pipeline operators can safely exchange safety data without fear of it being used in enforcement actions or lawsuits. Additionally, the bill mandates that states adopt specific best practices for preventing excavation damage, such as limiting exemptions for utility locates and requiring positive confirmation before digging begins. The legislation also authorizes funding for these safety programs through 2031 and creates a formal hearing process for enforcement cases involving significant financial costs.