In a recent Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, Senator Ted Cruz addressed the importance of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in ensuring the safe transportation of energy resources across the United States. The hearing aimed to gather insights for drafting a pipeline safety reauthorization bill that would guarantee affordable, reliable, and safely transported energy for Americans.
Senator Cruz criticized the Biden administration for not nominating a PHMSA administrator and accused it of diverting the agency’s focus towards climate change issues. He praised former President Trump for nominating Paul Roberti to lead PHMSA and mentioned legislation co-sponsored with Senator Tim Sheehy to protect American energy infrastructure from threats like unauthorized valve turning or damage by environmental activists.
Cruz stated: “Americans have been abundantly clear that they want cheaper, reliable, and safe energy.” He emphasized that federal policies should ensure clarity in safety requirements for pipeline operators and cost-effective regulations based on data.
Highlighting what he saw as neglect during Biden’s tenure, Cruz remarked: “The Biden administration didn’t give a darn about pipeline safety because they did not nominate anyone to be PHMSA administrator.” He also noted that more actions finalized under Biden’s PHMSA were overturned by courts than any other administration since 2004.
Cruz expressed concern over threats posed by ecoterrorists who tamper with pipelines. He supports legislation that would impose penalties on those disrupting pipeline operations or construction. “The unauthorized turning of pipeline valves is a major safety concern,” he said.
He concluded by expressing interest in learning from witnesses about ways to enhance pipeline safety despite regulatory barriers. “I look forward to the witnesses’ testimony,” Cruz stated.
