March 24, 2026
Ms. Houlahan (for herself, Mr. Meuser, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Ms. Scanlon, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Deluzio, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To direct owners and operators of gas distribution pipeline facilities to assess systems for the presence of Aldyl-A polyethylene, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act
.
Sec. 2. Aldyl–A pipelines
(a) Assessment of aldyl–a polyethylene piping
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each owner or operator of a gas distribution pipeline facility shall assess its system for the presence of Aldyl–A polyethylene.
(b) Limitation
(1) In general
The Secretary shall not require owners and operators of gas distribution pipeline facilities to conduct excavation activities for the purpose of the assessment required under subsection (a).
(2) Savings provision
Nothing in this subsection affects the authority of the Secretary under—
(A)
section 60112 of title 49, United States Code; or
(B)
subsection (m) or (p) of section 60117 of that title.
(c) Reporting
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each owner or operator of a pipeline facility described in subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary the estimated total pipeline mileage identified by the owner or operator as Aldyl–A polyethylene piping.
(d) State pipeline safety program certifications
Section 60105(b)(9)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking of cast iron and bare steel pipelines
and inserting the following:
of—
(i)
cast iron and bare steel pipelines; and
(ii)
pipelines constructed of historic plastics with known safety issues
(e) Evaluation of risk in distribution integrity management programs
Section 60109(e)(7)(A)(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking presence of cast iron pipes and mains in the distribution system; and
and inserting the following:
presence, in the distribution system, of pipes and mains made of—
(I)
cast iron;
(II)
unprotected steel;
(III)
wrought iron; or
(IV)
historic plastics with known safety issues; and