Washington, D.C. — Today the Senate Commerce Committee passed the PIPES Act without critical amendments to protect communities from carbon capture pipeline buildout. Though the committee also did not include highly controversial efforts to criminalize pipeline opposition, after 100+ advocacy organizations sent a letter opposing that amendment.   

Despite public outcry from advocacy organizations and a letter from nearly 150 organizations urging the Committee to adopt basic safety standards, senators advanced a bill that leaves major gaps in oversight, emergency preparedness, and transparency around dangerous carbon dioxide pipeline buildout.

Communities across the country are calling for common-sense measures such as public impact area mapping, operator-funded support for first responders, enforceable engineering standards, and meaningful local input in siting decisions. 

In response, Food & Water Watch Policy Director Jim Walsh said:

“Standing against the criminalization amendments was the right decision, but doing nothing to strengthen carbon capture pipeline safety is indefensible. Communities have made clear that they expect Congress to act before another disaster like Satartia, Mississippi happens again. Senator Thune now has the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure this bill includes common-sense safety protections before it reaches the Senate floor.”