Sponsors
Last progress June 6, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 6, 2025 by Nicholas J. Begich
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.
Allows pipeline owners or operators to use unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and satellites to satisfy Secretary-directed inspections of surface conditions on or next to pipeline rights-of-way. It preserves existing legal obligations: drone and satellite operators must still follow applicable laws and regulations (for example, aviation, communications, and privacy rules).
Adds subsection (f), “Inspection of Rights-of-Way,” to Section 60108 of title 49, United States Code.
When requiring each owner or operator to inspect the surface conditions on or adjacent to each pipeline right-of-way, the Secretary shall allow use of unmanned aircraft systems and satellites.
Rule of construction: Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect the obligation of an owner or operator of an unmanned aircraft system or satellite to operate such system in accordance with laws and regulations regarding unmanned aircraft system or satellite use.
Pipeline owners and operators: Gain an explicitly permitted option to use drones and satellites to satisfy Secretary-directed inspections of surface conditions adjacent to pipeline rights-of-way. This could lower costs and speed data gathering for some inspections, but operators must still meet safety and regulatory obligations. Unmanned aircraft system and satellite operators: May see more business for pipeline-inspection services but must comply with FAA, communications, spectrum, privacy, and other applicable laws. Federal regulators and agencies: The Department (Secretary) must allow remote-sensing methods when directing inspections; other agencies retain authority to enforce rules governing UAS and satellites. Landowners and local communities: May experience fewer boots-on-the-ground inspections, but the increase in remote sensing could raise privacy or surveillance concerns that are still constrained by existing laws. Overall: The change is technical and narrow—it explicitly expands acceptable inspection methods without altering substantive inspection responsibilities, funding, or enforcement authorities.