Bill would build on efforts to reduce methane emissions championed by then-governor Hickenlooper
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined five of their Senate colleagues to introduce the Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act of 2025 to modernize decades-old gas pipeline leak detection and repair requirements.
“The methane emission standards we set as governor served as the nation’s key benchmark,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s double down on that leadership to better detect methane leaks, fix old pipelines, and protect our communities.”
“Methane pollution from gas pipelines threatens the health and safety of Colorado communities and accelerates the devastating effects of climate change,” said Bennet. “Colorado continues to lead the nation in limiting methane from the oil and gas sector. This legislation takes long-overdue steps to modernize detection requirements for gas pipeline leaks and ensure necessary repairs.”
The bill codifies a Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rule to reduce methane emissions and protect public health while also lowering energy costs for families and creating thousands of good-paying jobs in the process.
Specifically, the bill would:
- Increase the frequency of leak surveys and requiring the use of readily available advanced leak detection technology
- Revise the reporting minimum threshold for unintentional methane emissions
- Minimize methane emissions caused by venting or blowdowns by encouraging the use of equipment for methane capture
- Establish clarified requirements for the repair of leaks that pose a risk to public safety or the environment
As governor, Hickenlooper brought together environmentalists and the oil industry to create the world’s first-ever methane standards for oil and gas operations. Those regulations were used by President Obama as a model for national standards which in turn were used as a basis for the international methane pledge in 2021.
Representatives Scott Peters and Troy Carter lead companion legislation in the House.
Full text of the legislation is available HERE.
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