More than 75 national, state and local organizations are urging Congress to reject pending pipeline safety legislation, arguing the current proposal fails to adequately protect communities from the rapid expansion of CO2 pipelines.
In a letter released Tuesday, the coalition called on lawmakers to draft a stronger reauthorization package that includes enforceable safety standards, protections for first responders and safeguards for local decision making before additional carbon dioxide pipeline projects move forward.
The organizations contend the legislation under consideration leaves major regulatory gaps despite years of scrutiny following the 2020 carbon dioxide pipeline rupture in Satartia, Mississippi. They also pointed to the U.S. Treasury’s estimate that nearly $70 billion in industry tax credits authorized under last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” could support a significant expansion of carbon dioxide pipeline infrastructure.
The coalition said Congress should not approve new pipeline development without establishing minimum federal protections for nearby communities and emergency responders.
The advocacy groups are also asking congressional leaders to reconcile House and Senate proposals by incorporating stronger public safety measures rather than advancing what they describe as an industry-friendly framework.
Food & Water Watch Policy Director Jim Walsh said lawmakers are asking communities to bear health and safety risks while pipeline companies benefit from billions of dollars in taxpayer-backed incentives. Climate Justice Alliance Legislative Director Mar Zepeda argued that comprehensive pipeline safety standards are needed to protect vulnerable communities.
The debate comes as federal oversight of carbon dioxide pipelines remains under intense scrutiny. The 2020 Satartia rupture prompted renewed attention to emergency preparedness and pipeline regulations, leading federal regulators to propose stronger safety standards in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has pursued changes to pipeline oversight while the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has continued issuing guidance related to carbon dioxide transportation. Earlier in July 2026, the administration published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the announcement focusing attention on $150 million of cost savings for CO2 pipeline operators.
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