House Advances Pipeline Leak Detection Bill

DENVER, CO – The House today on a preliminary vote advanced legislation to prevent and mitigate natural gas pipeline leaks and keep Coloradans safe. 

“We need to do more to keep our communities and environment safe from dangerous pipeline leaks,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “The Pipeline Safety Program must work as intended, demonstrating that public safety is the highest priority. This includes standardizing the rules and regulations for the use of advanced leak detection technology, which when deployed is effective and efficient in detecting and locating leaks throughout the pipeline system across Colorado. Keeping communities safe from pipeline leaks is a top priority for me. This legislation mandates required rulemaking in statute since 2021 will be completed before the end of this year.”

“Damaged, leaking pipelines pose a risk to public health and can pollute our environment," said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This bill ensures Colorado has robust pipeline safety standards so that leaks are quickly detected and fixed. Improving pipeline safety is the right move for our communities, and this bill requires the state to adopt important rules on pipeline leak detection.” 

HB25-1280 would require the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to adopt rules on natural gas pipeline advanced leak detection by November 1, 2025. This bill builds off of previous legislation (SB21-108) which required the Pipeline Safety Program to address various gas pipeline safety-related issues, including the use of advanced leak detection technology.

The goal of HB25-1280 is to ensure the PUC adopts rules regarding the use of advanced leak detection technology to keep communities safe and protect the environment.