Congressman Deluzio Celebrates $4 Million Federal Grant to Support PA Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Inspections

CARNEGIE, PA - Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMA) has awarded $4,067,990 in federal grant funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). The grant will support statewide safety inspections of natural gas and other hazardous materials pipelines overseen by PUC.

"We need a rigorous safety inspection program for our pipelines to avoid leaks that endanger nearby communities and our clean air and water-and this funding will help our Commonwealth with that important mission," said Congressman Deluzio. "I'll keep working to bring federal money like this back home to Pennsylvania to make our energy system safer and more affordable."

PHMA's grant reimburses up to 80% of the operating costs for Pennsylvania's pipeline inspections program. It funds the personnel, equipment, and activities needed to carry out inspections and conduct enforcement in areas where this energy infrastructure is located. This grant is an annual appropriation provided by the federal government to the PA PUC on a regular basis.

The Trump Administration's efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts are involved in determining whether many of these funding freezes will continue permanently or go on pause. However, Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio's office at [email protected].

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