Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Cut Methane Leaks, Modernize Gas Pipeline Safety Standards

Aug 11, 2025| Press Releases

Denver - Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined five of their Senate colleagues to introduce the Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act to modernize decades-old gas pipeline leak detection and repair requirements. U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Troy Carter (D-La.) introduced companion legislation in the House.

"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 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."

The bill codifies a Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration rule to reduce methane emissions and protect public health while lowering energy costs for families and creating thousands of good-paying jobs in the process.

Specifically, the bill will:

1. Increase the frequency of leak surveys and require the use of readily available advanced leak detection technology;
2. Revise the reporting minimum threshold for unintentional methane emissions;
3. Minimize methane emissions caused by venting or blowdowns by encouraging the use of equipment for methane capture; and
4. Establish clarified requirements for repairing leaks that pose a risk to public safety or the environment.

In addition to Bennet and Hickenlooper, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the bill.

The text of the bill is available HERE.