Offshore Pipeline Safety Act

HR 3948, the Offshore Pipeline Safety Act, requires owners of offshore oil and gas pipelines to conduct third-party inspections every two years and install continuous leak detection systems. It mandates a study comparing environmental risks of leaving pipelines decommissioned in place versus removing them, with findings due within 18 months. The bill also creates an annual fee ($1,000-$10,000 per mile depending on water depth) to fund pipeline removal if owners go bankrupt, and requires ongoing monitoring of decommissioned pipelines. These provisions directly affect pipeline operators on the Outer Continental Shelf, focusing on safety, environmental protection, and financial responsibility.