By Stuart Saulters, GPA Midstream Vice President of Federal Affairs

GPA Midstream visited the nation's capital last week to provide the midstream perspective to policymakers and connect with allied energy industry trade groups.

What we’re doing: A contingent from GPA Midstream met with senior leadership at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which included acting Administrator Ben Kochman. The GPA Midstream contingent included President and CEO Sarah Miller, board officers Greg Floerke, MPLX and Bill Johnson, Phillips 66, as well as Jeff Morton, Enterprise Products.

What they’re saying: The GPA Midstream group focused on encouraging PHMSA’s work on the on the leak detection and repair (LDAR) rulemaking.

• GPA Midstream representatives support for current PHMSA leadership’s push to make the rule align with congressional intent.
• The group also raised ideas on deregulation and requested that the agency make the enforcement process more transparent.

What’s next: GPA Midstream’s Pipeline Safety Committee will be working to provide PHMSA with information the agency requested to complete deregulatory goals.

The big picture: Miller and Johnson met with staff from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. These conversations educated key legislative staff about how GPA Midstream can be a resource in work reauthorizing PHMSA pipeline safety programs and repeal of the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC).

Miller closed a busy week by meeting with allied energy trade associations, including National Propane Gas Association and Liquid Energy Pipeline Association. It’s important to have a strong relationship so that groups with overlapping interests can work collaboratively to achieve industry goals.

Get involved: Become a part of GPA Midstream advocacy efforts by contacting Stuart Saulters.