Landmark Legislation on Coal Slurry Pipelines Explored in Newly Published Congressional Report
A significant report detailing the examination of coal slurry pipelines and proposed legislation has been made publicly available on GovInfo.gov, the official online repository for United States government publications. The document, identified as “House Committee Print 95-56 – Report of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Commerce on coal slurry pipelines and H.R. 1609, the Coal Pipeline Act of 1978,” was published on August 22, 2025.
This comprehensive report offers valuable insights into the considerations and discussions surrounding the development and potential implementation of coal slurry pipelines in the United States during the late 1970s. The Subcommittee on Transportation and Commerce, under the purview of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, undertook a thorough review of this emerging transportation technology.
Coal slurry pipelines, which transport pulverized coal mixed with water or other liquids through pipelines, were a topic of considerable interest and debate at the time. Proponents argued that these pipelines offered a more efficient and cost-effective method for transporting coal, particularly to power plants situated far from mining regions. They also highlighted potential benefits for reducing reliance on rail transportation, which could alleviate congestion and lower shipping costs for other goods.
However, the development of such infrastructure also raised important questions and concerns that were addressed by the Subcommittee. These likely included environmental considerations, such as the impact of water usage and the potential for leaks or spills. The economic feasibility, the acquisition of rights-of-way for pipeline construction, and the potential effects on existing transportation industries, such as the railroad sector, were also crucial aspects under examination.
The report’s focus on H.R. 1609, the Coal Pipeline Act of 1978, signifies that the Subcommittee was actively involved in shaping potential legislative frameworks to govern this new industry. This legislation would have provided the legal and regulatory foundation for the construction and operation of coal slurry pipelines, addressing issues of eminent domain, environmental standards, and operational regulations.
The availability of this historical report through GovInfo.gov is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of energy transportation policy in the United States. It offers a direct window into the legislative process and the complex considerations that were weighed as the nation explored new avenues for energy delivery. The detailed examination within this report can provide context for understanding the long-term development of energy infrastructure and the interplay between technological innovation and regulatory policy.
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govinfo.gov CongressionalCommittee Prints published ‘House Committee Print 95-56 – Report of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Commerce on coal slurry pipelines and H.R. 1609, the Coal Pipeline Act of 1978, for the consideration of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.’ at 2025-08-22 14:57. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.