Blending in natural gas systems

(a) Study The Comptroller General of the United States shall— (1) conduct a study of the short- and long-term safety, health, environmental, and climate change impacts and risks of blending hydrogen into existing natural gas systems; and (2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the results of the study, including— (A) a description of any remaining knowledge gaps relating to safely moving hydrogen-methane blends through existing natural gas systems; (B) a description of the safety risks of hydrogen-methane blends in existing natural gas systems, including— (i) leak rates of hydrogen-methane blends and associated environmental impacts; (ii) the performance of hydrogen-methane blends in existing residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure; and (iii) underground migration of leaked hydrogen-methane blends; (C) a lifecycle analysis of hydrogen, including environmental and climate impacts and risks of blending hydrogen into existing natural gas systems, as compared to— (i) the status quo; and (ii) other pathways for greenhouse gas emissions reduction; and (D) recommendations to the Secretary for how to avoid or minimize risks determined under paragraph (1). (b) Considerations In conducting the study under subsection (a)(1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall take into consideration, at a minimum, the findings of the study on hydrogen blending commissioned by the California Public Utilities Commission and carried out by the University of California, Riverside, entitled Hydrogen Blending Impacts Study and dated July 18, 2022. (c) Prohibition (1) In general No pipeline operator may transport any quantity of hydrogen, other than trace amounts present as a contaminant, through a natural gas distribution pipeline system under the jurisdiction of the Secretary unless and until Congress expressly provides, by statute, for the safe regulation of blending hydrogen into natural gas distribution pipeline systems. (2) Application The prohibition described in paragraph (1) shall not apply to natural gas distribution pipelines that— (A) have been specifically designed to transport hydrogen above trace levels; and (B) have been transporting hydrogen above trace levels for at least 10 years as of the date of enactment of this Act.