Richmond, VA – (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) – Governor Spanberger has signed HB1073, a bill that strengthens leak detection and repair standards for certain intrastate natural gas pipelines across Virginia.

Introduced by Delegate Sam Rasoul and supported by Wild Virginia and partners across the Commonwealth, HB1073 requires the State Corporation Commission to establish regulations that impose advanced leak detection requirements and stronger repair standards on covered pipelines. The legislation directs the Commission to align these regulations with ongoing federal rulemaking on gas pipeline safety, while ensuring that improvements to monitoring and oversight begin at the state level.

Pipeline leaks can pose serious risks to public safety and contribute to harmful methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Strengthening detection and repair standards will help ensure leaks are identified earlier and addressed more quickly, reducing risks for nearby communities and limiting environmental impacts.

“People expect the infrastructure running through their communities to be safe and properly maintained,” said David Sligh, Wild Virginia’s Water Quality Program Director. “Stronger leak detection and repair standards are a practical step toward protecting Virginians and our environment. We appreciate the legislators, partner organizations, and community members who spoke up and helped move this bill forward.”

By requiring more rigorous monitoring and timely repairs, HB1073 improves accountability for pipeline operators and strengthens protections for Virginia’s air, water, and communities. The bill represents a commonsense approach to modernizing pipeline safety standards and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with current risks and expectations.

As the State Corporation Commission develops and implements these new regulations, HB1073 will play an important role in improving oversight of natural gas infrastructure operating throughout Virginia and reducing the long-term impacts of undetected leaks.