SAT Act

This legislation aims to enhance pipeline safety inspections by directing the Secretary of Transportation to authorize the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and satellites . It mandates that pipeline owners and operators be allowed to employ these advanced technologies for inspecting surface conditions on or adjacent to pipeline rights-of-way. The bill amends title 49, United States Code, to explicitly permit this modernization of inspection methods. A key provision ensures that this authorization does not diminish the obligation of UAS and satellite operators to adhere to all existing laws and regulations governing their use. This clarifies that while new tools are permitted, their deployment must remain within established operational and safety guidelines.