14 Jul Support for Paul Roberti to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation’s PHMSA
July 16, 2025
Chairman Ted Cruz
Ranking Member Maria Cantwell
United States Senate
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
554 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
The Damage Prevention Action Center (DPAC) is writing to express its support for President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Mr. Paul Roberti to serve as Administrator of the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Given Mr. Roberti’s extensive qualifications, experience, and the importance of pipeline safety to communities across the country, we encourage you to expedite your consideration of his nomination.
DPAC is a coalition of energy, utility and construction industry leaders advocating for public policies and industry practices that protect America’s critical underground utility infrastructure and those who work and live near these important assets.[1]
Damage to buried utilities costs America $30 billion annually,[2] disrupts businesses and communities, cuts off critical utility service, and can result in injuries and fatalities. As America’s infrastructure continues to expand, strong leadership is crucial to safeguarding our critical buried utilities and pipelines.
Mr. Roberti’s demonstrated leadership positions him to be a strong PHMSA Administrator during this critical time in pipeline safety. As Chief Counsel of PHMSA during President Trump’s first term, he helped shape important public policies to improve pipeline safety, and as Commissioner of the Rhode Island Utility Commission, he oversaw critical utility and infrastructure regulation.
DPAC urges swift confirmation of Mr. Roberti and looks forward to collaborating with Mr. Roberti, PHMSA leaders, this committee, and Congress to pass the PIPES Act, and enhance and improve our industry’s safety while delivering quality and safe underground utility infrastructure projects to America.
Sincerely,
Sarah K. Magruder Lyle
Executive Director, Damage Prevention Action Center