Feds Propose Pipeline Inspection Changes

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking it says will reduce energy service disruptions for Americans and generate $390 million in savings. The NPRM looks to update federal safety standards around the repair of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines for the first time in two decades.

“Thanks to cutting-edge inspection technology and data, pipeline operators understand their systems better than ever before. PHMSA is modernizing our safety regulations to match this new landscape,” said PHMSA Administrator Paul Roberti. “Prioritizing repairs to target actual threats — rather than sticking to prescriptive, one-size-fits-all timelines — will improve safety and unleash American energy.”

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The updates will apply proven, data-driven modern engineering concepts for energy operators to determine where and when repairs are needed. PHMSA says the proposal will enhance worker safety, minimize environmental impacts, and improve community safety by prioritizing and addressing critical threats.

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Key new elements within the proposed framework include:

Three-Tiered Response Schedules: Streamlines complex compliance timelines into three clear and consistent categories across all systems: immediate, near-term (1 year for high-consequence areas), and other conditions.
Leveraging Modern, Proven Engineering Modeling: Prioritizes remediation based on how long pipes can safely remain in service and avoids costly, unnecessary grid outages.
Substantial Industry Cost Savings: Gas transmission operators are projected to save over $200 million annually, while hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipeline operators will experience approximately $148.5 million in cost savings each year.

The NPRM was published in the Federal Register and is available here.