Liquid Pipelines Adopt Latest ASME B31.4 Safety Guidelines
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2027, pipeline companies that move liquids and slurries must follow the latest ASME B31.4 safety rules. This update helps keep everyone safer, cuts down on confusing rules, and makes it easier for companies to follow the law. If you have concerns, you can speak up by June 23, 2026, but otherwise, get ready to roll with the new standards!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Safety and Energy Supply Expected to Improve
PHMSA concludes incorporating ASME B31.4-2022 will maintain or improve public safety for liquid and slurry pipelines and help align practices with technological advances. PHMSA also expects the change to help increase national pipeline transportation capacity and improve operators' ability to provide abundant, reliable, affordable natural gas.
Pipeline Operators Must Use ASME B31.4-2022
If you operate pipelines that move liquids or slurries, your operations must follow the ASME B31.4-2022 standard (issued December 8, 2022) as incorporated into 49 CFR part 195 starting January 1, 2027. This replaces the prior reference to ASME B31.4-2019; PHMSA also authorizes compliance after June 23, 2026 and will withdraw the rule only if adverse comments are submitted by June 23, 2026.
How to Access the Incorporated Standard
PHMSA was not able to reach an agreement with ASME to make the standard freely available online. Individuals and organizations may obtain the ASME B31.4-2022 standard by contacting the PHMSA standards library by email or through the publisher contact information listed in Sec. 195.3.
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