Pipeline Bureaucracy: Updating Steel Forging Standards for Safer Pipes
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2027, pipeline companies must follow the updated ASTM A372/A372M steel forging standards to keep pipelines safe and clear up confusing rules. This change helps protect the public, makes compliance easier, and follows a federal law encouraging up-to-date industry standards. If anyone has concerns, they can comment by June 23, 2026, but no big costs or delays are expected.
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Updated Standard Aims to Protect Public & Energy Supply
You may see safer and more reliable pipeline service because PHMSA says the ASTM A372/A372M (reapproved 2025) update will maintain or improve public safety and reduce regulatory confusion. PHMSA also expects the change will increase national pipeline transportation capacity and help provide abundant, reliable, affordable natural gas.
Pipeline Operators Must Use New Steel Standard
If you operate or own pipeline facilities, starting January 1, 2027 your operations must follow the reapproved 2025 edition of ASTM A372/A372M as incorporated into 49 CFR part 192 (Sec. 192.177(b)). The rule is effective January 1, 2027 unless adverse comments are received by June 23, 2026, and PHMSA authorizes compliance after June 23, 2026.
Standard Made Available Free to the Public
The ASTM A372/A372M standard incorporated by this rule is available free of charge from ASTM's online reading room per the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011. You can also obtain the material through the publisher contact information listed in Sec. 192.7 or via PHMSA's standards webpage.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in