More Time for Valves: Pipeline Safety Deadline Extended
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government wants to give pipeline companies more time—90 days instead of 14—to get special safety valves (called rupture-mitigation valves or RMVs) up and running on gas, liquid, and carbon dioxide pipelines. This change helps companies manage their work better without rushing, keeping pipelines safe and sound. Pipeline operators should get ready for this new timeline, which could also affect their planning and budgets.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Which projects must meet new RMV rule
The 90-day operability requirement applies to new or entirely replaced onshore pipeline segments with diameters of 6 inches or greater that are in high-consequence areas (HCA) or Class 3 or Class 4 locations and that were installed after April 10, 2023. The rule does not apply to Class 1 or Class 2 locations with a potential impact radius (PIR) less than or equal to 150 feet.
RMV timeline extended to 90 days
PHMSA proposes to change the deadline for making rupture-mitigation valves (RMVs) or alternative equivalent technologies operational from 14 days to 90 days after placing a new or replaced pipeline segment into service. This applies to gas transmission, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipelines covered by 49 CFR 192.634(a) and 195.418(a).
Notification and extension procedures stay, paperwork drops
Operators must notify PHMSA if an RMV cannot be made operational within 90 days or cannot be repaired or replaced within 12 months. PHMSA expects a 90 percent decrease in the number of extension requests and lists an estimated 435 responses and 2,215 annual burden hours for this information collection (OMB Control Number 2137-0638, current expiration 2025-11-30).
Estimated industry cost savings of $20,877/year
PHMSA preliminarily estimates the proposed change will produce cost savings of $20,877 annually for operators and expects no adverse effects on safety. PHMSA also says some portion of operator cost savings may be passed on to the public.
Advance notice when using alternative technologies
An operator choosing to use an alternative equivalent technology must notify PHMSA at least 90 days in advance and include a technical and safety evaluation with the notification. Operators may request exemptions or extensions if they demonstrate economic, technical, or operational infeasibility to PHMSA under the specified notification procedures.
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