Pipeline Rules Face Review in Bid to Unleash American Energy
Published Date: 6/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Pipeline Safety folks want your thoughts on cutting red tape that slows down American energy projects and government work. They’re thinking about changing or dropping some rules to make energy development easier and faster, helping businesses and the public. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by August 4, 2025—this could save time and money down the road!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible Repeal or Amendment of Pipeline Rules
PHMSA is asking whether to repeal or change requirements in the Pipeline Safety Regulations (49 CFR parts 190–199) to remove what it calls "undue burdens" on the identification, development, and use of domestic energy resources. The rules apply to more than 3.3 million miles of pipelines, nearly 400 underground natural gas storage facilities, 177 LNG facilities, and more than 3,000 operators; PHMSA notes operators invest resources to meet these rules and that those costs are passed along to downstream entities and consumers.
Review of Annual User Fees and Charges
PHMSA is seeking comment on whether its annual user fees (under 49 U.S.C. 60301) and charges, including cost-recovery reviews under 49 CFR part 190 subpart E, place an undue burden on regulated entities. PHMSA asks commenters to identify specific fees, the affected regulated entities, and alternative fee structures to consider.
Potential Changes to Reporting and Notification Rules
PHMSA is asking whether reporting and notification requirements in the PSR (for example, part 191, §193.2011, and part 195 subpart B) impose undue burdens and should be amended or rescinded. Commenters are asked to identify which reporting rules are inefficient compared to their safety value and to provide cost and implementation details.
NEPA Categorical Exclusions and Interagency Oversight
PHMSA asks whether its compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) places an undue burden and whether it should adopt categorical exclusions for certain activities. PHMSA also asks whether changes to oversight of State authorities or involvement with other Federal agencies could eliminate burdens or improve efficiency.
Incorporating Approvals, Permits, and Industry Standards
PHMSA is requesting input on whether certain interpretations (Sec. 190.11), approvals (Sec. 190.9), special permits (Sec. 190.341), or consensus industry standards should be incorporated into the PSR to eliminate undue burdens and improve government efficiency. PHMSA asks commenters to identify which standards or approvals to incorporate and why.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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