PHMSA Adopts New Safety Standards for Underground Gas Storage
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Rule
Summary
This update affects companies that store natural gas underground, making sure they follow the latest safety rules for salt caverns and old reservoirs. The new standards help keep people safe, clear up confusing rules, and make it easier for companies to follow the law. These changes kick in soon and aim to save time and money while protecting everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Updated Standards for Underground Storage
If you run a company that stores natural gas underground, this rule incorporates the updated industry standards API RP 1170 and API RP 1171 into federal pipeline rules. The change is intended to reduce regulatory confusion and lower compliance burdens so companies can save time and money while following the latest safety practices.
Public Safety Maintained or Improved
You may be safer because the rule updates safety standards for natural gas stored in solution-mined salt caverns, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, and aquifer reservoirs. The update is intended to maintain or improve public safety and protect people near these storage sites.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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