Government Greenlights Drones and Satellites for Pipeline Patrols

2026-13805, Pipeline Safety: Repair Criteria for Hazardous Liquid and Gas Transmission Pipelines

The government wants to update pipeline safety rules to make fixing gas and liquid pipelines smarter, safer, and cheaper. These changes affect pipeline operators who’ll use new tech and clearer guidelines to spot and repair problems faster. Comments are open until September 8, 2026, so get ready to weigh in before the rules get final—and yes, this could save money and prevent accidents!

2026-10782, Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements; Correction

PHMSA fixed a small but important detail in a new pipeline safety rule from January 2026. Pipeline operators can now confirm or restore safe pressure levels when neighborhoods change around their pipes, with a clear 24-month deadline starting either from the rule’s effective date or when they begin work. This helps keep gas pipelines safe without confusion about timing, so operators know exactly when to act and avoid costly delays.

2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures

The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.

2026-08058, Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements, and Other Related Amendments; Correction

This update fixes a numbering mistake in the rules for checking the maximum safe pressure of gas pipelines. Pipeline operators must follow the corrected list to avoid confusion, but no new costs or deadlines are added. The fix takes effect on August 3, 2026, making safety rules clearer and easier to follow.

2026-06323, Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements; Response to Petition for Reconsideration

Pipeline companies and safety pros, listen up! PHMSA just said no to changes requested by the Interstate Natural Gas Association about pipeline safety rules for areas where people live or work. This means the current rules about how pipelines must be upgraded when neighborhoods grow stay in place, so companies should keep their safety upgrades on schedule without extra costs or delays.

2026-16111, Hazardous Materials: Allowing Fireworks Certification Agencies (FCAs) To Approve Professional Fireworks

This final rule expands the authority of a Fireworks Certification Agency (FCA) to obtain the ability to approve fireworks constructed to certain requirements. These amendments will streamline PHMSA's fireworks approval process and provide the industry with improved regulatory flexibility.

Previous: 2025-12113, Pipeline Safety: Property Damage Definition for Incident Reporting on Gas Pipelines and Accidents on Hazardous Liquid Pipelines

This update changes the rules for when pipeline accidents must be reported by raising the property damage amount that counts as a reportable incident. It makes clear that some extra costs from fixing leaks don’t count toward this damage total. Pipeline companies will follow these new rules soon, helping them report more accurately without extra paperwork or costs.

Next: 2025-12115, Pipeline Safety: Clarifying Recordkeeping Requirements for Testing in MAOP Reconfirmation Regulation

PHMSA is making it clear that new recordkeeping rules for pressure testing gas pipelines don’t apply to past tests when checking pipeline safety limits. This update mainly affects gas pipeline operators and helps avoid confusion about which tests count. The change keeps things fair and straightforward without adding extra costs or deadlines.