DOT Considers New Special Permits for Hazardous Materials Transport

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.

2026-09392 — Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for New Special Permits

The Department of Transportation is reviewing new special permit requests for safely moving hazardous materials, like damaged lithium-ion batteries. If you work with these materials, now’s your chance to comment before June 11, 2026. These permits could change how some dangerous goods are transported, making things safer and possibly saving money on special packaging rules.

2026-09393 — Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for Modification to Special Permits

The Department of Transportation is reviewing requests to change special permits for safely moving hazardous materials. These changes mainly affect companies handling dangerous goods by truck, rail, ship, or plane, aiming to update or remove outdated rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until May 27, 2026, to speak up—no fees or costs are mentioned, just a chance to keep things safe and smooth!

2026-09304 — Pipeline Safety: Meeting of the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee

The Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee is meeting on May 28, 2026, to talk about new safety rules for gas pipelines that affect pipeline companies and the public. They’ll review proposed changes aimed at making gas distribution safer, and everyone can join in person or online. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until June 29, 2026, to send in comments—this could impact how pipelines operate and keep communities safer.

Previous: 2025-17014 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is planning to return some Native American cultural items to the tribes and Native Hawaiian groups they belong to. This move follows a law that protects Native American graves and cultural heritage. The repatriation helps honor these communities and happens without any cost to the public.

Next: 2025-17017 — Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for Modification to Special Permits

The Department of Transportation is reviewing requests to change special permits for handling dangerous materials. This affects companies that ship or manage hazardous stuff, aiming to keep things safe and efficient. If approved, these changes could update rules soon, so businesses should watch for deadlines and possible cost impacts.