Pipeline Pros Face Half Drug Tests in 2026 Safety Push
Published Date: 12/9/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, pipeline companies must randomly drug test at least 50% of their covered employees to keep everyone safe. This rule affects workers in gas, hazardous liquid, and natural gas storage facilities, and it stays in place because recent tests showed over 1% positive results. No extra costs were mentioned, but companies should be ready to test half their team all year long!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
50% Random Drug Testing Requirement
Starting January 1, 2026 and through December 31, 2026, pipeline operators must randomly drug test at least 50% of their covered employees. This rule applies to workers at gas, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipeline facilities, liquefied natural gas plants, underground natural gas storage facilities, and contractors who are covered employees.
1% Positive-Rate Trigger for Testing Levels
PHMSA will lower the minimum random testing rate to 25% if the reported random drug test positive rate is below 1% for two consecutive calendar years. If the reported positive rate is equal to or greater than 1%, the Administrator must raise the minimum rate to 50% or keep it at 50%, based on operators' DAMIS reports.
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