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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10962 — Hazardous Materials: Streamlining Requirements for the Approval of Certain Energetic Materials
Starting July 2, 2026, the government is making it easier and faster to get approval for certain low-risk fireworks and tracer ammo. Companies will now use one online portal to submit all explosive approvals, and they can also choose to end their approvals whenever they want. These changes save time and reduce hassle for businesses handling these materials.
2026-10969 — Pipeline Safety: Breakout Tank Inspection Rule
The Pipeline Safety folks want to update rules for breakout tanks—those tanks that help manage and store hazardous liquids in pipelines. They’re switching to a newer, smarter inspection method that checks tanks based on risk, not just a set schedule. This affects pipeline operators, who should get ready to follow these updated inspections and can share their thoughts by August 3, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22321 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Recording of Aircraft Conveyances and Security Documents
The FAA is asking for public feedback to renew and update the paperwork needed to record and release security interests on aircraft and related parts. This affects anyone who holds or releases a security interest on planes, engines, or propellers. Comments are open until January 8, 2026, and the goal is to keep the process clear and efficient without adding extra hassle or cost.
Next: 2025-22328 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request; Financial Management Policies-Interest Rate Risk
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is asking Federal savings associations to help by commenting on renewing a form about managing interest rate risks. This helps keep paperwork light and ensures the rules stay clear and fair. Comments are due by February 9, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!