Coast Guard Locks Down Texas Channel for Underwater Pipeline Cleanup
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the La Quinta Channel near Ingleside, TX, from December 19 to 24, 2025, to keep everyone safe while a submerged pipeline is removed. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission. The exact day of enforcement depends on weather and will be announced ahead of time, so plan accordingly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary no‑entry zone for La Quinta Channel
You may not enter the La Quinta Ship Channel safety zone (coordinates given in the rule) between December 18, 2025 and December 24, 2025, except on the one enforcement day during that period when entry is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port. The enforcement day and times will be announced in advance and depend on weather.
How to get permission to enter the zone
If you need to enter the safety zone, you must get authorization from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative by contacting them on VHF‑FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or by telephone at 1‑800‑874‑2143. Those in the zone must follow any lawful orders from the Captain of the Port or their representative.
Small businesses can seek help and report impacts
The rule notes that the Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis does not apply because notice and comment were waived, and it tells small businesses affected by the rule to contact the person in the rule or the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman via 1‑888‑REG‑FAIR (1‑888‑734‑3247).
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
2026-13137 — Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
2026-08699 — Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
2026-13972 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0042
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about oil and hazardous material transfers on ships, with no changes to the current rules. This affects companies involved in moving these materials and asks for public feedback by September 8, 2026. There’s no new cost or extra paperwork, just a request to continue what’s already in place.
2026-13942 — Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0079
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting important info from seafarers about their training and certification, but they need your feedback first! This request asks for more time to gather this info, with a deadline for comments by September 8, 2026. If you’re involved in maritime jobs, this affects you and helps keep our waters safe without adding extra costs.
2026-13964 — Safety Zone; North Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach, VA
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the North Atlantic Ocean near Virginia Beach to keep people and boats safe during fireworks shows. From July 10 to September 6, boats can’t enter the zone on Wednesday and Sunday nights between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. unless they get special permission. This helps prevent accidents from falling fireworks debris without costing anyone extra money.
2026-13966 — Safety Zone; St. Clair River, Port Huron, MI
On July 16, 2026, from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around Desmond Landing on the St. Clair River in Port Huron, MI. This zone keeps boats and people out to protect everyone during a cool drone show. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead because you’ll need special permission to enter, but no fees or long delays are expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23460 — Excise Tax on Repurchase of Corporate Stock; Correction
The IRS fixed some small mistakes in the rules about the excise tax on companies buying back their own stock. These corrections clear up confusing parts of the original rules that started applying after December 31, 2022. If you’re a company dealing with stock repurchases, these updates take effect December 19, 2025, so keep an eye on your tax paperwork!
Next: 2025-23487 — Television Broadcast Services Fort Bragg and Cloverdale, California
The FCC is moving TV channel 8 from Fort Bragg to Cloverdale, California, after One Ministries, Inc. asked for the change. This means KQSL(TV) will now officially serve Cloverdale instead of Fort Bragg starting January 20, 2026. No extra costs or big hassles are expected, just a smoother TV setup for Cloverdale viewers!