Feds Extend Deadline for ExxonMobil's State Lawsuit Preemption Challenge

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: 2026-02573, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from March 3-9, 2026, in Sacramento and online. These meetings affect fishermen, seafood businesses, and anyone interested in ocean fish rules. You can watch live, join in with comments, and learn about important fishery decisions that might impact fishing limits and local economies.

Next: 2026-02577, Certain Vehicle Telematics, Fleet Management, and Video-Based Safety Systems, Devices, and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination To Review in Part a Final Initial Determination and on Review, To Affirm a Finding of No Violation; Termination of the Investigation

The U.S. International Trade Commission looked into a patent dispute between Samsara and Motive over vehicle tracking and safety tech. After reviewing the case, they decided Motive didn’t break any rules, so the investigation is now officially over. This means no fines or penalties, and both companies can keep doing their thing without changes or delays.