Pipeline R&D Forum Invites Safety Innovators

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: 2026-04784 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Overpayment Detection and Recovery Activities

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info on how states find and recover overpaid unemployment benefits. They’re asking for your thoughts by May 11, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and doesn’t create extra paperwork. This helps save time and money while keeping the system fair for everyone involved.

Next: 2026-04787 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Investor Form

The SEC is asking for comments to extend the use of its easy online Investor Form, which helps people send questions or complaints about investments. This form makes it simpler for about 13,000 investors a year to reach the SEC and helps the agency handle issues faster. Using the form is optional, and there’s no cost or deadline change, just a smooth way to keep things running well.