Pipeline Fines? Let's Hug It Out with Consent Orders

2026-08144 — Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures

The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving the rules about how it makes new regulations, issues guidance, and enforces laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation safety and compliance, updating how decisions are reviewed and enforced. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to make the process clearer and more efficient without adding new costs.

2026-09392 — Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for New Special Permits

The Department of Transportation is reviewing new special permit requests for safely moving hazardous materials, like damaged lithium-ion batteries. If you work with these materials, now’s your chance to comment before June 11, 2026. These permits could change how some dangerous goods are transported, making things safer and possibly saving money on special packaging rules.

2026-09304 — Pipeline Safety: Meeting of the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee

The Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee is meeting on May 28, 2026, to talk about new safety rules for gas pipelines that affect pipeline companies and the public. They’ll review proposed changes aimed at making gas distribution safer, and everyone can join in person or online. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until June 29, 2026, to send in comments—this could impact how pipelines operate and keep communities safer.

2026-08673 — Pipeline Safety: Adjustment to OPID Notifications for Construction; Correction

The Department of Transportation fixed a mistake in a recent rule about when gas pipeline companies must notify the government about construction costs. They’re raising the cost limits for reporting from $10 million to $20 million and from $200,000 to $300,000 to keep up with inflation. This change affects pipeline operators and helps make sure the rules match what was originally intended, starting May 5, 2026.

2026-08064 — Pipeline Safety: Removing Obsolete Provision From Safety-Related Condition Reporting Requirements for Hazardous Liquid and Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Facilities

Starting August 3, 2026, pipeline operators must stop sending safety reports by fax and switch to email only. This change affects companies handling hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines and speeds up how quickly safety info gets to the right people. No extra costs here—just a smoother, faster way to keep pipelines safe!

2026-08067 — Pipeline Safety: Removing Unnecessary Provision for Material Properties Verification During MAOP Reconfirmation

PHMSA is making pipeline safety rules simpler by removing a needless step that required testing certain pipe materials during pressure checks. This change helps gas pipeline operators save time and money without cutting corners on safety. Comments on this proposal are open until June 23, 2026, so stakeholders have a chance to weigh in.

Previous: 2026-08054 — Pipeline Safety: Declaratory Order Procedures

Starting April 24, 2026, pipeline operators can officially ask PHMSA to clear up confusing safety rules through a new process called declaratory orders. This change helps operators get quick, clear answers on tricky safety questions, with chances for public input and legal review. It affects anyone running pipelines and aims to make safety enforcement smoother without extra costs or delays.

Next: 2026-08056 — Pipeline Safety: Electronic Submission of Requests for Written Interpretations and Special Permits

Starting August 3, 2026, pipeline operators can send requests for written interpretations and special permits by email, not just by mail or fax. This change makes the process faster and easier for everyone involved, with no extra costs. If you work with pipelines, get ready to go digital and save time!