Pipeline Pipes Get a Steel Standard Refresh—No Drama Here
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2027, pipeline companies must follow the updated ASTM A372/A372M steel forging standards to keep pipelines safe and clear up confusing rules. This change helps protect the public, makes compliance easier, and meets a federal law requiring up-to-date tech standards. If anyone has concerns, they can comment by June 23, 2026, but no big costs or delays are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Maintains or Improves Public Safety
PHMSA says incorporating the ASTM A372/A372M (Reapproved 2025) standard will maintain or improve public safety and address safety risks for thin-walled pressure vessel forgings (including gas bottles). The agency also says the update helps align regulations with technological advances and supports pipeline operators' ability to provide reliable natural gas.
Pipeline Operators Must Use Updated Standard
Starting January 1, 2027, pipeline companies must follow the reapproved 2025 edition of ASTM A372/A372M (Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels), which covers carbon and alloy steel forgings including gas bottles. PHMSA says this update will reduce regulatory confusion and lower compliance burdens for stakeholders because most operators already follow the standard.
Standard Made Available Free to Public
PHMSA states the ASTM standard incorporated by reference is available free of charge from the ASTM reading room website (https://www.astm.org/standards-and-solutions/standards-and-publications/reading-room) in compliance with the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011. Interested parties may also obtain the material via publisher contact information listed in Sec. 192.7.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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