Valve Checks Get Looser: Pipeline Safety's Flexible New Rhythm
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This new rule lets hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipeline operators inspect their valves once a year, but no later than every 15 months—giving them more flexibility than before. It affects pipeline companies by easing inspection schedules while keeping safety strong. Comments are open until June 23, 2026, and this change could save time and money on maintenance without cutting corners.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Valve inspections spaced to 15 months
If you operate hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide pipelines, you may inspect each mainline valve at least once each calendar year and no later than every 15 months. This replaces the prior requirement to inspect valves at least twice each calendar year at intervals not exceeding 7.5 months.
Harmonization helps dual-system operators
PHMSA says harmonizing valve inspection intervals will simplify compliance for operators that run both hazardous liquid/carbon dioxide and gas transmission systems. PHMSA notes 124 operators currently operate both system types.
Rupture-mitigation valve (RMV) closure rule
Operators must partially operate each rupture-mitigation valve (RMV) during inspections and are not required to fully close the valve; a minimum 25 percent valve closure is sufficient to demonstrate compliance unless operational information requires more closure.
Estimated $377k annual industry savings
PHMSA estimates the proposed change would save $377,147 annually in compliance costs across the regulated community and says some of those savings may be passed on to the public to whom pipeline operators transfer a portion of their compliance costs.
No significant small-entity impact certified
PHMSA certifies that the proposed rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08076 — Pipeline Safety: Timeframe To Make RMVs Operational
PHMSA wants to give pipeline operators more time—90 days instead of 14—to get rupture-mitigation valves (RMVs) working on gas, liquid, and CO2 pipelines. This change helps companies manage safety tech better without rushing, affecting pipeline operators nationwide. Comments on this proposal are open until June 23, 2026, and it could impact how quickly safety upgrades happen and possibly costs.
Next: 2026-08078 — Administrative Rulemaking: Regulatory Procedures
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) wants to make it easier and fairer to challenge final safety rules by making the process the same for both pipeline and hazardous materials safety offices. This change affects companies and people who follow these safety rules and aims to simplify how they can ask for a review after a rule is made. You’ve got until June 23, 2026, to share your thoughts, and no big costs are expected from this update.