Pipeline Safety Committees Seek More Public Input on Rules
Published Date: 9/1/2026
Notice
Summary
On July 17, 2026, PHMSA published a Federal Register notice titled: "Pipeline Safety: Joint Meeting of the Gas and Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committees," which provided an opportunity for public comment by August 31, 2026, on the proceedings of the Gas and Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committees meeting related to 13 notices of proposed rulemakings (NPRM). These proposed rules covered topics such as special permit conditions, in-plant piping, incidental gathering lines, coating damage assessments, atmospheric corrosion, class change pressure tests, maximum allowable operating pressure reconfirmation, operator identification notifications, limitations on welding, remote valves, the property damage definition, right-of-way patrols, and reporting deadlines. PHMSA received requests from stakeholders to extend the comment period. Based on those requests, PHMSA is reopening the comment period for the joint Pipeline Advisory Committee (PAC) proceedings related to the 13 regulatory modernizing NPRMs to September 4, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Annual Report Deadline Extended
PHMSA proposed moving the annual report data submission deadline for gas pipeline operators from March 15 to June 15. The change applies to gas distribution pipelines, gas transmission pipelines, regulated gas gathering pipelines, Type R gas gathering lines, underground natural gas storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas facilities, and also extends the National Pipeline Mapping System information deadline for certain operators.
Higher OPID Notification Threshold
PHMSA proposed increasing the monetary threshold that triggers Operator Identification Number (OPID) notifications for certain construction and maintenance tasks on gas, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipeline facilities. The proposal also would provide a mechanism in 49 CFR part 191, appendix A for annual updates to these thresholds.
Allow Remote Sensing for Patrols
PHMSA proposed clarifying that right-of-way patrol requirements are technology neutral and that operators may use remote sensing technologies, including unmanned aerial systems and satellites, to meet patrol requirements for gas, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipelines. The proposal explicitly lists unmanned aerial systems and satellites as permissible technologies.
Replace Coating Deadlines With In-Service Rule
PHMSA proposed removing prescriptive deadlines for coating damage assessments and remedial actions after trench backfilling for newly installed gas transmission and certain gas gathering lines. The proposal would instead require that coating damage assessments and remedial actions be completed prior to the pipeline’s in-service date.
Atmospheric Corrosion Reassessment Interval Changed
PHMSA proposed eliminating the 3-year atmospheric corrosion reassessment interval that currently applies to gas distribution service lines following replacement due to atmospheric corrosion. Operators replacing a facility could instead use the default 5-year reassessment interval provided elsewhere in the regulations.
Codify Discretion for Incidental Gathering Lines
PHMSA proposed codifying a 2022 exercise of limited enforcement discretion that applies to certain incidental gathering lines. The proposal would make that limited enforcement discretion part of the regulations.
Allow More Welders on Compressor Stations
PHMSA proposed removing the exclusion that prevented welders or welding operators qualified by nondestructive testing from welding on compressor station pipe and components. The change would allow welders qualified by nondestructive testing to perform those welding tasks.
Remove Material Verification from MAOP Reconfirmation
PHMSA proposed removing an unnecessary provision that required material properties verification for pipe cut out from test manifold sites as part of Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) reconfirmation. The proposal would eliminate that specific testing requirement.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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