Federal Officials Propose Updates to Liquefied Natural Gas Safety Rules
Published Date: 11/3/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government wants to update safety rules for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to match the latest industry standards and new technology. These changes affect LNG operators and aim to make facilities safer by using smarter, risk-based approaches. Comments on the proposal are open until January 4, 2027, with no immediate cost changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Estimated Annualized Cost Savings
PHMSA estimates that the proposed rule would produce approximately $98 million in annualized cost savings when discounted at 3 percent. If the proposal is adopted as described, this is the agency's current estimate of aggregate annualized savings across affected stakeholders.
Adopt 2026 NFPA Safety Standard
PHMSA proposes to incorporate by reference the 2026 edition of NFPA 59A (NFPA 59A-2026). If you operate an LNG facility, this would align Federal rules with that industry standard and let operators use newer siting, design, construction, and operations practices without seeking special permits or waivers.
New Rules for Small-Scale LNG Facilities
PHMSA proposes a new subpart D that would establish requirements for permanent, small-scale LNG facilities by incorporating chapter 17 of NFPA 59A-2026. If you run a permanent, small-scale LNG facility, you would be subject to tailored rules that recognize their lower liquefaction capacity and storage volumes.
Optional Risk-Based O&M Program
PHMSA proposes a new subpart F that permits FERC-jurisdictional LNG facilities to use an alternative, risk-based operations and maintenance (O&M) program consistent with the PIPES Act of 2020. If you operate a FERC-jurisdictional LNG terminal and choose this option, you must submit an implementation plan and can tailor procedures to your facility's risks.
Updated Reporting and Incident Definitions
PHMSA proposes to clarify that LNG operators must report safety-related conditions and incidents during initial startup, to broaden incident definitions to include hazardous fluids beyond LNG, and to revise incident and annual report forms (including OPID updates). If you operate an LNG facility, you would face changed reporting obligations during startup and broader reporting scope for hazardous fluids.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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