Feds Codify 'Chill' Policy for Tiny Gas Pipelines

2026-06323 — Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements; Response to Petition for Reconsideration

Pipeline companies and safety pros, listen up! PHMSA just said no to changes requested by the Interstate Natural Gas Association about pipeline safety rules for areas where people live or work. This means the current rules about how pipelines must be upgraded when neighborhoods grow stay in place, so companies should keep their safety upgrades on schedule without extra costs or delays.

2025-12083 — Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Department of Transportation Special Permit 14175

This update lets companies test certain gas cylinders every 10 years using a cool ultrasonic method instead of more often. It helps folks who handle flammable and non-flammable gas containers save time and money by cutting down on how often they need to check their gear. The change kicks in soon and makes safety checks easier without skimping on safety.

2025-12095 — Hazardous Materials: Reduce Training Burdens for America's Farmers

Farmers who handle hazardous materials will have an easier time with training because the government is raising the dollar limit that triggers extra security training. This change means fewer farmers need to take tough courses, saving them time and hassle. The update reflects inflation and helps farmers focus more on their work without extra costs or delays.

2025-12085 — Hazardous Materials: Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account

If you register hazardous materials, get ready to pay online only—no more paper checks! The Department of Transportation is updating the system to make payments faster and easier for everyone. This change will start soon, helping save time and cut down on paperwork.

2026-00566 — Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements

This new rule helps gas pipeline operators use smarter, modern safety checks when neighborhoods grow around their pipes. Instead of old-school methods, they can now use risk-based tools to decide if they need to adjust pipeline pressure, keeping everyone safer. The rule kicks in on March 16, 2026, and could save operators time and money while boosting safety.

C1-2025-11436 — Hazardous Materials: Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail

This update fixes a small but important detail about how thick the steel walls of liquefied natural gas (LNG) rail tanks must be. Rail companies and tank manufacturers need to follow these corrected thickness rules to keep LNG shipments safe. The change is effective immediately and helps prevent accidents without adding extra costs.

Previous: 2025-12130 — Pipeline Safety: Exception for In-Plant Piping Systems

This new rule proposal says some pipes inside plants don’t have to follow all the usual gas pipeline safety rules. It mainly affects companies with in-plant piping systems and matches what’s already done for liquid pipelines. If approved, this change could save time and money by cutting unnecessary red tape without risking safety.

Next: 2025-12132 — Pipeline Safety: Rationalize Special Permit Conditions

PHMSA is making pipeline safety rules clearer by saying special permits must only include conditions that directly match the safety rules they’re waiving. This change helps pipeline companies know exactly what’s expected, making the process smoother and safer. It affects anyone applying for special permits and aims to keep pipelines safe without extra confusion or costs.