On September 30, 2013, PHMSA announced $46 million in pipeline safety grants for 2013, authorized by 49 U.S.C. 60107, to be divided among 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  These grants are intended to support up to 80 percent of the cost of personnel, equipment and activities required for inspection and enforcement activities of intrastate pipeline facilities under a certification or agreement with DOT to regulate intrastate lines or to serve as an agent with respect to interstate pipeline facilities.  These states and territories are responsible for over 90 percent of U.S. intrastate natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, including 300 inspectors.  By comparison with 2012 base grants, this represents a $10 million increase.  At the same time, both pipeline operators and the federal and state agencies that regulate them have subject to increased scrutiny and judicial challenges.  With limited budgets, criticism from citizen groups, Congress and media alike, some states have suggested that they may give their pipeline programs back to PHMSA.