PHMSA announced that it will extend the comment period on its proposed gas rule by only 30 days, with comments due on or before July 7, 2016.  Due to the scope and complexity of the proposal, numerous parties requested a 60 day extension of the comment period.  In granting the 30 day extension, PHMSA noted

PHMSA has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM or Notice) to substantially revise that Agency’s rules (at 49 CFR Part 192) for construction, operation and maintenance of natural gas pipeline systems.
Continue Reading Expansive Proposed Rulemaking Issued by PHMSA for Natural Gas Pipelines

The ongoing leak of methane from Southern California Natural Gas Company’s Aliso Canyon/Porter Ranch underground storage field near Los Angeles has drawn national attention to underground natural gas storage, triggering regulatory and legislative efforts to regulate these facilities at federal and state levels.
Continue Reading Another Step Closer to Federal Regulation of Underground Storage

A bipartisan group of Senators who serve on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation introduced a Pipeline Safety Act reauthorization bill in November, the Securing America’s Future Energy: Protecting Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (SAFE PIPES) Act [link], Senate Bill 2276. That bill was approved by the Committee on December 9, 2015 with five amendments.
Continue Reading Senate Pipeline Safety Act Reauthorization Bill Advances

PHMSA has issued a pre-publication copy of its much-anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) concerning hazardous liquid pipeline safety issues.
Continue Reading Extensive New Rules for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines Proposed by PHMSA

As the September 30th deadline for the Pipeline Safety Act reauthorization draws near, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened a pipeline safety field hearing in Billings, Montana and recently scheduled a second hearing for September 29th in Washington, DC.
Continue Reading Pipeline Safety Field Hearing Provides Insight to PHMSA Priorities; Second Hearing Scheduled

PHMSA is proposing to amend its regulations applicable to natural gas distribution/service lines at 49 C.F.R. Part 192 to require expanded use of excess flow valves (EFVs) and manual service line shut-off valves (e.g. curb valves) in certain applications.
Continue Reading PHMSA Proposes Expanded Use of Excess Flow Valves on Gas Distribution Lines