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
Integrity Management
PHMSA Publishes Gas NPRM; Comments Due on or Before June 7, 2016
PHMSA’s expansive Natural Gas Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, April 8, 2016. …
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Expansive Proposed Rulemaking Issued by PHMSA for Natural Gas Pipelines
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. …
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Another Step Closer to Federal Regulation of Underground Storage
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.
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Senate Pipeline Safety Act Reauthorization Bill Advances
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. …
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Extensive New Rules for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines Proposed by PHMSA
PHMSA has issued a pre-publication copy of its much-anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) concerning hazardous liquid pipeline safety issues.
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Pipeline Safety Field Hearing Provides Insight to PHMSA Priorities; Second Hearing Scheduled
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. …
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PHMSA Proposes Expanded Use of Excess Flow Valves on Gas Distribution Lines
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.
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PHMSA Issues Expansive Proposed Rulemaking
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA or the Agency) will publish a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM or Notice) in tomorrow’s Federal Register.
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PHMSA Announces Public Workshop on Risk Modeling Methodologies
PHMSA has issued a preliminary notice and a call for abstracts in connection with a public workshop planned for September 9-10, 2015 on risk modeling methodologies for pipelines and non-pipeline systems. …
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