Virtually all aspects of the energy transportation pipeline industry are regulated to some extent by federal, state, and local agencies.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the primary Federal Administration responsible for ensuring that pipelines are safe, reliable, and environmentally sound. The agency’s mission is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. As part of this mission, PHMSA administers a national regulatory safety program for the approximately 3.3 million miles of pipelines in the United States. This program requires that pipeline operators design, construct, operate, and maintain their pipeline facilities in compliance with the Pipeline Safety Act and the Federal pipeline safety regulations (PSRs) found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 190-199. PHMSA and its State partners conduct inspections of pipeline operators for compliance with the applicable PSRs and, where necessary, may initiate enforcement to ensure operators comply with these safety regulations.
Regulatory Perspective
Pipelines are the safest and most efficient and reliable mode of transportation for gas and hazardous liquids. However, pipeline accidents do occur - sometimes with tragic consequences. Therefore, we continue to work diligently with all stakeholders to improve pipeline safety with the goal of zero accidents. Our focus is on defining and ensuring industry compliance to regulations affecting the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of pipelines.
Advisory Bulletins
PHMSA issues advisory bulletins to provide guidance and inform affected pipeline operators and federal and state pipeline safety personnel of matters that have the potential of becoming safety or environmental risks.
Interpretations
Pipeline operators and other stakeholders may request a written regulatory interpretation of the Federal pipeline safety regulations, written regulatory interpretation, response to a question, or an opinion concerning a pipeline safety issue. PHMSA makes available online each incoming interpretation request and allows for the submission of public comment.
Pipeline Safety Regulations
The rules governing pipeline safety are included in Title 49 of the CFR Parts 190-199. Individual states may have additional or more stringent pipeline safety regulations.
Part 190 describes the procedures used by PHMSA in carrying out its regulatory duties. This part authorizes PHMSA to inspect pipelines and describes the procedures by which PHMSA can enforce the regulations. This part also describes the legal rights and options that the operating companies have in response to PHMSA enforcement actions.
Part 191 describes requirements on operators of gas pipelines (including gas gathering, transmission, and distribution systems) for reporting of incidents, safety-related conditions, and annual summary data.
Part 192 prescribes a wide variety of minimum safety requirements for gas pipelines. These regulations contain sections applicable to gas gathering, transmission, and distribution lines.
Part 193 addresses safety standards for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities.
Part 194 contains requirements for oil spill response plans. This part is intended to reduce the environmental impact of oil discharged from onshore oil pipelines.
Part 195 prescribes the safety standards and reporting requirements for oil and carbon dioxide pipelines. As with the gas regulations, these regulations include detailed requirements on a broad spectrum of areas related to the safety and environmental protection of hazardous liquid pipelines. Part 195 also includes minimum requirements for operator qualification of individuals performing tasks required by the regulations.
Part 196 prescribes regulations for protection of underground pipelines from excavation activity.
Part 197 is currently reserved for future use.
Part 198 prescribes regulations governing grants-in-aid for State pipeline safety compliance programs.
Part 199 requires operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines to establish programs for preventing alcohol misuse and to test employees for the presence of alcohol and prohibited drugs and provides the procedures and conditions for this testing.
Here is more information about regulations and the rulemaking process that you may find interesting:
The Daily Journal of the United States Government – The Federal Register
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. Subchapter II) | National Archives