Blog Viewer

PHMSA’s Gas Transmission Rule Moves to OMB

By Erin Kurilla posted 05-23-2019 12:08 PM

  
Since 2011, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has been developing the next phase of pipeline safety regulations for gas transmission regulations. The original proposed Safety of Gas Transmission and Gathering Lines Rulemaking addressed congressional mandates, recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other changes proposed by PHMSA.

PHMSA has decided to break apart the proposed rule into three separate final rules. The first of which has officially moved to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a cost/benefit analysis and approvals. This is the first of three rulemakings and it focuses on the items in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that were linked to congressional mandates. A later rulemaking will focus on transmission integrity items beyond legislation. The third rulemaking will focus on gathering lines.

Once OMB provides their approvals, PHMSA will finalize the rulemaking for publication. Historically, OMB has published rules sent to them within 90 days, but it has taken significantly longer over the past several years. Once published, we expect PHMSA to provide at least six months for implementation.

For questions on this article, please contact Erin Kurilla of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at ekurilla@apga.org.

Permalink