House Committee Reviews PIPES Act to Expand CO2 Pipeline Safety Rules, Boost Penalties to $3.4M

DOT posts the first 30-day status update on overdue pipeline safety rules, then keeps updating every 30 days until they are published

The public, states, and industry can track whether long-delayed safety rules are moving, instead of waiting with no visibility

DOT creates a working group on what past pressure tests and records count for confirming pipeline strength (MAOP topic)

Could pause or reshape costly retesting requirements for some natural gas transmission lines until the group reports and new rules are started

Final rule issued on class location change safety standards (based on the 2020 proposal)

Operators may have updated requirements when areas around pipelines become more populated, which can change inspection, testing, or upgrade needs

DOT issues a proposed rule on how safety requirements apply to idled (not currently operating) pipelines

Could reduce confusion about what rules apply when a line is taken out of service but still in the ground, affecting safety and restart decisions

PHMSA appoints the governing board for the voluntary, confidential pipeline safety information-sharing system (VIS)

Starts building the structure for companies, workers, and safety groups to share near-miss lessons learned with confidentiality protections

PHMSA publishes inspection and enforcement priorities for FY2026–FY2029 (after public comment)

Signals what safety issues inspectors will focus on, which can affect operator work plans and community expectations

DOT renames and stands up the Office of Public Engagement for pipeline safety

Gives communities and local officials a clearer front door for pipeline safety questions, outreach, and materials

First annual public summary of federal and state pipeline inspections is posted (then every June 1)

You may be able to see whether pipelines in your state were inspected and whether violations were found, improving transparency