Proposed Rule2026-08080
Pipeline Safety: Integration of Innovative Remote Sensing Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 24, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Abstract
PHMSA proposes to clarify that right-of-way patrol requirements are technology neutral, and that operators can use remote sensing technologies, such as unmanned aerial systems and satellites, for complying with gas transmission, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipeline rights-of-way patrolling requirements.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 79 (Friday, April 24, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 79 (Friday, April 24, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22107-22111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08080]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
49 CFR Parts 192 and 195
[Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0118]
RIN 2137-AF79
Pipeline Safety: Integration of Innovative Remote Sensing
Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on Gas and Hazardous Liquid
Pipelines
AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: PHMSA proposes to clarify that right-of-way patrol
requirements are technology neutral, and that operators can use remote
sensing technologies, such as unmanned aerial systems and satellites,
for complying with gas transmission, hazardous liquid, and carbon
dioxide pipeline rights-of-way patrolling requirements.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 23, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Docket Number
PHMSA-2025-0118 using any of the following methods:
E-Gov Web: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. This site allows the public
to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: U.S. DOT Docket Management System: West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
For commenting instructions and additional information about
commenting, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sayler Palabrica, Transportation
Specialist, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, 202-744-
0825, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#681b0911040d1a46180904090a1a010b09280c071c460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="502331293c35227e20313c31322239333110343f247e373f26">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Discussion
PHMSA requires operators to perform periodic patrols of gas
transmission and hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipeline rights-
of-way (ROW). 49 CFR 192.705 requires operators to patrol gas
transmission pipelines between one and four times each calendar year,
depending on the class location of the pipeline and whether the
pipeline is located at a highway or railroad crossing. Similarly, 49
CFR 195.412 requires hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipeline
operators to inspect the surface conditions on or adjacent to each
pipeline ROW at least 26 times each year.
Sections 192.705 and 195.412 both specify that patrols or
inspections may include walking, driving, flying, or other appropriate
means of traversing the ROW. During these inspections, an operator
patrols the ROW to identify indications of leaks or threats to pipeline
integrity, such as construction, excavation activity, and earth
movement. Though these are primarily visual inspections, PHMSA is aware
of operators who integrate additional sensing technologies, such as
thermal imaging or light detection and ranging
[[Page 22108]]
sensors, to identify leaks, earth movement, the condition of water
crossings, and other safety risks when conducting ROW patrols.
On July 1, 2025, PHMSA published a direct final rule (DFR)
codifying past guidance that operators could use unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS, commonly known as drones) and satellite surveillance to
satisfy patrol requirements in Sec. Sec. 192.705 and 195.412, provided
such methods and technologies could provide current information and
imaging quality comparable to traditional aerial patrols (90 FR 28105
(July 1, 2025)). PHMSA received seven comments in response to the DFR.
The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and
Orbital Advisors supported the DFR amendments.<SUP>1 2</SUP> The
American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association supported the
DFR but recommended further revisions to allow operators delay patrols
due to unfavorable weather conditions, to allow operators use imaging
platforms other than satellites, to clarify that ``observation'' is for
ROW surface conditions, and to define the date of inspection for
imagery-based patrols as the date that the imagery was acquired.\3\
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\1\ INGAA, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety: Integration of
Innovative Remote Sensing Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on
Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' (Sept. 2, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0006">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0006</a>.
\2\ Weaver, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety: Integration of
Innovative Remote Sensing Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on
Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' (Sept. 2, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0005">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0005</a>.
\3\ American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association,
``Comment on Pipeline Safety: Integration of Innovative Remote
Sensing Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on Gas and Hazardous
Liquid Pipelines'' (Sept. 3, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0007">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0007</a>.
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KCSI Aerial Patrol provided similar comments, with concern that the
DFR language only used the term ``imaging'' in relation to satellite
technology, implying that PHMSA would require visual inspection rather
than aerial photography for patrols operators performed via aircraft.
KCSI Air Patrol also commented that PHMSA should explicitly require
that alternative patrol methods provide current information imaging
quality comparable to traditional aerial patrols consistent with the
position in the letters of interpretation cited in the DFR.\4\ An
anonymous commenter similarly suggested a need to define performance
requirements but recommended more prescriptive examples of conditions a
patrol must be able to observe.\5\
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\4\ KCSI Aerial Patrol, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety:
Integration of Innovative Remote Sensing Technologies for Right-of-
Way Patrols on Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' (Sept. 2, 2025),
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0004">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0004</a>.
\5\ Anonymous, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety: Integration of
Innovative Remote Sensing Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on
Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' (Aug. 25, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-00043">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-00043</a>.
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The Pipeline Safety Trust (PST) opposed the DFR on procedural
grounds and requested more explanation and opportunity to comment on
changes to the ``other appropriate means'' standard in Sec.
192.705(c). PST also noted concerns about the performance of satellite-
based technologies discussed in other rulemaking proceedings in a gas
pipeline leak detection context that seemed inconsistent with PHMSA
enforcement guidance for visual patrols.\6\ Citing the receipt of
adverse comments, on October 2, 2025, PHMSA published a notice
withdrawing the DFR in accordance with the requirements in 49 CFR
190.339 (90 FR 47626).
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\6\ PST, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety: Integration of Innovative
Remote Sensing Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on Gas and
Hazardous Liquid Pipelines'' at 2 (August 21, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0002">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0118-0002</a>.
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In this NPRM, PHMSA is reproposing the DFR amendments with certain
revisions. First, the revised proposal allows observation or imaging
via any of the listed patrol methods, avoiding the implication that
only satellite patrols may be based on imaging rather than visual
observation. In response to comments received from PST, PHMSA proposes
to retain the term ``appropriate'' rather than ``suitable'' in
Sec. Sec. 192.705(c) and 195.412(a), with additional language to
accommodate differences in imagery-based patrol methods. Though the
term ``suitable'' appears in the letters of interpretation cited in the
DFR, PHMSA intends to codify guidance that UAS and satellite imagery
are acceptable patrol methods if they meet existing patrol quality
expectations. PHMSA is not proposing other changes to patrol
performance standards as recommended in certain comments.
Consistent with the letters of interpretation cited in the DFR,
PHMSA includes the term ``current'' in this proposal to strengthen
patrol requirements when operators use aerial or satellite imaging
methods. As noted in PST's comment, visual inspections provide instant
information on current conditions. Imaging should provide the same
information (e.g., be promptly analyzed after the imagery is captured)
to ensure such methods are equivalent to traditional patrol methods.
PHMSA uses the term ``observe'' rather than ``traverse'' in the
proposal in response to certain comments on the DFR. Operators observe
the ROW when performing pipeline patrols, and satellites do not
necessarily traverse the ROW when operators use them for pipeline
patrols.
The performance of satellite-based patrol methods depends on the
capability of the satellite and the probable threats being evaluated.
Patrols are not primarily a leak-detection tool, which is addressed by
separate requirements at Sec. Sec. 192.706 and 192.723. Though most
satellites may not be able to detect small gas leaks, high-resolution
camera systems and other sensors can detect other threats, such as
hazardous liquid leaks, earth movement, and construction or excavation
activity that traditional surveys intend to address. Lower-resolution
tools may not be suitable for detecting such threats, and aerial or
satellite technology may not be suitable for all possible threats.
Ultimately, the operator is responsible for selecting the type and
performance of tools necessary to observe probable risks on the
pipeline ROW. PHMSA appreciates public comments on the cost and
performance of satellite-based ROW monitoring technologies.
PHMSA is not proposing any revisions to the patrol frequencies or
deadlines. PHMSA welcomes comments on the potential benefits of
clarifying that the patrol deadlines apply to the date that patrol data
is collected, the date it is analyzed, or both. PHMSA also prepared a
risk assessment (preliminary regulatory impact analysis) in developing
the NPRM to address the comments received in response to the DFR.
Commenting Instructions: Please include the docket number PHMSA-
2025-0118 at the beginning of your comments. If you submit your
comments by mail, submit two copies. If you wish to receive
confirmation that PHMSA received your comments, include a self-
addressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit comments at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Note: Comments are posted without changes or edits to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information provided.
There is a privacy statement published on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits
comments from the public to inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to
[[Page 22109]]
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, as described in the system of records
notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at <a href="https://www.dot.gov/privacy">https://www.dot.gov/privacy</a>.
Confidential Business Information: Confidential Business
Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both
customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from
public disclosure. It is important that you clearly designate the
comments submitted as CBI if: your comments responsive to this document
contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated
as private; you actually treat such information as private; and your
comment is relevant or responsive to this notice. Pursuant to 49 CFR
190.343, you may ask PHMSA to provide confidential treatment to
information you give to the agency by taking the following steps: (1)
mark each page of the original document submission containing CBI as
``Confidential;'' (2) send PHMSA, along with the original document, a
second copy of the original document with the CBI deleted; and (3)
explain why the information that you are submitting is CBI. Submissions
containing CBI should be sent to Sayler Palabrica, Office of Pipeline
Safety Standards and Rulemaking Division, Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 2nd Floor, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, or by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#493a2830252c3b67392825282b3b202a28092d263d672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1b687a62777e69356b7a777a796972787a5b7f746f357c746d">[email protected]</span></a>. Any materials PHMSA receives that is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments received, go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the online
instructions for accessing the docket. Alternatively, you may review
the documents in person at the street address listed above.
II. Regulatory Analysis and Notices
A. Legal Authority
This proposed rule is published under the authority of the
Secretary of Transportation set forth in the Federal Pipeline Safety
Laws (49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq.) and delegated to the PHMSA Administrator
pursuant to 49 CFR 1.97.
B. Statutory Requirement and Executive Order 12866
The Federal Pipeline Safety Laws (49 U.S.C. 60102(b)) require that
PHMSA prepare a risk assessment that identifies the costs and benefits
associated with a proposed regulatory change. E.O. 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, as implemented by DOT Order 2100.6B (``Policies
and Procedures for Rulemaking'') and DOT Order 2100.7 (``Ensuring
Reliance upon Sound Economic Analysis in Department of Transportation
Policies, Programs, and Activities''), requires agencies to regulate in
the ``most cost-effective manner,'' to make a ``reasoned determination
that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs,'' and
to develop regulations that ``impose the least burden on society.'' In
arriving at those conclusions, E.O. 12866 requires that agencies should
consider ``both quantifiable measures . . . and qualitative measures of
costs and benefits that are difficult to quantify'' and ``maximize net
benefits . . . unless a statute requires another regulatory approach.''
E.O. 12866 also requires that ``agencies should assess all costs and
benefits of available regulatory alternatives, including the
alternative of not regulating.'' DOT Order 2100.6B directs that PHMSA
and other Operating Administrations must generally choose the ``least
costly regulatory alternative that achieves the relevant objectives''
unless required by law or compelling safety need. DOT Order 2100.6B
also specifies that regulations should generally ``not be issued unless
their benefits are expected to exceed their costs'' except where
required by law or compelling safety need. DOT Order 2100.7 requires
that ``all rulemaking activities shall be based on sound economic
principles and analysis supported by rigorous cost-benefit
requirement.''
E.O. 12866 and DOT Order 2100.6B also require that PHMSA submit
``significant regulatory actions'' to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Executive Office of the
President's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This
final rule is a not significant regulatory action pursuant to E.O.
12866; OMB also has not designated this rule as a ``major rule'' as
defined by the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.).
PHMSA has complied with the procedural and analytical requirements
in E.O. 12866 as implemented by DOT Order 2100.6B and DOT Order 2100.7,
as well as the requirements in 49 U.S.C. 60102(b) and preliminarily
determined that this proposed rule will result in cost savings by
reducing regulatory burdens and regulatory uncertainty for gas,
hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipeline facility operators by
clarifying that cost-effective remote sensing technologies are
acceptable methods for performing patrols. The accompanying Preliminary
Regulatory Impact Analysis provides detailed cost assessments of the
various patrol options that facility operators could potentially use.
PHMSA estimates that the changes in the proposed rule will result in
annualized cost savings of $26.2 million. PHMSA expects these cost
savings may also result in reduced costs for the public to whom
pipeline operators generally transfer a portion of their compliance
costs. PHMSA has also preliminarily determined that the proposed rule
will not have any adverse safety and environmental effects since
operators are required to select patrol options that meet or exceed the
performance standard for patrol requirements.
C. Executive Orders 14192 and 14219
This proposed rule, if finalized as proposed, is expected to be a
deregulatory action pursuant to E.O. 14192, Unleashing Prosperity
Through Deregulation. PHMSA estimates that the total costs of the NPRM
on the regulated community will be less than zero. Nor does this
rulemaking implicate any of the factors identified in section 2(a) of
E.O. 14219, Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's
``Department of Government Efficiency'' Deregulatory Initiative,
indicative that a regulation is ``unlawful . . . [or] that undermine[s]
the national interest.''
D. Energy-Related Executive Orders 13211, 14154, and 14156
The President has declared in E.O. 14156, Declaring a National
Energy Emergency, a National emergency to address America's inadequate
energy development production, transportation, refining, and generation
capacity. Similarly, E.O. 14154, Unleashing American Energy, asserts a
Federal policy to unleash American energy by ensuing access to abundant
supplies of reliable, affordable energy from (inter alia) the removal
of ``undue burden[s]'' on the identification, development, or use of
domestic energy resources such as PHMSA-jurisdictional gases and
hazardous liquids. PHMSA preliminarily finds this proposed rule is
consistent with each of E.O. 14156 and E.O. 14154. The proposed rule
will give affected pipeline operators relief by clarifying that cost-
effective remote sensing technologies are acceptable ways for operators
to perform patrols. PHMSA therefore expects the regulatory amendments
in this proposed rule will in turn increase national pipeline
transportation capacity and improve pipeline operators' ability to
provide
[[Page 22110]]
abundant, reliable, affordable natural gas, petroleum, petroleum
products, other hazardous liquids, and carbon dioxide in response to
residential, commercial, and industrial demand.
However, this proposed rule is not a ``significant energy action''
under E.O. 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly
Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use, which requires Federal
agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for any ``significant
energy action.'' Because this proposed rule is not a significant action
under E.O. 12866, it will not have a significant adverse effect on
supply, distribution, or energy use; OIRA has therefore not designated
this proposed rule as a significant energy action.
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
PHMSA analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the principles
and criteria contained in E.O. 13132, Federalism, and the Presidential
Memorandum (``Preemption'') published in the Federal Register on May
22, 2009. E.O. 13132 requires agencies to assure meaningful and timely
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory
policies that may have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on
the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels
of government.''
Though the proposed rule may (when finalized) operate to preempt
some State requirements, it would not impose any regulation that has
substantial direct effects on the States, the relationship between the
National Government and the States, or the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Section
60104(c) of the Federal Pipeline Safety Laws prohibits certain State
safety regulation of interstate pipelines. Under the Federal Pipeline
Safety Laws, States that have submitted a current certification under
section 60105(a) can augment Federal pipeline safety requirements for
intrastate pipelines regulated by PHMSA but may not approve safety
requirements less stringent than those required by Federal law. A State
may also regulate an intrastate pipeline facility that PHMSA does not
regulate. The preemptive effect of the regulatory amendments in this
proposed rule is limited to the minimum level necessary to achieve the
objectives of the Federal Pipeline Safety Laws. Therefore, the
consultation and funding requirements of E.O. 13132 do not apply.
F. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
Federal agencies to conduct an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(IRFA) for a proposed rule subject to notice-and-comment rulemaking
unless the agency head certifies that the rulemaking will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
E.O. 13272, Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency
Rulemaking, obliges agencies to establish procedures promoting
compliance with the RFA. DOT posts its implementing guidance on a
dedicated web page.\7\ PHMSA developed this proposed rule in accordance
with E.O. 13272 and DOT implementing guidance to ensure compliance with
the RFA. PHMSA expects the proposed rule to reduce regulatory burdens
by codifying existing guidance that operators are permitted to use
remote sensing technologies for their right-of-way patrols. Further,
the changes proposed here are not expected to impose additional burdens
on any operator. Therefore, PHMSA certifies the proposed rule (if
finalized) will not have a significant impact on a substantial number
of small entities.
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\7\ DOT, Rulemaking Requirements Concerning Small Entities,
<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/rulemaking-requirements-concerning-small-entities">https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/rulemaking-requirements-concerning-small-entities</a>.
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G. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)
requires agencies to assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions
on State, local, and Tribal governments, and the private sector. For
any proposed or final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may
result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in
the aggregate of $100 million or more in 1996 dollars ($203 million in
2024 dollars) in any given year, the agency must prepare, amongst other
things, a written statement that qualitatively and quantitatively
assesses the costs and benefits of the Federal mandate.
This proposed rule does not impose unfunded mandates under UMRA.
PHMSA does not expect the proposed rule will result in costs of $100
million or more (in 1996 dollars) per year for either State, local, or
Tribal governments, or to the private sector.
H. National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) requires that Federal agencies assess and consider the impact of
major Federal actions on the human and natural environment.
PHMSA analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with NEPA and
issues this draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) because it
has preliminarily determined that the rulemaking will not adversely
affect safety and therefore will not significantly affect the quality
of the human and natural environment. The public is invited to comment
on the impact of the proposed action.
I. Executive Order 13175
PHMSA analyzed this proposed rule according to the principles and
criteria in E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian
Tribal Governments, and DOT Order 5301.1A (``Department of
Transportation Tribal Consultation Policies and Procedures''). E.O.
13175 requires agencies to assure meaningful and timely input from
Tribal government representatives in the development of rules that
significantly or uniquely affect Tribal communities by imposing
``substantial direct compliance costs'' or ``substantial direct
effects'' on such communities or the relationship or distribution of
power between the Federal Government and Tribes.
PHMSA assessed the impact of the proposed rule and determined that
it will not significantly or uniquely affect Tribal communities or
Indian Tribal governments. The rulemaking's regulatory amendments have
a broad, national scope; therefore, this proposed rule will not
significantly or uniquely affect Tribal communities, much less impose
substantial compliance costs on Native American Tribal governments or
mandate Tribal action. For these reasons, PHMSA has concluded that the
funding and consultation requirements of E.O. 13175 and DOT Order
5301.1A do not apply.
J. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its
implementing regulations at 5 CFR 1320.8(d) requires that PHMSA provide
interested members of the public and affected agencies with an
opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping
requests. This rulemaking will not create, amend, or rescind any
existing information collections.
K. Executive Order 13609 and International Trade Analysis
E.O. 13609, Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation,
requires agencies to consider whether the impacts associated with
significant
[[Page 22111]]
variations between domestic and international regulatory approaches are
unnecessary or may impair the ability of American business to export
and compete internationally. In meeting shared challenges involving
health, safety, labor, security, environmental, and other issues,
international regulatory cooperation can identify approaches that are
at least as protective as those that are or would be adopted in the
absence of such cooperation. International regulatory cooperation can
also reduce, eliminate, or prevent unnecessary differences in
regulatory requirements.
Similarly, the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as
amended by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465),
prohibits Federal agencies from establishing any standards or engaging
in related activities that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign
commerce of the United States. For purposes of these requirements,
Federal agencies may participate in the establishment of international
standards, so long as the standards have a legitimate domestic
objective, such as providing for safety, and do not operate to exclude
imports that meet this objective. The statute also requires
consideration of international standards and, where appropriate, that
they be the basis for U.S. standards.
PHMSA engages with international standards setting bodies to
protect the safety of the American public. PHMSA has assessed the
effects of the proposed rule and has determined that its proposed
regulatory amendments will not cause unnecessary obstacles to foreign
trade.
L. Cybersecurity and Executive Order 14028
E.O. 14028, Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity, directs the
Federal Government to improve its efforts to identify, deter, and
respond to ``persistent and increasingly sophisticated malicious cyber
campaigns.'' PHMSA has considered the effects of the proposed rule and
has determined that its proposed regulatory amendments would not
materially affect the cybersecurity risk profile for pipeline
facilities.
List of Subjects
49 CFR Part 192
Natural gas, Pipeline safety.
49 CFR Part 195
Pipeline safety.
In consideration of the foregoing, PHMSA proposes to amend 49 CFR
parts 192 and 195 as follows:
PART 192--TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL AND OTHER GAS BY PIPELINE:
MINIMUM FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS
0
1. The authority citation for 49 CFR part 192 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 185(w)(3), 49 U.S.C. 5103, 60101 et seq.,
and 49 CFR 1.97.
0
2. Revise Sec. 192.705(c) to read as follows:
Sec. 192.705 Transmission lines: Patrolling.
* * * * *
(c) Methods of patrolling include observation or imaging from
walking, driving, flying via manned or unmanned aerial systems,
satellite, or appropriate means for observing current surface
conditions in the right-of-way.
PART 195--TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS BY PIPELINE
0
3. The authority citation for part 195 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 185(w)(3), 49 U.S.C. 5121, 60101 et seq.,
and 49 CFR 1.97.
0
4. Revise Sec. 195.412(a) to read as follows:
Sec. 195.412 Inspection of rights-of-way and crossings under
navigable waters.
(a) Each operator shall, at intervals not exceeding 3 weeks, but at
least 26 times each calendar year, inspect the surface conditions on or
adjacent to each pipeline right-of-way. Methods of inspection include
observation or imaging from walking, driving, flying via manned or
unmanned aerial systems, satellite, or appropriate means for observing
current surface conditions in the right-of-way.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 22, 2026, under the authority
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Paul J. Roberti,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2026-08080 Filed 4-23-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.