Proposed Rule2026-08081
Pipeline Safety: Adjust Annual Report Deadlines
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
This NPRM proposes to extend the annual report deadline for operators of gas distribution pipelines, gas transmission pipelines, regulated gas gathering pipelines, Type R gas gathering lines, underground natural gas storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas facilities. This NPRM also proposes to extend the National Pipeline Mapping System information submission deadline for operators of gas transmission and liquefied natural gas facilities. Annual reports for gas pipeline and gas pipeline storage facilities would be due on June 15, consistent with existing requirements for hazardous liquid pipelines.
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 22087-22091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08081]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 191
[Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0108]
RIN 2137-AF77
Pipeline Safety: Adjust Annual Report Deadlines
AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This NPRM proposes to extend the annual report deadline for
operators of gas distribution pipelines, gas transmission pipelines,
regulated gas gathering pipelines, Type R gas gathering lines,
underground natural gas storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas
facilities. This NPRM also proposes to extend the National Pipeline
Mapping System information submission deadline for operators of gas
transmission and liquefied natural gas facilities. Annual reports for
gas pipeline and gas pipeline storage facilities would be due on June
15, consistent with existing requirements for hazardous liquid
pipelines.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 23, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Docket Number
PHMSA-2025-0108 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#2655475f4a43540856474a4744544f45476642495208414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ea998b93868f98c49a8b868b889883898baa8e859ec48d859c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Discussion
On July 1, 2025, PHMSA published a direct final rule (DFR)
extending the deadlines from March 15 to June 15 in 49 CFR 191.11 and
191.17 for operators to submit to PHMSA annual report data for gas
distribution pipelines, gas transmission pipelines, regulated gas
gathering pipelines, Type R gas gathering pipelines, underground
natural gas storage (UNGS) facilities, and liquefied natural gas (LNG)
facilities (90 FR 28047 (July 1, 2025)). PHMSA explained in the DFR
that the new deadline would be consistent with the deadline for
submitting annual reports for hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide
facilities in 49 CFR 195.49 (90 FR 28047 (July 1, 2025)).
PHMSA received three comments from the public in response to the
DFR. The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and Air
Liquide Large Industries US, L.P. (ALLIUS) supported the DFR but
recommended that PHMSA also extend the deadline for operators to submit
geospatial information (GIS) to the National Pipeline Mapping System
(NPMS).<SUP>1 2</SUP> The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) described at
length the benefits of Federal pipeline safety information and
commented that delay of operators providing annual report information
undermines those benefits.\3\ EDF further commented that overtime
expenses caused by the annual report deadline can be mitigated with
contractor support and do not necessarily indicate that the report
deadline is unduly burdensome.
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\1\ INGAA, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety: Annual Report Filing
Timelines'' (Sep 3, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0108-0003">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0108-0003</a>.
\2\ Air Liquide Large Industries, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety:
Annual Report Filing Timelines'' (Aug 29, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0108-0002">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0108-0002</a>.
\3\ EDF, ``Comment on Pipeline Safety: Annual Report Filing
Timelines'' (Sept 3, 2025), <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0108-0004">https://www.regulations.gov/comment/PHMSA-2025-0108-0004</a>.
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Citing the receipt of adverse comments, on October 2, 2025, PHMSA
withdrew the DFR in accordance with the requirements in 49 CFR 190.339
(90 FR 47620). PHMSA is reproposing the amendments in the DFR in this
NPRM with certain revisions for the reasons explained below.
PHMSA continues to support extending the annual reporting deadlines
from March 15 to June 15 in Sec. Sec. 191.11 and 191.17 for gas
distribution pipelines, gas transmission pipelines,
[[Page 22088]]
regulated gas gathering pipelines, Type R gas gathering pipelines, UNGS
facilities, and LNG facilities. That extension would align with the
annual reporting deadline in Sec. 195.49 for hazardous liquid and
carbon dioxide pipelines that has been in effect more than a decade.
PHMSA does not agree with EDF's comment that creating a uniform annual
reporting deadline would undermine safety. Though useful to PHMSA and
to other stakeholders, annual reports do not contain urgent or time-
sensitive safety information; they contain summary information that is
generally used to provide an understanding of overall trends in the
Nation's pipeline transportation network. PHMSA's experience with the
June 15 reporting deadline for hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide
pipelines demonstrates that there is no compelling safety reason to
receive such information for gas pipeline facilities by March 15. To
the extent that there is any benefit from PHMSA receiving annual report
data a few months earlier, PHMSA does not agree that it justifies the
costs of complying with the March 15 deadline.
As recommended in the comments submitted by INGAA and ALLIUS, PHMSA
also proposes to extend the NPMS information submission deadline from
March 15 to June 15 in Sec. 191.29(b) for gas transmission and LNG
facility operators. In addition to generating the same cost savings
from extending the reporting deadline described above, PHMSA and
operators both compare annual report and NPMS submissions as a quality
control step. Submitting both together will likely improve the quality
of both submissions compared with the separate deadlines under the DFR.
PHMSA notes this change is also consistent with the existing June 15
deadline for submitting NPMS data for hazardous liquid pipelines in
Sec. 195.61(b).
Commenting Instructions: Please include the docket number PHMSA-
2025-0108 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 <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#502331293c35227e20313c31322239333110343f247e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dba8baa2b7bea9f5abbab7bab9a9b2b8ba9bbfb4aff5bcb4ad">[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 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
[[Page 22089]]
that this proposed rule will result in cost savings by reducing the
need for operators of gas distribution, gas transmission, gas
gathering, underground natural gas storage facilities, and liquified
natural gas plants to rely on contractors or overtime to meet the
current annual report submission deadline. As detailed in the
accompanying Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis, the proposed 3-
month filing extension will result in cost savings of approximately $1
million per year. 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 effects since annual reports about pipeline
infrastructure are not urgently needed, unlike incident and accident
data, to assess immediate safety risks.
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 more time to submit annual
reports for gas pipeline and storage facilities subject to part 191,
resulting in lower costs to operators.
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.
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.\4\ PHMSA developed this proposed rule in accordance
with E.O. 13272 and DOT implementing guidance to ensure compliance with
the RFA. The proposed rule is expected to reduce regulatory burdens by
extending the deadline for operators to file annual reports. 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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\4\ 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. Sec. 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
[[Page 22090]]
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. Sections 191.11 and 191.17 require operators of gas
distribution pipelines, gas transmission pipelines, regulated gas
gathering pipelines, Type R gas gathering pipelines, UNGS facilities,
and LNG facilities to submit an annual report to PHMSA by March 15 for
the preceding calendar year. PHMSA proposes to extend the annual report
submission deadlines from March 15 to June 15 each calendar year in
Sec. Sec. 191.11 and 191.17.
Though PHMSA does not expect an increase in the burden on operators
to comply, this adjustment will require a revision to the instructions
for the following forms:
PHMSA F 7100.1-1 Gas Distribution Annual Report;
PHMSA F 7100.2-1 Annual Report for Gas Transmission and Gas Gathering
Pipeline Operators;
PHMSA F 7100.2-3 Annual Report for TYPE R (Reporting-Regulated) GAS
GATHERING PIPELINE SYSTEMS;
PHMSA F7 100.3-1 Annual Report for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities;
PHMSA F 7100.4-1 Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Annual
Report.
PHMSA will submit the following information collection requests to
OMB for approval based on the adjustments in this proposed rule. These
information collections are contained in part 191. The following
information is provided for each information collection: (1) Title of
the information collection; (2) OMB control number; (3) Current
expiration date; (4) Type of request; (5) Abstract of the information
collection activity; (6) Description of affected public; (7) Estimate
of total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden; and (8) Frequency
of collection. The information collections will be revised as follows:
1. Title: Annual and Incident Reports for Gas Pipeline Operators.
OMB Control Number: 2137-0522.
Current Expiration Date: 8/31/2026.
Type of Request: Revision.
Abstract: This mandatory information collection covers the
collection of data from operators of natural gas pipelines, underground
natural gas storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas (LNG)
facilities for annual reports. Section 191.17 requires operators of
underground natural gas storage facilities, gas transmission systems,
and gas gathering systems to submit an annual report by June 15 for the
preceding calendar year.
Affected Public: Operators of natural, and other, gas transmission
pipelines, gas gathering pipelines, underground natural gas storage
facilities, and liquefied natural gas facilities.
Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
Estimated Number of Responses: 2,445.
Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 104,596.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
2. Title: Annual Report for Gas Distribution Pipeline Operators.
OMB Control Number: 2137-0629.
Current Expiration Date: 06/30/2026.
Type of Request: Revision.
Abstract: This information collection request requires operators of
gas distribution pipeline systems to submit annual report data to the
Office of Pipeline Safety in accordance with the regulations stipulated
in part 191 by way of form PHMSA F 7100.1-1. The form is to be
submitted once for each calendar year, by June 15, for the preceding
calendar year. The annual report form collects data about the pipe
material, size, and age. The form also collects data on leaks from
these systems as well as excavation damages. PHMSA uses the information
to track the extent of gas distribution systems and normalize incident
and leak rates.
Affected Public: Operators of gas distribution pipeline systems.
Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
Estimated Number of Responses: 1,446.
Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 28,920.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
Requests for copies of this information collection should be
directed to Angela Hill at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#35545b525059541b5d5c595975515a411b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cbaaa5acaea7aae5a3a2a7a78bafa4bfe5aca4bd">[email protected]</span></a>. Comments are invited
on:
(a) The need for the proposed collection of information for the
proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether
the information will have practical utility;
(b) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the
revised collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
(c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques.
Send comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget,
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Desk Officer for
the Department of Transportation, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC
20503. Comments should be submitted on or prior to June 23, 2026.
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 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
[[Page 22091]]
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 in 49 CFR Part 191
Pipeline safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
In consideration of the foregoing, PHMSA proposes to amend 49 CFR
part 191 as follows:
PART 191--TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL AND OTHER GAS BY PIPELINE;
ANNUAL, INCIDENT, AND OTHER REPORTING
0
1. The authority citation for part 191 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.
Sec. 191.11 [AMENDED]
0
2. In Sec. 191.11, remove the word ``March'' and add in its place the
word ``June''.
Sec. 191.17 [AMENDED]
0
3. In Sec. 191.17(a)(1), (a)(2), (b), and (c) remove the phrase
``March 15'' and add in its place the phrase ``June 15''.
Sec. 191.29 [AMENDED]
0
4. In Sec. 191.29(b), remove the phrase ``March 15'' and add in its
place the phrase ``June 15''.
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 22, 2026, under the authority
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Paul J. Roberti,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2026-08081 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.