PHMSA Tells Pipeline Operators Deadline Looms for New Emissions Requirements

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on Monday submitted an advisory bulletin to the Federal Register, emphasizing to pipeline and pipeline facility operators requirements to reduce methane emissions.

“Minimizing methane emissions from pipelines will help improve safety and combat climate change, while creating jobs for pipeline workers,” said PHMSA Acting Administrator Tristan Brown. “Pipeline operators have an obligation to protect the public and the environment by identifying and addressing methane leaks.” 

The PHMSA noted the emissions requirements were signed into law as part of the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020. The law directs pipeline...