The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing to update more than 20 incorporated consensus standards in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. This proposed rulemaking involves incorporating newer versions of technical standards, clarifying regulatory language, and making minor corrections to improve clarity without imposing new initiatives on pipeline operators. The changes will allow operators to use the latest technologies and practices in pipeline safety, while also aligning with federal policies to incorporate voluntary consensus standards. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 16, 2021.
Simple Explanation
The government is suggesting some rule updates to help keep pipelines safe by using the latest and best tools and instructions, but they won't make the people running the pipelines change how they do their work. They're asking people to share their thoughts on these ideas by March 16, 2021.