The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a final rule amending the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to reduce regulatory burdens on gas pipelines while maintaining safety. It includes revisions to inspection requirements, such as extending intervals for atmospheric corrosion checks on certain pipes and allowing remote monitoring of rectifier stations. The rule also updates the reporting criteria for incidents by adjusting monetary thresholds for inflation and revises welding and testing requirements for pipe components. These changes aim to streamline regulatory processes and reduce costs without compromising safety standards.
Simple Explanation
The government changed some rules to make it easier and cheaper to take care of gas pipes, but they promise it will still be safe. They also decided that incidents costing more money will need to be reported, so they adjusted for today's prices.