On April 24, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a sweeping set of 40 rulemakings to the Federal Register, including a mix of Final Rules, Direct Final Rules (DFRs), and Notice of Proposed Rulemakings (NPRMs) covering a wide range of pipeline safety topics. The actions span multiple sections of the Federal Pipeline Safety…
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DOT Final Rule Updates Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements
On May 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule in the Federal Register updating terminology within DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations to align with Executive Order 14168, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” In addition to the terminology updates, the rule…
Virginia: Pipeline Safety: Advisory Bulletin on Preventing Excavation Damage During National Safe Digging Month and BeyondVirginia:
[Docket No. PHMSA-2026-1585] PHMSA is issuing this advisory bulletin to all owners and operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities to highlight the critical importance of excavation damage prevention during periods of significant infrastructure growth. This bulletin emphasizes the need for adherence to the Common Ground Alliance best practices, accurate and timely locating, and…
TaskOp Nominated for Empower’s Innovation in Operations Award
RCP is proud to announce that TaskOp has been nominated by Empower Conference for the Innovation in Operations Award. This recognition highlights the continued work of the TaskOp Team to improve operational efficiency, simplify compliance workflows, and help operators better manage critical data, assets, and documentation across their organizations. Built specifically for the pipeline and…
Featured Service
TaskOp Highlight: Underground Gas Storage RCP has earned a worldwide reputation for providing professional engineering services and regulatory expertise to oil and gas operators, including underground gas storage in depleted reservoirs, aquifers and salt caverns. We have the RESOURCES, SOFTWARE and the KNOWLEDGE to assist clients with building, implementing, and improving comprehensive operational integrity management…
The Enforcement Corner
The Enforcement Corner summarizes recent PHMSA enforcement actions, indicating where PHMSA is putting its enforcement efforts and the fines they are proposing for various types of violations. In April 2026, PHMSA issued 2 NOPVs, and 1 WL accompanied by $428,800 in proposed fines. Please note: RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA enforcement actions…
Regulatory Watch: Key Dates & Deadlines
Welcome to Regulatory Watch! In this monthly update, we’ll keep you informed on proposed rule comment periods, effective dates, and upcoming deadlines for various compliance requirements. Have questions about an upcoming deadline? Please reach out to Jessica Foley for assistance!
Did You Know?
Did You Know? More than 189 million Americans and 5.8 million businesses use natural gas because it is affordable, reliable, safe and essential to improving our environment. Click here to learn more.
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: The proposed PHMSA language states that we still have to do a post-construction coating check within 6 months. It just moved…
RCP Adds Industry Leader John Gale as Executive Consultant
RCP is pleased to welcome John Gale as an Executive Consultant. John joins RCP after a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, where he spent over 40 years, including 18 years with the Office of Pipeline Safety. During his time at PHMSA, John served as Director…
URS Safety Alert: Virginia Pipeline Joining and Welding Issues
A new safety alert highlights recurring issues observed during pipeline construction, inspections, and failure investigations across Virginia. The focus is on pipeline joining and welding practices, where improper execution can create long-term integrity risks. Common issues include mitered plastic joints, inadequate ditch space for proper joining, and improper root bead welding practices such as “hinging”…
URS Safety Alert: Virginia Electrical Expansion May Impact Pipeline Integrity
A new safety alert from the Virginia State Corporation Commission highlights growing risks tied to expanding electrical infrastructure. As electrical demand increases, utilities are adding new transmission lines, upgrading existing lines, and reconductoring systems to boost capacity. These changes can create AC interference when lines are near underground metallic pipelines, which can disrupt cathodic protection…
PHMSA Seeks Public Input on Enforcement Procedures
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is opening the door for industry feedback on its enforcement process. PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety maintains a public document outlining its Section 4 Administrative Enforcement Processes. This resource walks through each step of an enforcement case, from initial action through final resolution. For the first time,…
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: The proposed PHMSA language states that we still have to do a post-construction coating check within 6 months. It just moved…
Did You Know?
Did You Know? RCP’s Version 2.0 of its TaskOp Underground Storage Reservoir Risk Module is officially live! Developed in response to the release of API 1171’s 2nd Edition, RCP has added a number of new, premium features, including robust threat interaction tables, to enable users to comply with the new recommended practices being introduced. Click…
The Enforcement Corner
The Enforcement Corner summarizes recent PHMSA enforcement actions, indicating where PHMSA is putting its enforcement efforts and the fines they are proposing for various types of violations. In March 2026, PHMSA issued 7 NOAs, 8 NOPVs, and 7 WLs accompanied by $494,700 in proposed fines. Please note: RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA…
Offshore Drilling Oversight Change
The U.S. Interior Department plans to merge two offshore drilling regulators, a shift from reforms made after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Officials say the move will streamline permitting and improve coordination. Critics argue it could weaken independent safety oversight and reintroduce risks that led to the 2010 disaster. The decision reflects the ongoing balance…
PHMSA Pipeline R&D Forum – Washington, DC
On March 31 – April 1, 2026, 8AM to 5:30PM ET, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will host its two-day Pipeline Research and Development (R&D) Forum in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, bringing together pipeline industry leaders, government agencies, and public stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges and future research priorities. The forum…
PHMSA Pipeline Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting – Virtual
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), through its National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety, will host a virtual webinar on March 25, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. Eastern, focused on improving safety performance at LNG facilities. This one-hour session is part of a new webinar series designed to share leading practices among liquefied…
DOT Reminds Substance Abuse Professionals of Return-to-Duty Responsibilities
On March 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice reminding Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) and regulated employers of their responsibilities within the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process under the federal drug and alcohol testing program. Under DOT regulations, the SAP serves as the “gatekeeper” for employees seeking to return to safety-sensitive duties after…