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…
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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 February 2026, PHMSA issued 4 CAOs, 6 NOAs, 12 NOPVs, and 2 WLs accompanied by $825,928 in proposed fines. Please note: RCP maintains a detailed database of…
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…
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…
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…
2026 Conference News
TGA Annual Operations & Management Conference 2026June 1-4, 2026 | Moody Gardens | Galveston, TX The Texas Gas Association (TGA) Annual Operations & Management Conference in Galveston brings together natural gas operators, engineers, regulators, and service providers from across Texas and the surrounding region to share knowledge on pipeline operations, safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.…
PSI Training Schedule
DATE COURSE FEE August 4-6, 2026 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) $2,150 On-Demand DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) $2,150 On-Demand Fundamentals of Pipeline Pressure Testing (Gas & Liquid Pipelines) $1,200 WEBINAR RECORDINGPipeline Safety: Unpacking the Class Location Change Requirements Thank you…
PHMSA Issues Advisory on Plastic Pipe Risks in Gas Distribution Systems
[Docket No. PHMSA-2026-0166] PHMSA has issued an advisory bulletin reminding natural gas distribution operators to fully address risks associated with plastic piping and components under existing Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) requirements. The advisory follows a 2023 gas explosion in West Reading, Pennsylvania, linked to degradation of older plastic components exposed to elevated temperatures. PHMSA…
PHMSA Issues Guidance on Type-A Sleeve Risks for Hazardous Liquid Lines
[Docket No. PHMSA-2026-0298] PHMSA has published an advisory bulletin focused on integrity risks linked to Type-A repair sleeves used on hazardous liquid pipelines. These sleeves consist of two steel halves welded around a pipe defect to reinforce it, but PHMSA notes that past failures, often tied to improper installation, moisture getting inside, and poor assessment…
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 January 2026, PHMSA issued 3 CAOs, 3 NOPVs, and 2 WLs accompanied by $195,700 in proposed fines. Please note: RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA…
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…
PHMSA Final Rule: Class Location Change Requirements
[Docket No. PHMSA-2017-0151; Amdt. No. 192-155] PHMSA has published a new Final Rule for operators of certain gas transmission pipelines that have a change in class location to allow integrity management principles to be applied to the affected segments in lieu of historical treatment of derate, replace or request special permits to operate. The following…
PHMSA Issues notice of limited enforcement discretion for issuing Special Permits
Consistent with E.O. 14156, PHMSA has announced a limited exercise of enforcement discretion and statement of policy for issuing special permits in response to the national energy emergency. Specifically, OPS will refrain from taking any enforcement action against a regulated party who defers the performance of an activity that would otherwise be required under the…
DOT Moves to Cut Energy Costs While Maintaining Safety
On January 12, 2026, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced new actions by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to streamline regulations, lower energy transportation costs, and maintain strong safety standards. The changes are expected to generate more than $600 million in annual savings while helping make energy more affordable for American…
Have a couple minutes?
Take a quick look at our new video, “A Day in the Life with TaskOp.” It shows how teams use TaskOp to keep work organized, moving, and audit ready. After watching, let us know if this type of content is helpful and what else you’d like to see us create. Your feedback helps guide what…
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 December 2025, PHMSA issued 2 CAOs, 3 NOAs, 5 NOPVs, 1 PSO, and 3 WLs accompanied by $9,715,054 in proposed fines. Please note: RCP maintains a detailed…
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…
PHMSA Issues Limited Enforcement Discretion for API RP 1170 and 1171
On December 8, 2025, PHMSA issued a Notice of Limited Enforcement Discretion related to the Direct Final Rule titled “Pipeline Safety: Standards Update—API RP 1170 and API RP 1171.” The rule, originally published on July 1, 2025, incorporates the second editions of API RP 1170 and API RP 1171 into 49 CFR Part 192, with…
Leadership Update at PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety
PHMSA has announced a leadership transition within the Office of Pipeline Safety. John Gale has retired from his role as Director of Standards and Rulemaking, concluding a long career in public service focused on pipeline safety and regulatory development. Throughout his tenure, John Gale played a key role in shaping federal pipeline safety regulations and…