PHMSA is moving forward with proposed changes to annual pipeline reporting requirements aimed at reducing duplicate data collection, simplifying reporting, and improving the quality of safety information.
On November 12, 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a Federal Register notice outlining proposed revisions to annual reporting forms for gas distribution, gas transmission and gathering, hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities.
The notice follows an earlier public comment period and explains which proposed changes PHMSA intends to retain, revise, or withdraw before seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
What Changes Are Being Proposed?
Gas Distribution Pipelines
PHMSA plans to eliminate diameter-based reporting of main mileage and service counts, while placing greater emphasis on higher-risk pipe materials, including certain plastics and polyethylene materials susceptible to brittle-like cracking.
The agency also intends to remove unaccounted-for gas percentages from annual reports and clarify reporting contact information.
Gas Transmission and Gathering Pipelines
Proposed revisions would eliminate reporting of total gas volume transported, pipeline diameter data already collected through the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS), and certain anomaly counts.
Operators would continue reporting repaired conditions. PHMSA also plans to clarify how pipeline mileage is reported when maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) is reconfirmed.
Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
PHMSA proposes removing duplicate pipeline diameter and breakout tank reporting from annual reports, relying instead on NPMS submissions.
The agency also plans to eliminate anomaly counts while retaining reporting on conditions repaired through pipeline integrity assessments.
LNG Facilities
Proposed changes include consolidating facility location reporting, clarifying facility status classifications, and improving data collection related to piping and weld failures.
PHMSA also intends to distinguish physical security incidents from cybersecurity events in annual reporting requirements.
What Does This Mean for Pipeline Operators?
If approved, these revisions could reduce the time operators spend preparing annual reports. PHMSA estimates reporting time would decrease by:
- Gas distribution: 20 to 18 hours per report.
- Gas transmission and gathering: 54 to 50 hours per report.
- Hazardous liquid pipelines: 20 to 18 hours per report.
Operators should review the proposed changes to identify potential impacts on their reporting procedures, data collection practices, and internal recordkeeping systems.
These revisions are not yet final. Existing reporting requirements remain in effect unless and until the changes receive the necessary approval and are implemented.
Public Comments Due December 14, 2026
PHMSA is accepting comments on the information collection revisions through December 14, 2026.
Reference: [Docket No. PHMSA–2026–0529]
Federal Register: 91 FR 72949, November 12, 2026
Federal Register Document: 2026–23022
Comments may be submitted through RegInfo.gov.