On April 24, the 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 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) covering a wide range of pipeline safety topics. The actions span multiple sections of the Federal Pipeline…
May 2026
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…
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: If a valve is remotely controlled, does it automatically meet the requirements for a rupture mitigation valve (RMV)? A: No. While…
PSI Training Schedule
DATE COURSE FEE Aug. 4-6, 2026 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) $2,150 Sep. 22-24, 2026 Pipeline Safety Audit Training (Comprehensive training with technical and soft skills) $2,150 Nov. 17-19, 2026 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) $2,150 FREE LIVE WEBINAR ALERT!Unpacking the…
PHMSA Signals a New Path Forward for Non-Steel Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
On May 19, 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a new policy statement clarifying how the agency intends to evaluate the transportation of hazardous liquids and carbon dioxide in non-steel pipelines. The policy centers around 49 CFR §195.8, which already allows operators to transport hazardous liquids or carbon dioxide in non-steel…
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…
TaskOp Wins Innovation in Operations Award at Quickbase Empower26
Big congratulations to the entire TaskOp team! 🎉 We’re proud to announce that TaskOp was awarded the Innovation in Operations Award at the Empower26 conference. This recognition reflects the hard work, creativity, and continuous improvement mindset of the entire TaskOp team. Built specifically for pipeline operators and compliance professionals, TaskOp continues to help organizations streamline…
Pipeline Safety: Advisory Bulletin on Preventing Excavation Damage During National Safe Digging Month and Beyond
[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…
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…
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…