Urges PHMSA to Consider Safety Mandate
WASHINGTON, August 16, 2023 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today filed comments outlining significant concerns with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed gas pipeline leak detection and repair rulemaking. API supports the intent of PHMSA’s goal of addressing methane emissions and our industry remains committed to reducing emissions associated with operations. However, PHMSA’s proposed rule goes well beyond its mandate from Congress to ensure pipeline safety under the Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020, failing to propose risk-based safety measures.
“Pipeline operators are working every day to improve safety and environmental performance, but this proposed rule would do little to accomplish PHMSA’s stated goals,” API VP of Midstream Policy Robin Rorick said. “We look forward to working with PHMSA to improve this rulemaking as our industry uses the latest technology and safety management systems to reduce methane emissions while advancing a zero-incident safety culture.”
Joining the American Gas Association (AGA), American Public Gas Association (APGA), Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), GPA Midstream, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), and Northeast Gas Association (NGA) in submitting comprehensive comments based on the technical expertise of their combined membership, API and the pipeline industry provide alternatives, recommendations and modifications to improve pipeline safety and reduce emissions. By balancing public safety and environmental protection, these modifications would ensure natural gas can be delivered safely, reliably and affordably to the consumers at home and abroad who depend on it to power modern life.
The natural gas and oil industry is working to further reduce emissions and keep methane in the pipe throughout its operations. Through individual company actions and collective, industry-led initiatives like The Environmental Partnership, our industry is working to better understand, detect and mitigate emissions by developing new technologies and practices.
Click here to view the pipeline industry’s joint comments on PHMSA’s proposed rule.
Click here to view API and GPA Midstream comments on PHMSA’s proposed gathering lines rule.
API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.
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