NGA Submits Comments on PHMSA Gas Distribution Pipeline Safety Rulemaking
NGA is Proud to Support PHMSA's Pipeline Safety Efforts
On June 29th, The Northeast Gas Association submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) as part of the ongoing Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) review of the agency's proposed Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines rulemaking. NGA also joined the Joint Trade comments submitted by the American Gas Association (AGA), American Public Gas Association (APGA), and NGA.
Pipeline safety is at the very core of NGA's mission. Every day, our members work to safely deliver the natural gas that millions of homes and businesses across the Northeast depend upon. We appreciate PHMSA's continued leadership and collaborative approach to advancing pipeline safety and recognize the significant work the agency has undertaken to strengthen the nation's pipeline safety framework.
In its comments, NGA expressed strong support for PHMSA's overarching safety objectives while encouraging the agency to maintain the performance-based, risk-informed regulatory approach that has successfully driven continuous safety improvements across the industry. NGA's recommendations emphasize providing operators with the flexibility to implement engineering solutions that best fit the unique characteristics of their systems while continuing to enhance public safety, system reliability, and operational resilience.
NGA's comments also encourage practical implementation timelines for new requirements, recognize the substantial investments utilities have already made since the 2018 CMA Merrimack Valley incident, and highlight the importance of continuing to modernize pipeline infrastructure through risk-based pipeline replacement and rehabilitation programs. NGA remains ready to support PHMSA, state regulators, and industry partners as we work to achieve the shared goal of continually improving pipeline safety while ensuring customers continue to receive safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas service.
NGA appreciates PHMSA's willingness to engage with stakeholders throughout this rulemaking process and looks forward to continuing that partnership as the agency develops the final rule.
Read the comments:
For additional information, please contact Paul Armstrong, Vice President of Operations, at parmstrong@northeastgas.org.