Hearings, Meetings, Proceedings, etc.: Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee

Eversource Energy, a gas utility company, supports the proposed regulations aimed at enhancing pipeline safety but requests specific modifications to ensure practical implementation. The company argues for longer, phased compliance timelines, clearer definitions for "significant" changes, and a performance-based approach to emergency response and recordkeeping to balance safety goals with operational feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Enbridge Gas Distribution supports the proposed rulemaking to prevent overpressurization events but urges PHMSA to ensure the rules are narrowly focused, technically feasible, and cost-effective. The company highlights the significant costs and logistical complexities of the modifications, suggesting alternative risk-reduction measures and a longer compliance timeline of 10-15 years.

The American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association, and Northeast Gas Association submitted joint comments supporting the implementation of the PIPES Act of 2020 while advocating for a performance-based regulatory approach. They argue that the final rule should provide broad availability for alternative safety measures—rather than a prescriptive station-rebuild mandate—to ensure that safety improvements are technically feasible, cost-effective, and tailored to specific system risks.

The National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR), representing state agency pipeline safety managers, supports the proposed rulemaking but urges PHMSA to include three specific provisions regarding construction inspection clarification, lifetime pressure test record retention, and coordination with state partners. They argue these additions are necessary to resolve long-standing regulatory ambiguities, ensure consistency between transmission and distribution standards, and avoid duplicative regulatory processes.

The Pipeline Safety Trust (PST), a non-profit organization, supports the proposed rule but argues that PHMSA must not "walk back" the scope of the requirements. They specifically advocate for maintaining strict compliance with the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act, including requirements for overpressure protection, specific threat identification (like extreme weather), and comprehensive record-keeping.

The Northeast Gas Association (NGA), representing natural gas distribution companies, supports the proposed safety regulations but advocates for a performance-based approach rather than a prescriptive one. They specifically request longer implementation timeframes, the inclusion of alternative risk-reduction measures, and the preservation of operator discretion in emergency response and maintenance procedures.