Pipeline Safety: Eliminating Limitations on Welders and Welding Operators

The American Petroleum Institute (API), the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA), and GPA Midstream Association support the proposed rule to allow remote monitoring of hazardous liquid pipeline rectifiers. They argue that the proposal provides regulatory certainty, aligns with existing guidance and technology, and reduces unnecessary costs.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) supports the proposed rule to remove limitations on welders who were qualified through nondestructive testing for compressor station pipe and components. They argue that the current regulations are outdated, and the change will improve efficiency, increase flexibility, and better align federal regulations with modern industry standards and technology.

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) supports the proposed rule to remove restrictions on welders qualified by nondestructive testing (NDT) from welding compressor station components. They argue that the current restriction is no longer justified, consistent with industry standards, and that removing it will reduce regulatory burden while maintaining safety.

The Williams Companies, Inc. supports the proposed rule to remove limitations on welders whose qualifications are based on nondestructive testing (NDT) for compressor station pipe and components. They argue that the current restriction is outdated, duplicative of existing industry standards, and creates unnecessary costs and delays.

The American Gas Association and the American Public Gas Association support the proposed rule to remove restrictions on welders whose qualifications are based on nondestructive testing. They argue that the current regulations are obsolete due to advancements in inspection technology and that the change will improve workforce flexibility and reduce administrative burdens without compromising safety.

The National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR), representing state agency pipeline safety managers, opposes the proposed rule to eliminate requirements for destructive testing for welders on compressor station pipe and components. They argue that nondestructive testing does not guarantee the necessary skills for complex welds on various fittings and materials, and that the current requirement ensures higher safety standards.

Southwest Gas Corporation, a natural gas local distribution company, supports the proposed rule to remove specific limitations on welders and welding operators. They specifically advocate for allowing welders whose qualifications are based on nondestructive testing to weld compressor station pipe and components.

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) strongly supports the proposal to remove outdated restrictions on welders qualified by nondestructive testing (NDT). They argue that modern NDT technologies provide reliable weld integrity assessments and that the current regulations are outdated, inefficient, and inconsistent with current industry standards.