Pipeline safety rules now include 19 updated industry standards

The US pipeline safety agency has updated its rules to include 19 new industry standards. This means pipeline operators must now follow these newer technical guidelines for design, construction, and maintenance.

For years, pipeline operators could rely on older, sometimes outdated, industry standards when building and maintaining their infrastructure. This update forces them to adopt more current practices, which could reduce the risk of leaks and accidents. It also means that the agency can enforce these newer standards directly, rather than relying on voluntary adoption.