US pipeline safety rules just got weaker, thanks to a court order

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration removed several rules for gas transmission pipelines. This means pipeline operators no longer have to follow specific requirements for repairs, integrity management, and cathodic protection that were previously mandated.

A federal court just struck down parts of a major pipeline safety update. This means some gas pipeline operators will not have to meet stricter safety standards that were put in place to prevent accidents. The court found the agency did not properly justify the rules, effectively rolling back safety requirements that were years in the making.