Pipeline operators no longer need to re-verify pipe material properties

US pipeline safety regulators are removing a rule that required gas pipeline operators to re-verify the material properties of pipes cut from test sites. This means operators will save time and money by not having to perform redundant tests on materials already certified.

For years, pipeline operators had to re-test pipe sections even if the material was already known and certified. This rule change means they can skip a redundant step, which reduces the cost and complexity of maintaining gas transmission lines. It also means regulators are trusting existing material certifications more, rather than requiring repeated physical verification.