New plastic pipe standards mean fewer leaks in gas lines
What happened
US pipeline regulators have updated the safety standard for plastic pipes used in natural gas distribution. This means new pipes will be built to a more recent industry specification, reducing the chance of leaks.
Why it matters
The US has millions of miles of natural gas distribution pipelines, many of them old and prone to leaks. These leaks release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and can also be dangerous. Updating the standard for new installations means that over time, the system will become safer and more environmentally sound as older pipes are replaced.
The signal
Watch for reports on methane emissions from natural gas distribution systems to see if the rate of leaks begins to decline over the next few years.