US pipeline safety regulators withdraw rule allowing drone patrols after 'adverse comment'

US pipeline safety regulators have withdrawn a proposed rule that would have allowed companies to use drones and other remote sensing technologies for pipeline patrols. This means pipeline operators must continue to rely on traditional, often manual, methods for inspecting their infrastructure.

For years, pipeline operators have pushed for the ability to use drones and other advanced sensors to monitor their vast networks, arguing it would be more efficient and potentially safer than sending people out. This withdrawal means that push has failed, at least for now. It keeps in place the existing, more labor-intensive inspection requirements, which can be costly and slow.