The US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published a proposed rule to update inspection requirements for hazardous liquid pipeline breakout tanks.
The change will improve safety measures for inspectors and generate more than US$125 million in savings for industry that will be passed down to energy consumers. The savings will add to PHMSA’s US$1.64 billion in estimated savings from deregulatory actions under the Trump Administration.
“By modernising outdated regulations, this Department is generating cost savings that will ultimately be passed down to hardworking American families,” said PHMSA Administrator Paul Roberti. “Advancing safety and unleashing American energy is this Administration’s top priority.”
The proposed rule seeks to update PHMSA’s regulations by incorporating the 5th edition of the American Petroleum Institute’s Standard 653, a comprehensive industry standard for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining the integrity of breakout tanks. The adoption of this industry standard will allow hazardous liquid pipeline operators to follow the latest safety practices. The new rule also eliminates an outdated regulation not pertaining to safety measures.
The public may provide comments on the proposed rule by August 3, 2026.