PHMSA has been active in 2026, with several regulatory developments affecting natural gas and hazardous liquid (HL) pipeline operators. Some changes are already effective, while others remain proposed and should be monitored by each operator.
Class Location Changes — Part 192
One of the most significant updates is PHMSA’s Class Location Change Requirements final rule, effective March 16, 2026. The rule provides specific gas transmission operators with an integrity management alternative for certain pipeline segments affected by a class location change.
Before this change, operators generally addressed class location changes through pipeline replacement, pressure testing, pressure reduction, or a special permit. This new option can provide additional flexibility, but it also includes specific eligibility criteria and enhanced assessment, monitoring, remediation, and documentation requirements.
Operators should review their class location procedures, identify potentially affected segments, and determine whether the new integrity management alternative is appropriate for their specific operations.
View the full ruling here
Updated Industry Standards and Regulatory Amendments
PHMSA updated 37 industry standards incorporated by reference, with the revised standards taking effect in 2026. These updates affect both gas and HL operators and cover areas such as:
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- Materials and components
- Welding and construction
- Plastic pipe and joining
- Corrosion control
- Integrity assessments
- Pipeline repairs
- Design and operating specifications
Operators should compare editions cited in their manuals, specifications, forms, and contractor documents against the current regulations.
Hazardous Liquid Integrity Management
PHMSA also issued updates to clarify the application of hazardous liquid integrity management requirements. Operators should review the changes against their integrity management procedures, particularly those addressing assessment methods, anomaly evaluation, repairs, preventive and mitigative measures, and supporting documentation.
Additional changes for HL operators address accident reporting, obsolete safety-related condition language, and certain Outer Continental Shelf pipeline requirements.
Proposed Repair Criteria for Gas and HL Operators
PHMSA issued a proposed rule addressing repair criteria for gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines. Although it is not yet a final requirement, it could significantly affect: 
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- Anomaly classification
- Immediate and scheduled repair conditions
- Repair timeframes
- Engineering assessments
- Integrity management procedures
- Documentation of repair decisions
Operators should monitor this proposal closely, but proposed provisions should not be treated as enforceable requirements unless PHMSA issues a final rule.
View the full NPRM here
Additional 2026 Proposals Include:
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- Timeframes for making rupture mitigation valves operational
- Remote-sensing technologies for right-of-way patrols
- Hazardous liquid mainline valve maintenance schedules
- Remote monitoring of hazardous liquid pipeline rectifiers
- Qualification limitations for gas pipeline welders and welding operators
- Material properties verification during MAOP reconfirmation
These proposals may eventually provide greater flexibility or change existing compliance practices. For now, operators should continue following the current regulatory requirements while tracking each rulemaking.
What’s Next for Operators?
- Evaluate the new Part 192 class location provisions
- Update incorporated by reference standards in plans, procedures, and practice
- Confirm contractors are using the correct standards
- Track recently proposed rule making
- Document decisions made for new regulations, including why a change does or does not affect the operator
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