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Pipeline Leaks

MCLI Recommendation: “PHMSA or state pipeline safety authorities could update their existing regulations to require the prompt detection and repair of all leaks.”

LPDD Recommendation: “State PUCs could change existing cost recovery frameworks where they discourage repair by, for example, imposing the risk of increased leakage entirely on customers.”

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15 resources

Resource Executive Branch

Report, Lost But Not Forgotten: The Hidden Environmental Costs of Compensating Pipelines for Natural Gas Losses

Webb’s 2015 report examines the current frameworks for recovery of lost and unaccounted-for gas in each U.S. jurisdiction, and recommends changes to those frameworks to encourage improved management o...
Example States and State Governments

Colorado Pipeline Leaks Regulations

Colorado requires producers to inspect facilities for leaks (using audio, visual, or olfactory methods) every month, and undertake more comprehensive leak survey (using equipment to detect gas in the ...
Example Congress

Pipeline Safety Act

The federal Pipeline Safety Act gives the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration broad authority to adopt regulations, prescribing minimum standards for the construction, operation, an...
Example States and State Governments

Kansas rules for repair of grade 3 pipeline leaks

Kansas is among a minority of states that have passed required timelines for repairing even pipeline leaks deemed “nonhazardous” (Grade 3). Kansas requires Grade 3 leaks to be repaired within 30 month...
Resource Congress

Report, Improving Regulation of Gas Pipeline Leaks

Webb’s 2015 report, Safety First, Environment Last: Improving Regulation of Gas Pipeline Leaks, analyzes the current state and federal regulations with respect to leak detection, repair, and reporting...
Example States and State Governments

Missouri rules for repair of grade 3 pipeline leaks

Maine is among a minority of states that have passed required timelines for repairing even pipeline leaks deemed “nonhazardous” (Grade 3). Missouri requires that pipeline operators repair Grade 3 leak...
Resource Congress

Proposed Methane Emissions Mitigation Act

2015’s proposed Methane Emissions Mitigation Act was aimed at supporting the development of new technologies to address natural gas pipeline leaks, providing $225 million for research on leak control ...
Example States and State Governments

Florida rules for repair of grade 3 pipeline leaks

Florida is among a minority of states that have passed required timelines for repairing even pipeline leaks deemed “nonhazardous” (Grade 3). Florida requires above-ground, Grade 3 leaks be repaired wi...
Example States and State Governments

New York’s Leaked Gas Cost Recovery Methodology

In New York, gas rate recovery is not linked to actual leakage each year, but rather fixed every three years to reflect historical averages. This gives pipeline operators some incentive to continuousl...
Example States and State Governments

Maine rules for repair of grade 3 pipeline leaks

Maine is among a minority of states that have passed required timelines for repairing even pipeline leaks deemed “nonhazardous” (Grade 3). Maine requires that pipeline operators repair Grade 3 leaks w...
Resource Executive Branch

EPA Report, Improvements Needed in EPA Efforts to Address Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Distribution Pipelines

EPA’s 2014 report focusing on its own regulatory power over pipeline leaks recommends that the EPA work with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, develop a strategy to address t...
Resource Congress

Proposed METHANE Act

2019’s proposed Methane Emissions from Transmission Harm American Neighborhoods and the Environment (METHANE) Act would require owners and operators of pipelines and pipeline facilities to use the bes...
Example States and State Governments

Arizona rules for repair of grade 3 pipeline leaks

Arizona is among a minority of states that have passed required timelines for repairing even pipeline leaks deemed “nonhazardous” (Grade 3). Arizona requires that pipeline operators repair underground...
Example Executive Branch

FERC’s Cost Recovery Mechanism for Modernization of Natural Gas Pipelines

FERC’s 2015 rule allowed pipeline operators to recover repair and replacement costs annually, rather than waiting for the next rate case. This addressed an incentive problem in pipeline maintenance, w...
Example States and State Governments

Texas rules for repair of grade 3 pipeline leaks

Texas is among a minority of states that have passed required timelines for repairing even pipeline leaks deemed “nonhazardous” (Grade 3). Texas requires pipeline operators to repair Grade 3 leaks wit...