United States: PHMSA Introduces Modern Risk Management for Gas Pipeline Safety in Response to Population Density Changes

Starting March 16, 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will implement new regulations allowing gas pipeline operators to use modern risk management principles for safety adjustments when population density changes affect class locations.

The new rule aims to enhance safety and reduce costs by adopting an integrity management (IM) approach, which has been successfully used under special permits for over two decades.

PHMSA is updating its regulations to incorporate modern risk management principles for gas pipeline safety, particularly when class locations change due to increased population density.

Traditionally, class locations, based on population density, have determined the safety measures for pipeline design, construction, and operation.

When a class location changes, operators have had to confirm or revise the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) using methods that did not account for modern risk management.

The new rule allows operators to use an integrity management (IM) alternative, previously available only through special permits, to address class location changes.

This alternative provides a structured approach for confirming or restoring the MAOP of eligible Class 3 pipeline segments.

The IM alternative offers a more flexible and cost-effective solution, leveraging successful practices from the special permit program. The regulation takes effect on March 16, 2026, and aims to improve safety while reducing operational costs.

PHMSA, the competent authority, will oversee compliance with these new requirements.

For more information on maintaining compliance, operators can visit the PHMSA website.

Sources :

United States, Pipeline Safety and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 91 FR 1608, Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements, (January 21, 2026)