Texas has the largest pipeline infrastructure in the nation, with more than 374,000 miles of pipeline representing about 1/6 of the total pipeline mileage of the entire United States. Texas’ pipelines are divided into the categories of natural gas and LP-gas distribution lines (more than 100,400 miles), hazardous liquid and natural gas transmission lines (more than 67,500 miles), intrastate production and gathering lines leaving a lease lines (more than 159,600 miles), and interstate lines (46,150 miles). The Railroad Commission of Texas has safety responsibility over the first three categories.

The Pipeline Safety Division works to enforce compliance with federal and state laws and regulations by pipeline operators. These regulatory responsibilities extend to more than 1,468 operators of intrastate gathering, transmission, distribution, and master-metered systems. The Commission continues to lead the nation in adopting and enforcing safety rules to enhance the integrity of pipelines throughout the state.

The Commission also promotes and enforces an underground pipeline damage prevention program for Texas. The Pipeline Safety Division is responsible for the enforcement of the damage prevention regulations involving the movement of earth (excavation) surrounding pipeline facilities.

The goal of the Pipeline Safety Division is to encourage an efficient, economical, and safe pipeline industry; to that end, we oversee pipeline activities to ensure compliance with state and federal safety regulations and promote public safety and awareness.