The strength of our federal/state partnerships directly impact the integrity of our nation's pipelines.
A strong partnership between state and federal regulators is critical to a successful national pipeline safety program, and good communication is the key to a strong partnership.
You will find information on a variety of OPS initiatives by following the links below. If you are seeking specific information and cannot readily find it here, please contact your OPS state liaison or one of our Community Assistance & Technical Services (CATS) Program Managers.
Information Highlights
Best Practices in Damage Prevention
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) provides and promotes comprehensive best practices in the area of pipeline damage prevention. They are an invaluable resource for excavators, as well as for state and local policymakers. More...
PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety Research and Development Program
PHMSA’s pipeline safety research & development efforts relate to different pipeline types and application areas and address issues important to pipeline safety stakeholders. More...
State Regulatory Fact Sheets
OPS has prepared fact sheets describing distribution of regulatory responsibilities as well as pertinent agency contact information for all fifty states. More...
Ensuring the Integrity of Pipelines
OPS has recently published new rules requiring pipeline operators to implement comprehensive pipeline integrity management programs and enhance pipeline safety across the nation. More...
The OPS State Grants Program
Pipeline safety is a shared responsibility. OPS reimburses state agencies up to 50% of the cost of their pipeline safety programs. Level of reimbursement depends upon factors such as: availability of funds; the state's assertion of jurisdiction over pipelines; their adoption of federal regulations; and qualifications of state inspectors. More...
Improving Stakeholder Communications
Our Community Assistance and Technical Services managers perform a broad range of communications and problem-solving duties. Find out how they can help you cut through the clutter and find the information you need. More...
National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives
The National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) is made up of state agency pipeline safety officials responsible for administration of their state's pipeline safety programs. These programs carry out the majority of pipeline inspections in the United States. More...
Grants to States for One-Call and Damage Prevention
We provide grant funding to our State Partners to improve communication among excavators and owners of underground facilities. The PIPES Act of 2006 also authorizes grants to State authorities, designated by the Governor, to create or augment effective State damage prevention programs. More...