PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety develops and enforces safety regulations for the nation's 2.6 million mile pipeline transportation system. Pipelines transport about two-thirds of the nation's energy products, including natural gas and petroleum.

At any given time, the OPS is staffed with around 135 inspection and enforcement personnel, including engineers and scientists, and about 70 administrative staff members. Field Operations are carried out through PHMSA's five regional offices.

The Office of Pipeline Safety supports PHMSA's mission by:

• identifying and evaluating pipeline safety risks;
   
• developing and enforcing standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of pipelines carrying natural gas or hazardous liquids;
   
• administering regulatory programs and establishing the regulatory agenda by developing policy options and initiatives;
   
• helping pipeline operators implement risk management and risk-based programs;
   
• supporting the development and conduct of pipeline safety training programs and other educational programs for Federal and State regulatory and compliance staff and relevant stakeholders;
   
• conducting research on promising technologies;
   
• developing and maintaining partnerships with other Federal agencies, State agencies, local agencies, public interest groups, tribal governments, industry regulators, and utility operators to address threats to pipeline integrity, service, reliability, and community safety;
   
• providing technical assistance and grants to states in support of their pipeline safety programs;
   
• reviewing oil spill response plans; and
   
• responding to pipeline accidents and incidents.