The federal pipeline safety regulations: (1) assure safety in design, construction, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and in the siting, construction, operation, and maintenance of LNG facilities; (2) set out parameters for administering the pipeline safety program; (3) require pipeline operators to implement and maintain anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention programs for employees who perform safety-sensitive functions; and (4) delineate requirements for onshore oil pipeline response plans.

The regulations are written as minimum performance standards, setting the level of safety to be attained and allowing the pipeline operators discretion in achieving that level.