State Programs Overview
The pipeline safety statutes allow for States to assume safety authority over intrastate gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, and underground natural gas storage through Certifications and Agreements with PHMSA under 49 U.S.C. §§ 60105- 60106.
The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all States except Alaska and Hawaii participate in the pipeline safety program providing safety oversight for over 80 percent of the infrastructure under PHMSA's safety authority. Twelve States participate in PHMSA's underground natural gas storage program providing oversight for approximately 20.5% of the underground natural gas storage under PHMSA's safety authority.
To participate in PHMSA's pipeline safety and underground natural gas storage programs States must adopt the minimum federal pipeline safety regulations; however, States may pass more stringent state regulations for pipeline and underground natural gas storage safety through their State Legislatures. If States did not participate in the pipeline safety or underground natural gas storage programs, the inspection and enforcement of these intrastate pipeline and underground natural gas storage facilities would be PHMSA's responsibility.
To support States participating in the pipeline safety and underground natural gas storage programs PHMSA provides grants to States to reimburse up to 80 percent of the total cost of the personnel, equipment, and activities reasonably required by the State agency for conducting its pipeline safety or underground natural gas storage program during a given calendar year. State pipeline safety and underground natural gas storage programs provide a local presence for protecting the public from pipeline and underground natural gas storage incidents. PHMSA works closely with State pipeline and underground natural gas storage programs to improve safety across the Nation.
Pipeline Safety Grants to States
Did You Know?
Office of Pipeline Safety and their State partners regularly participate in joint government-industry-public committees and task forces to discuss and address concerns related to risk management, compliance, emerging technology, damage prevention, and environmental protection.