2026-22396·DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline Safety: Amendments to Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Nov 3, 2026
Comments close: Jan 4, 2027
Citation: 91 FR 69314
Docket: Docket No. PHMSA-2019-0091
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

Summary

The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing to modernize the safety rules that govern liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. The updates would incorporate the latest industry safety standards by reference and adjust the existing requirements to reflect more than 20 years of technological progress and operational experience. The rule also fulfills a congressional directive that calls for a risk‑based approach to regulating certain LNG sites, aiming to better focus oversight on the most hazardous operations. The proposal applies to owners and operators of LNG facilities—including storage tanks, loading and unloading equipment, and related pipeline components—across the United States. By aligning federal requirements with current industry practices, the rule seeks to improve safety for workers, nearby communities, and the environment while providing clearer guidance for the companies that build and run these facilities. The notice of proposed rulemaking was published on November 3, 2026, in the Federal Register (91 FR 69314). Comments must be submitted by January 4, 2027. After the comment period closes, PHMSA will review the feedback, possibly revise the proposal, and then issue a final rule that will set the new effective dates for the updated requirements.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

PHMSA proposes updating its regulations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to incorporate by reference the most recent industry safety standards and to make other changes to account for more than two decades of improvements and technological advancements. This rulemaking also responds to congressional mandates directing PHMSA to integrate risk-based regulatory approaches for certain LNG facilities.