The TFC team is excited to invite you to connect with us at the 2025 Texas RRC Regulatory Conference in Round Rock, Texas, from July 14-16, 2025!
Click here to schedule a meeting with us during the conference.
In today’s evolving pipeline safety landscape, staying ahead of regulatory changes and maximizing operational efficiency are more crucial than ever. We understand the challenges operators face, particularly in light of recent developments affecting Texas energy operations.
Our experts will be on hand to discuss:
- Navigating Recent RRC Regulatory Activity: We’ll share practical insights into the latest amendments to RRC Statewide Rule 70 and Chapter 8, particularly the expanded oversight and new reporting requirements for gas gathering lines, including critical permit amendment deadlines. Understanding these changes is key to seamless compliance.
- Driving Efficiency with AI-Powered Data Processing: Discover how new developments in data processing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis can revolutionize your pipeline integrity management. Learn how leveraging these advanced tools can save your team significant time and money while drastically increasing operational efficiency and the precision of your decision-making.
Come meet us! We’re eager to share our knowledge, answer your questions, and explore how our experience in integrity management, optimization, expert witness services, and regulatory compliance can support your specific needs.
Key Compliance Dates to Watch:
| Recent Federal and State Pipeline Safety Regulatory Activity | ||
| Date | Jurisdiction | Description |
| 10/1/2019 | Gas | PHMSA MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements, and Other Related Amendments (RIN 1) |
| 7/1/2020 | Gas | RIN 1 Effective: Operators required to have plans and procedures in place |
| 11/15/2021 | Gas | PHMSA Safety of Gas Gathering Pipelines: Extension of Reporting Requirements, Regulation of Large, High-Pressure Lines, and Other Related Amendments (RIN 3) |
| 5/24/2022 | Gas | RIN 1 Extension: Operators required to have procedures developed for Type C and Type R |
| 8/24/2022 | Gas | Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: Repair Criteria, Integrity Management Improvements, Cathodic Protection, Management of Change, and Other Related Amendments (RIN 2) |
| 11/16/2022 | Gas | RIN 1 Extension: PHMSA requirement to identify Type C Gathering |
| 11/24/2022 | Gas | All gas gathering operators required to submit annual reports for FY 2022 |
| 3/15/2023 | Gas | PHMSA annual reports due with new gas gathering miles |
| 5/24/2023 | Gas | Procedures for Type C and Type R required to be developed |
| 11/16/2023 | Gas | PHMSA compliance date to new gas gathering rules |
| 2/26/2024 | Many | MOC for all pipeline segments, data integration, EC and IC requirements |
| 6/28/2024 | Many | PHMSA Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to Technical Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments; Technical Correction |
| 6/28/2024 | Many | PHMSA Requirement of Valve Installation and Minimum Rupture Detection Standards: Response to Petition for Reconsideration; Additional Technical Corrections |
| 6/28/2024 | Many | PHMSA updates IBR standards |
| 6/28/2024 | Liquid | Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to Technical Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments |
| 8/4/2024 | Many | Comments to Mandatory Regulatory Reviews To Unleash American Energy and Improve Government Efficiency (Proposed Rule) |
| 12/9/2024 | TAC-Gas | Texas adopts PHMSA Gas Gathering rules into TAC |
| 1/13/2025 | Gas | Updates and FAQ for Gas Gathering Pipeline |
| 1/15/2025 | Gas | PHMSA Repair Criteria, Integrity Management Improvements, Cathodic Protection, Management of Change, and Other Related Amendments (2022 Gas Transmission Final Rule, with subsequent corrections) |
| 1/20/2025 | EO 14154 | Presidential Executive Order (EO) Unleashing American Energy |
| 3/25/2025 | Many | Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) Advisory Bulletin (ADB-2025-01): |
| 3/31/2025 | TAC | Amend existing RRC gas permits and designate ALL gathering (Type A, Type B, Type C, Type R per 192.8) |
| 5/20/2025 | 191 | PHMSA changes name to Gulf of America |
| 7/1/2025 | Gas | Atmospheric Corrosion Reassessment for Pipeline Replacements (NPRM) |
| 7/7/2025 | LNG | Amendments to LNG Facilities (Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – ANPRM)-Comments due |
| 7/16/2025 | Gas | Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Final Rule |
| 9/2/2025 | Gas | Atmospheric Corrosion Reassessment for Pipeline Replacements (Proposed Rule) |
| 10/9/2025 | Liquid | Revised Reporting Thresholds for Incidents/Accidents (Direct Final Rule) |
| 7/3/2028 | Gas | 50% MAOP reconfirm complete |
| 7/3/2034 | Gas | MCA initial assessment complete |
| 7/2/2035 | Gas | 100% MAOP reconfirmation complete |
Understanding Key Regulatory Terms:
To help you navigate the evolving landscape, here are four definitions related to the new regulatory compliance rules:
- Type C Gas Gathering Line: A classification under 49 CFR ยง192.8 (adopted by RRC) generally referring to gas gathering lines in Class 1 locations with outside diameters of 8.625 inches or greater, and if steel, operating at stress levels greater than 20% of specified minimum yield strength (SMYS), now subject to more stringent safety and reporting requirements.
- MAOP Reconfirmation: The process of verifying and validating the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) for certain gas transmission pipelines, especially those lacking traceable, verifiable, and complete (TVC) records, to ensure their continued safe operation at maximum pressure.
- Traceable, Verifiable, and Complete (TVC) Records: Documentation that demonstrates the physical and operational characteristics of a pipeline are accurate and reliable, typically required for MAOP reconfirmation and other integrity management aspects, ensuring a robust chain of custody for critical data.
- Integrity Management Program (IMP): A systematic process required by federal and state regulations for pipeline operators to assess, evaluate, and mitigate risks to pipeline segments that could affect High Consequence Areas (HCAs) or other defined areas, ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the pipeline system.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the TFC team. We look forward to seeing you there!
Click here to schedule a meeting with us during the conference.
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