Pipeline Companies Cite Federal Uncertainty as Barrier to Methane Leak Detection and Repair Plan Updates

Pipeline companies have told congressional investigators that uncertainty about federal requirements hindered their ability to update their plans to detect and repair methane leaks. The Government Accountability Office cited this feedback as part of its review of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s expanded role in policing methane emissions. The report found that federal regulators had completed their emissions reduction plans by the deadline of Dec. 27, 2022. This comes more than three years after Congress ordered that pipeline operators update their operation and maintenance plans to address methane leaks, and placed PHMSA and state authorities in charge of reviewing these plans. Six states had not completed their reviews as of last month.