Federal Register #PHMSA-2026-1538

PHMSA Final Rule: Consent Orders for Pipeline Safety Enforcement Proceedings

This final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), under the Department of Transportation, updates procedural regulations for pipeline safety enforcement: - Government Buyer: - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), U.S. Department of Transportation - Scope of Rule: - Amends enforcement procedures to clarify that consent agreements may be used to resolve all PHMSA enforcement proceedings, including those with civil penalties - Allows any pending enforcement proceeding to be resolved by consent agreement and order - Introduces a new response option for notices of probable violation that include a civil penalty - Products/Services: - No products, OEMs, or vendors are involved; this is a procedural regulatory change - Unique Requirements: - Focuses solely on procedural updates to streamline and clarify enforcement actions - Aims to enhance regulatory certainty for parties subject to PHMSA enforcement - No procurement or award is being announced in this rulemaking

Description

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is amending its procedural regulations to clarify that consent agreements may be used to resolve all PHMSA enforcement proceedings, including cases with civil penalties. This final rule updates enforcement procedures to allow resolution of any pending enforcement proceeding by consent agreement and order. The amendments also include a new response option to request execution of a consent order for notices of probable violation that include a civil penalty. The rule aims to enhance regulatory certainty and streamline enforcement resolution processes.

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