Line of Sight: Pipeline Law Alerts and Analysis

On July 8, 2015, the American Petroleum Institute (API) released the much anticipated pipeline safety management system standard, RP 1173. Development of the standard arose from 2012 NTSB’s recommendation following the 2010 oil pipeline accident in Marshall, Michigan. The new standard was issued in draft form for public comment in early 2014 and the final version is the result of significant input from PHMSA, industry and NTSB.  RP 1173 focuses on a process-oriented approach to safety in a continual improvement cycle.  PHMSA does not intend to incorporate the standard into the pipeline safety regulations at this time.