PHMSA proposes tougher safety rules for carbon dioxide pipelines

(UI) — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has unveiled a proposal to strengthen safety requirements for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hazardous liquid pipelines. The proposed rules aim to address gaps in pipeline safety standards, particularly in light of lessons learned from a 2020 pipeline failure in Satartia, Mississippi.

For the first time, the new rules would establish standards for pipelines transporting CO₂ in a gaseous state, in addition to updating existing requirements for supercritical CO₂ pipelines. PHMSA’s proposal follows the agency’s largest public outreach campaign and input from affected communities.

“Through President Biden's policies, America is leading the way in the race to safely capture, transport, and store carbon dioxide underground, with all of the associated economic and environmental benefits,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Today, as this technology grows rapidly across the country, we are proud to propose comprehensive new rules to ensure that carbon dioxide pipelines are safe.”

PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown emphasized the importance of the regulations, stating, “These new requirements will be the strongest, most comprehensive standards for carbon dioxide transportation in the world and will set our nation on a safer path as we continue to address climate challenges.”

Key provisions of the proposed rule include:

• New design, installation, operation, maintenance, and reporting standards for CO₂ gas pipelines.
• Requirements for converting existing pipelines to transport carbon dioxide in different phases.
• Mandatory training for emergency responders and the installation of CO₂ detection equipment.
• Enhanced public communication during emergencies.
• Detailed vapor dispersion analyses to improve safety and environmental protection.

The proposal comes as the U.S. prepares for a significant expansion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, fueled by federal investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. The Department of Energy projects a 10-fold increase in CO₂ pipeline mileage by 2050, compared to the current 5,000 miles in operation.

Since 2021, PHMSA has implemented six major safety rules, including new requirements for remote or automatic shut-off valves in 2022. The proposed CO₂ pipeline standards continue the agency’s efforts to address congressional mandates and enhance pipeline safety nationwide.

The full text of the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register, with a 60-day public comment period following its release.

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