Pipeline safety enforcement sees steep drop in Trump’s second term
According to regulatory filings, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has shown a steep drop in enforcement cases since Trump took office in January.
Bloomberg Law reported that President Trump’s efforts to drive efficiencies in government branches have resulted in the record low for pipeline safety regulations.
White House officials are pushing for pushing for fossil fuels and American energy dominance, and scaling back regulations set by former President Biden to meet their goals.
According to Bloomberg Law, PHMSA stated the drop happened due to being in the midst of issuing two revisions to its pipeline safety enforcement process. Emily Wong, PHMSA’s director for governmental, international and public affairs, stated that the agency intentionally decided not to issue new cases while large changes were underway.
That said, data from 2002 and on show that the monthly average for enforcement cases is 17, and PHMSA has opened just five cases since early June.
PHMSA typically initiates cases when pipeline companies violate federal regulations, or to require steps to prevent future leaks or explosions. Its responses range from warning letters to orders requiring measures from operators.
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