Regulatory
New guidance targets faster fiber design, permitting
New broadband guidance highlights the importance of field surveys and base mapping to reduce redesigns, avoid permit delays and accelerate fiber network deployment.
OSHA orders reinstatement after Oklahoma inspector fired over pipeline safety concerns
OSHA has ordered a pipeline inspector reinstated after finding a wrongful termination tied to safety concerns during a gas pipeline project in Oklahoma.
South Dakota pipeline project faces delays as officials warn of growing water supply risk
Officials warn delays to a proposed South Dakota pipeline could threaten long-term water supply, as the project seeks federal funding for a key feasibility study.
Texas pipeline construction filings show steady buildout across Permian, Gulf Coast
New Texas pipeline construction filings show continued buildout of gas gathering, transmission and distribution systems, with activity concentrated in the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast regions.
OSHA cites Alabama builder after fatal trench collapse
A fatal trench collapse in Alabama has led OSHA to cite a homebuilder for multiple safety violations, highlighting ongoing risks in excavation work and trench safety compliance.
647-mile Montana-Wyoming crude pipeline enters public review
Regulators have launched a public comment period for a proposed 647-mile crude oil pipeline linking Montana and Wyoming, a major project aimed at moving Canadian crude to U.S. markets.
Tribe challenges Utah groundwater and pipeline project over water rights concerns
The Indian Peaks Band has appealed federal approval of a Utah groundwater and pipeline project, arguing it threatens Tribal water rights and cultural resources.
Supreme Court lets Line 5 case proceed, keeps pipeline dispute alive
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Michigan’s challenge to Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline, allowing the long-running legal dispute to proceed in lower courts.
110-mile Mississippi gas pipeline project gets FERC draft EIS
FERC staff released a draft environmental review for the Kosciusko Junction Pipeline project in Mississippi, a major expansion involving new pipeline, compression and system upgrades.
EPA clears Oahu drinking water systems after Red Hill fuel contamination
EPA’s final report finds Oahu drinking water systems impacted by the Red Hill fuel release have met safety standards and remained free of contamination since 2022.
PCCA kicks off busy 2026 with D.C. Fly-In
The Power and Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) kicked off its 2026 agenda in Washington, D.C., pressing lawmakers on permitting reform, infrastructure funding, safety and workforce development.
Alberta CO₂ pipeline faces calls for federal review amid regulatory concerns
Indigenous and rural leaders in Alberta are calling for a federal review of the proposed $16.5-billion, 400-km Pathways Alliance CO₂ pipeline, citing safety, environmental and regulatory concerns after the province waived a full impact assessment.
Ohio Senate bill targets data center water use, shifts infrastructure costs to developers
Ohio lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require data centers to cover water and sewer infrastructure costs tied to their operations, while imposing limits on high-volume water withdrawals—raising new implications for municipal systems facing growing demand from AI-driven facilities.
27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
Pennsylvania regulators cite 27 pipeline safety violations tied to a deadly natural gas explosion at a chocolate factory that killed seven workers.
Conroe denies survey access for 240-mile Mustang Express natural gas pipeline
Conroe City Council denied survey access for the proposed Mustang Express natural gas pipeline, citing insufficient project details as the 240-mile pipeline project seeks to transport gas to the Port Arthur LNG II facility.
Utilities challenge FERC decision blocking PJM Transmission planning changes
Transmission owners in the PJM grid region are challenging a FERC decision rejecting amendments that regulators said would give utilities excessive influence over regional transmission planning and weaken PJM’s independence.
Gateway Hudson Tunnel construction resumes but funding uncertainty could halt work again
Construction on the Hudson Tunnel Project has restarted across all sites, but officials warn work could stop again within months if federal funding disbursements do not continue.
Southern Star advances Kansas gas pipeline project as FERC opens review
FERC has launched environmental review of Southern Star’s proposed Viola Project in Kansas, which includes a 19-mile natural gas pipeline and a compressor station.
D.C. cuts pipeline replacement plan, orders gas system investigation
The D.C. Public Service Commission has reduced Washington Gas Light’s pipeline replacement budget to $150 million while opening an investigation into long-term natural gas distribution system planning.
Maryland lawmakers push to expand state oversight of underground power lines
Maryland lawmakers are pushing legislation to require Public Service Commission review of underground transmission lines following concerns over a $500 million Baltimore Gas & Electric project.
Washington Watch: Will Senate remove infrastructure roadblocks?
Two House-passed permitting reform bills targeting NEPA reviews and Clean Water Act pipeline approvals now face a pivotal test in the Senate, where bipartisan negotiations could determine the future of federal infrastructure and energy project timelines.
Senate approves 40-mile Southern Nevada water pipeline beneath Sloan Canyon
The U.S. Senate has approved legislation authorizing a 40-mile Southern Nevada water pipeline beneath Sloan Canyon, a project aimed at improving water reliability for Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley.
Inside Infrastructure: Significant recent action means future of permit reform lies in the Senate
Permitting reform is gaining momentum after the House advanced the SPEED Act and PERMIT Act, while EPA proposes updates to Clean Water Act Section 401 — leaving the Senate as the next major hurdle for changes affecting pipeline, broadband and water infrastructure projects.
Williams seeks FERC OK to begin 55-Mile Southeast pipeline construction
Williams’ Transco has secured its final federal authorization and is asking FERC for a Notice to Proceed on its 55-mile, 42-inch Southeast Supply Enhancement pipeline across Virginia and North Carolina, targeting a March construction start.
Wisconsin judge upholds state permits for Enbridge’s 41-mile Line 5 relocation
A Wisconsin administrative law judge upheld DNR wetland, waterway and water quality permits for Enbridge’s 41-mile Line 5 relocation in northern Wisconsin, clearing a key hurdle for the large-scale underground pipeline project.
SCWA sues Riverhead over $35 million North Fork water pipeline project
The Suffolk County Water Authority has filed suit against Riverhead over zoning authority tied to its North Fork Water Main Project, a 12-mile pipeline aimed at improving regional water reliability.
New York PSC opens proceeding on grid upgrades tied to large-load projects
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened a formal proceeding to review how large-load projects — including data centers — connect to the electric grid and how associated transmission and distribution upgrades are funded.
Saskatchewan excavation firm pleads guilty in trench collapse case
A Saskatchewan excavation contractor pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety violations after a trench collapse seriously injured a worker near North Battleford.
Virginia advances pilot for underground 500-kV transmission lines
Virginia legislation would expand the state’s underground transmission pilot to allow up to four 500-kV projects, requiring localities to cover at least 50% of undergrounding costs.
Charleston Water settles West Ashley sewer overflow case
Charleston Water System has agreed to accelerated sewer repairs, public overflow alerts and homeowner assistance as part of a settlement addressing sanitary sewer overflows in West Ashley.
- Oil pipeline struck during fiber optic construction spills into L.A. storm drains
- Utility strike at center of Dallas explosion investigation
- Gas line strike destroys three homes in Ohio neighborhood
- $1 billion Ohio River Tunnel project awarded in Pittsburgh
- Las Vegas advances multibillion-dollar water pipeline expansion
- When and why manhole rehabilitation is critical to sewer system performance
- Inside Infrastructure: Utility locators warn of systemic failures in damage prevention process
- Senate passes PIPELINE Safety Act aimed at strengthening buried utility protection
- $104 million Lynchburg, Va., tunnel nears breakthrough beneath Blackwater Creek