Regulatory
PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
PHMSA has issued a safety advisory warning natural gas distribution operators about heat-related failure risks in aging Aldyl A plastic pipelines, following a fatal 2023 explosion in Pennsylvania.
Abandonment-in-place proposed for 50 miles of buried pipeline across Texas
Transco has asked FERC for approval to abandon about 50 miles of 24-inch interstate natural gas pipeline in South Texas, launching an environmental review tied to its North Padre Island Lateral project.
PHMSA revises pipeline safety regulations, cutting compliance burdens
PHMSA finalized new pipeline safety and fuel transport rules designed to cut compliance costs, ease infrastructure upgrades and lower energy transportation expenses.
Pennsylvania reviews new permits for pipelines, water systems and subsurface work
Pennsylvania regulators are advancing permits tied to pipelines, water systems, wetlands crossings and underground infrastructure projects, according to new state notices.
Trump's EPA moves to roll back state water permit power under Clean Water Act
The Trump administration has proposed rolling back state and tribal authority under the Clean Water Act, narrowing water quality reviews for federally permitted projects in a move aimed at speeding approval of pipelines and energy infrastructure.
U.S. Army Corps finalizes 2026 nationwide permits affecting stream, wetland construction
The nationwide permits authorize activities regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, providing a streamlined approval process for projects with no more than minimal environmental impacts.
White House finalizes NEPA rollback to accelerate energy, infrastructure permitting
The White House has finalized a rollback of regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, a move officials say will shorten permitting timelines for energy and infrastructure projects. The action comes as Congress continues debating broader permitting reform aimed at reducing delays for major construction nationwide.
PUC cracks down on One Call violations tied to underground utilities
Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission issued more than $232,000 in penalties and education requirements tied to underground utility damage violations reviewed during its December enforcement meeting.
Deadly trench collapse in Goodyear, Ariz., triggers state fines for contractors
Arizona safety regulators fined two construction companies after a July trench collapse in Goodyear killed a worker, citing failures in trench protection and site inspections.
PHMSA seeks record fine after pipeline failure spills 1.1 million gallons
PHMSA has proposed a record $9.6 million civil penalty against Panther Operating Company following a 2023 failure of the Main Pass Oil Gathering pipeline that spilled more than 1 million gallons of crude oil.
Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
President Trump vetoed legislation to finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit, citing escalating costs, extended repayment terms, and concerns over federal taxpayer exposure for the $1.3 billion water pipeline project.
Feds recommend continued use of Iowa-crossing Dakota Access pipeline
Federal regulators have completed the Final EIS for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Lake Oahe, signaling support for continued operations and setting up a formal approval decision in early 2026.
House passes PERMIT Act to streamline clean water rules for energy, pipeline projects
The U.S. House has passed the PERMIT Act, a bill aimed at streamlining Clean Water Act reviews and cutting project delays for pipelines, energy infrastructure, and utilities. Lawmakers say the reforms will reduce red tape and lower construction costs while maintaining environmental protections.
Alaska LNG wins early federal approval, clearing final permit for 800-mile pipeline
Federal regulators have completed all environmental and permitting reviews for the $40 billion Alaska LNG project, clearing the way for its 800-mile gas pipeline and export terminal.
Metro Council resolution challenges Boring Co. tunnel proposal over subsurface, labor issues
A proposed tunnel linking downtown Nashville to the airport is drawing formal opposition from Metro Council members, who cite unanswered safety, geological and labor questions. While the measure cannot stop the project, it adds political pressure and calls for full public disclosure before any use of public land.
Pipeline expansion plans in Virginia face calls for full environmental review
Virginia lawmakers are urging FERC to require full environmental impact reviews for proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate and Transco expansions in Southwest Virginia, citing environmental, safety and cumulative impact concerns.
LA County pushes to bury overhead power lines after wildfires, but telecom holdouts stall progress
Los Angeles County officials are pushing to move power lines underground after recent wildfires, but progress has stalled as telecom providers refuse to remove their overhead cables, forcing the county to consider legal action.
Zoning showdown: SCWA claims immunity as North Fork pipeline review advances
The Suffolk County Water Authority has ruled its 12-mile North Fork water main project exempt from Riverhead’s zoning and land-use review—setting up a major jurisdictional clash as the pipeline enters a full environmental impact study. Riverhead disputes the finding and is weighing legal action.
EPA earmarks $3 billion to accelerate lead pipe replacements nationwide
The EPA has announced $3 billion in new State Revolving Fund (SRF) dollars to accelerate removal of lead service lines nationwide, along with $1.1 billion in redistributed unused funds. Updated inventories show roughly 4 million remaining lead pipes—far fewer than previously estimated—allowing states to target replacements more efficiently.
N.J. contractor seeks to pause bidding on Gateway Tunnel viaduct contract
A major New Jersey contractor is asking a federal judge to halt bidding on a key Gateway Tunnel viaduct contract, arguing that the project’s labor agreement unfairly blocks its participation. The challenge adds another layer of uncertainty to the $16 billion rail program as federal reviews and funding delays continue.
Alberta excavating firm fined $100,000 after trench collapse injures worker
HCL Site Services Ltd. of Vegreville, Alberta, was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to an Occupational Health and Safety violation following a 2022 trench collapse that seriously injured a worker on a sewer line project in Viking.
Public support for undergrounding surges as regulators debate long-term plans
A new statewide poll shows nearly 90% of Californians support undergrounding power lines to reduce wildfire risk—just as the CPUC prepares to vote on guidelines that could shape future projects. Utilities warn proposed rules may limit long-term undergrounding efforts even as public demand continues to climb.
Legal challenges fail to stop Montana’s Lakeside sewer expansion project
Montana courts have cleared the way for the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District to move forward with its wastewater expansion after denying two lawsuits seeking to block the project in Flathead County.
Ontario contractor fined $80,000 for unsafe excavation that ruptured gas pipelines
A North York contractor was fined $80,000 after unsafe excavation damaged two gas pipelines, cutting service to dozens of homes. Ontario’s safety authority says the incidents highlight growing risks from improper digging around underground utilities.
Texas voters approve $20 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades
Texas voters approved a $20 billion water infrastructure plan to repair aging pipes, upgrade treatment facilities, and secure long-term water supplies across the state — the largest investment of its kind in Texas history.
Two major Mississippi pipeline projects approved for expedited federal review
Two Southeast natural gas pipeline projects — Mississippi Crossing and South System Expansion 4 — have been added to the federal FAST-41 program, expediting review for nearly 500 miles of new and upgraded underground infrastructure across Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia.
NESE pipeline project up for fourth review after repeated denials over NY water quality concerns
The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) gas pipeline is back for a fourth attempt at state approval after repeated denials over water quality risks. The 17.4-mile underwater route through New York Harbor faces strong opposition from environmental groups and Staten Island officials as regulators weigh permits under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration.
PHMSA proposes broad pipeline safety rule changes to reduce costs, allow new technology
The changes aim to reduce costs, streamline permitting, and allow expanded use of drones and satellite patrols. Industry groups support the direction, while environmental advocates raise concerns about reduced oversight.
U.S. Army Corps approves Enbridge's $500 million Line 5 Tunnel project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted federal approval for Enbridge’s Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel, a $500 million project to encase the existing oil pipeline beneath Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac in a concrete tunnel. The permit marks a major milestone for the Canadian energy company’s plan to reinforce one of the region’s most scrutinized pipeline systems.
Senate panel backs bipartisan bill to boost pipeline safety and leak detection
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has advanced a bipartisan bill from Sen. Gary Peters to boost PHMSA funding, expand leak detection research, and strengthen cybersecurity protections for U.S. pipelines.
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion