Energy Companies Face Looser Pipeline Rules Under DOT Proposals

Jan. 12, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC

Energy companies will have more flexibility to transport fuel by pipeline under rule changes announced Monday by the Transportation Department.

One final rule change will alter a regulatory approach first developed in the 1950s for monitoring pipelines while a second final rule will cut restrictions on transporting hazardous materials by cargo tank, according to the department. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which is part of DOT, will also soften its enforcement policies.

The administration says the industry-friendly changes will save Americans $600 million per year, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a press release.

Both regulatory changes will ...

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