Strategic Pipeline Safety: Foundations, Evolution, and Future of U.S. Pipeline Regulations
Course Overview
This course provides a comprehensive, practical understanding of the U.S. pipeline safety regulatory system and how it supports operational risk reduction. Participants begin with the historical foundations of federal oversight, exploring early pipeline development, landmark incidents, and the creation of today’s safety framework.
The program then examines the modern regulatory landscape, including PHMSA authorities, partner agencies, and the structure of 49 CFR Parts 190–199, with clear guidance on how the rules apply to gas and hazardous liquid systems. Major reforms from the past decade—including the Gas Mega Rule, Valve and Rupture Mitigation requirements, and recent hazardous liquid updates—are explained in context.
Attendees will also review current enforcement trends, regulator expectations, and how technology and data-driven tools enable smarter, more proactive risk management. The course concludes with a forward-looking discussion of emerging priorities and strategies to prepare organizations for future regulatory change.
Agenda
Welcome, Objectives & Introductions
Module 1: Foundations of U.S. Pipeline Safety Regulation
A. Early Pipeline Development (1800s–1960s)
B. Creation of the Federal Pipeline Safety Framework
C. Key Historical Incidents That Shaped Regulation
Module 2: The Modern Regulatory Landscape
A. PHMSA Authorities & Core Responsibilities
B. Other Federal and State Entities
Module 3: Structure of PHMSA Regulations (49 CFR 190–199)
A. Part 190 — Enforcement (The Regulatory Backbone)
B. Parts 191 & 195.50 — Accident, Incident & Safety Reporting
C. Part 192 — Gas Pipeline Safety Requirements
D. Part 195 — Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
E. Parts 193, 194, 199
F. Cross-Cutting Regulatory Themes
Module 4: Major Regulatory Reforms (2011–Today)
A. Gas Mega Rule (2019–2023)
B. Valve & Rupture Mitigation Rule (2022–2024)
C. Hazardous Liquid Rule (2019)
D. Current PHMSA Priorities (2024–2025)
Module 5: Compliance, Enforcement & Risk Management Today
A. Enforcement Trends
B. Expectations of a “Modern Compliant Operator”
C. Using Technology for Smarter Compliance
Module 6: Looking Ahead — The Future of Pipeline Regulation
A. Anticipated Regulatory Changes
B. How Industry Trends Influence Regulation
C. Proactive Implementation for Risk Reduction
Wrap-Up & Q&A
Target Group
This training is designed for anyone responsible for implementing, managing, or overseeing pipeline safety programs. It is particularly valuable for regulatory, integrity management, operations, and technical experts who must interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical, defensible actions in the field.
This course is also well suited for consultants, legal and policy staff, and technology partners supporting pipeline operators who need a working knowledge of PHMSA expectations and modern risk management practices. Participants leave better equipped to make informed decisions, align procedures with regulatory intent, and proactively reduce risk while strengthening overall pipeline safety performance.
Approval (for German engineers)
This training course is recognized as a training session in accordance with §6 FuWo. Consulting engineers and members of the German Chambers of Engineers receive 8 training points for participation.
Evergreen Compliance LLC was founded by Erin McKay, aka That Compliance Lady, after more than 25 years working directly for pipeline operators. Her decades of regulatory oversight and leadership include nearly two decades with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, operator of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), as well as Marathon Petroleum, Hilcorp Energy, and Harvest Midstream. Evergreen is a woman-owned, Alaska-based business delivering practical technology tools and expert services to the pipeline industry.
Over a 30+ year career, Erin has focused on building, implementing, and evaluating pipeline safety and regulatory programs. She has helped operators translate complex requirements into clear, defensible processes, proactively identify risks, and strengthen safety performance, reducing the likelihood of violations, penalties, and operational disruption.
Evergreen is transforming how teams access and apply regulatory information through its flagship platform, Evergreen:AIR™. Combining the industry’s most comprehensive compliance research database with curated insights and updates, the platform empowers professionals to make informed, consistent, and data-driven decisions that reduce risk and align with regulatory expectations.
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