Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Operator Public Awareness Program

Summary: This Final Rule amends the requirements for pipeline operators to develop and implement public awareness (also known as public education) programs. The changes are part of PHMSA's \1\ Office of Pipeline Safety's (OPS) broad pipeline communications initiative to promote pipeline safety. Promoting pipeline safety requires enhanced communications (by pipeline operators) with the public to increase public awareness of pipeline operations and safety issues. The amendments for developing and implementing public awareness programs address the requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (PSIA) of 2002 \2\ and incorporate by reference the guidelines provided in the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1162, ``Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators.'' \3\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------