Pipeline Safety: Integration of Innovative Remote Sensing Technologies for Right-of-Way Patrols on Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195 [Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0118; Amdt. Nos. 192-154, 195-116] RIN 2137-AF79 AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Direct final rule (DFR); request for comments. SUMMARY: This DFR clarifies that PHMSA's right-of-way patrol requirements are technology neutral, and that remote sensing technologies, such as unmanned aerial systems and satellites, can be used for compliance purposes. DATES: The DFR is effective October 9, 2025, unless adverse comments are received by September 2, 2025. If adverse comments are received, notification will be published in the Federal Register before the effective date either withdrawing the rule (in its entirety or portions thereof) or issuing a new final rule which responds to those comments. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Docket Number PHMSA-2025-0118 using any of the following methods: E-Gov Web: https://www.regulations.gov . This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Hand Delivery: U.S. DOT Docket Management System: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Av…