Pipeline Safety: Standards Update-NFPA 70

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 Part 192 [Docket No. PHMSA-2025-0130] RIN 2137-AF99 AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Direct final rule (DFR); confirmation of effective date. SUMMARY: PHMSA is confirming the effective date for the DFR that appeared in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025. The DFR amended PHMSA's regulations at 49 CFR part 192 to incorporate by reference the updated industry standard National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, “National Electrical Code” (NEC). DATES: PHMSA confirms the effective date of January 1, 2026, for the DFR that appeared in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025 ( 90 FR 28072 ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brianna Wilson, Transportation Specialist, by phone at 771-215-0969 or email at brianna.wilson@dot.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 1, 2025 ( 90 FR 28072 ), PHMSA published a DFR amending its regulations at 49 CFR part 192 to incorporate by reference the 2023 edition of NFPA 70, NEC. References to the 2023 edition of the standard will replace existing references to NFPA 70, “National Electrical Code (NEC),” 2017 edition, effective August 24, 2016, within 49 CFR 192.163(e) and 192.189(c) . PHMSA issued the DFR under the procedures set forth at 49 CFR 190.339 . In accordance with those provisions, PHMSA stated in the DFR that if no adverse comments were recei…