PHMSA’s June 2025 Advisory Bulletin: A Push for Pipeline Safety Management Systems
Presented by TrueComply AI
On June 27, 2025, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an advisory bulletin urging pipeline operators to adopt Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS). This non-mandatory guidance reinforces a long-standing initiative to enhance pipeline safety across the United States, emphasizing proactive risk management to prevent accidents and environmental harm. This article explores the bulletin’s key points, its alignment with prior initiatives, and introduces a free PSMS Assessment Tool to help operators implement effective safety programs.
Pipeline incidents, such as leaks and explosions, have highlighted the need for robust safety measures in the pipeline sector. PHMSA, an agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation, has promoted PSMS since the introduction of the American Petroleum Institute’s Recommended Practice 1173 (API RP 1173) in 2015. The June 2025 bulletin builds on a March 2025 announcement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, which encouraged voluntary PSMS adoption, aligning with Section 205 of the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020.
Key Points of the Advisory Bulletin
The June 27, 2025, bulletin targets all regulated pipeline operators, with a particular focus on smaller companies that have been slower to adopt PSMS. Its main points include:
The bulletin encourages operators to implement PSMS, a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating safety risks throughout the pipeline lifecycle.
It recommends using API RP 1173, which outlines ten essential elements for PSMS, including risk management, safety policies, employee training, and continuous improvement.
While 80-90% of large operators have adopted PSMS, smaller operators often lack resources or expertise, leading to stalled progress that the bulletin seeks to address.
The bulletin highlights ongoing pipeline accidents, emphasizing the urgency of adopting proactive safety measures to protect communities and the environment.
The advisory is not a regulation, meaning compliance is voluntary, but it underscores PSMS as a best practice to enhance compliance with existing regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195).
Free PSMS Assessment Tool
To support operators in implementing PSMS, we built a free PSMS Assessment Tool to evaluate and enhance pipeline safety programs. This tool provides personalized recommendations and next actions tailored to an operator’s specific PSMS needs. Assessing current safety practices against API RP 1173’s ten essential elements helps operators identify gaps, prioritize improvements, and develop actionable plans to strengthen their safety management systems. Access the tool here to start building a more robust PSMS today.
Continuity with Prior Initiatives
The June 2025 bulletin builds on earlier PHMSA efforts, including the March 2025 announcement and prior advisories (e.g., 2018’s ADB-2018-01). It aligns with the 2020 PIPES Act, which mandates PHMSA to promote PSMS adoption. The bulletin does not introduce new requirements or formalize prior recommendations, instead reinforcing the same voluntary framework supported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and industry standards like API RP 1173.
Benefits of PSMS
Adopting PSMS offers several advantages for pipeline operators and the public:
PSMS enables operators to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to incidents.
The framework is adaptable to operators of all sizes, making it feasible for both large and small companies.
PSMS promotes regular evaluation and refinement of safety practices, enhancing long-term reliability.
Operators with PSMS report fewer accidents, improving safety and reducing environmental and financial risks.
Industry Implications
The bulletin has sparked mixed reactions. Larger operators, many of whom already use PSMS, view it as a reminder to maintain robust safety practices. Smaller operators express concerns about the costs and complexity of implementation. The free PSMS Assessment Tool addresses these challenges by offering tailored guidance, making adoption more accessible. PHMSA’s focus on voluntary adoption avoids regulatory burdens but may limit impact unless paired with resources like the assessment tool.
What’s Next?
The PHMSA Advisory Bulletin of June 27, 2025, represents a continued push for pipeline safety through voluntary PSMS adoption. By reinforcing API RP 1173 and addressing stalled progress among smaller operators, PHMSA aims to reduce pipeline incidents and protect communities. The free PSMS Assessment Tool, with its personalized recommendations and next actions, provides a practical resource for operators to implement effective safety programs. Pipeline operators are encouraged to explore API RP 1173 and leverage the assessment tool to enhance their PSMS.
For more details, visit PHMSA’s official website (phmsa.dot.gov), access API RP 1173, or use the PSMS Assessment Tool to get started.