Sound regulatory decisions can help natural gas consumers. J. Erickson. Pipeline Gas Ind., February 1996, 79(2), 31--38.

Recent legislative requirements by the US Congress to assist gas pipeline operators are reviewed. A new safety bill has been introduced and laws relating to the use of smart pigs are modified to reduce inspection costs. Current legislation requires utilities to offer excess flow valves to customers with new or replaced services and for pressures below 10 psig. The customer pays all the costs, but some exceptions are listed. Safety aspects of pipeline transportation require a risk management programme to assess potential pipeline hazards, and the probability and possible consequences of an incident. Risk analysis quality teams are working to develop suitable guidelines.