Pipeline operators are navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory environment as new technologies begin to reshape how infrastructure monitoring is conducted.
Among the most closely watched developments is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rulemaking related to the integration of innovative remote sensing technologies for right-of-way (ROW) patrols on gas and hazardous liquid pipelines.
Following the withdrawal of the Direct Final Rule addressing this topic, many operators are seeking clarity on how remote sensing technologies fit within the current regulatory framework and what expectations exist for ROW patrol compliance moving forward.
To address these questions, we are hosting a live virtual briefing titled “Remote Sensing and Right-of-Way Compliance: Regulatory Update and Technical Briefing.”
The session will provide pipeline industry stakeholders with an update on the current regulatory landscape, including PHMSA’s perspective on the integration of innovative monitoring technologies and considerations for maintaining compliance under existing regulations.
Understanding the Current Regulatory Landscape
Right-of-way patrols are a critical component of pipeline safety programs. Traditionally conducted through aerial surveys or ground patrols, these inspections are designed to identify potential threats such as construction activity, encroachments, erosion, or other hazards that could impact pipeline integrity.
In recent years, advances in remote sensing technologies, including satellite monitoring, aerial imagery, and other geospatial tools, have created new opportunities for operators to enhance monitoring capabilities. These technologies offer the ability to detect changes across large pipeline networks with greater frequency and broader coverage.
Recognizing these developments, PHMSA initiated rulemaking aimed at clarifying how such technologies could be incorporated into ROW patrol programs. However, the withdrawal of the Direct Final Rule has left many operators with questions about how innovation fits within the existing regulatory framework.
This webinar will provide an opportunity to hear directly from regulatory leadership about the current status of the rulemaking and the agency’s expectations for operators in the interim period.
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What the Webinar Will Cover
The session will offer an overview of the evolving regulatory environment and provide guidance on how pipeline operators can approach remote sensing technologies within current compliance requirements.
Key topics will include:
- The current status of the rulemaking related to innovative remote sensing technologies
- PHMSA’s perspective on the role of innovation in pipeline safety programs
- Expectations for operators regarding right-of-way patrol compliance under the existing regulatory framework
- Considerations related to achieving an equivalent level of safety when integrating new monitoring approaches
- Practical insights for pipeline operators evaluating remote sensing technologies as part of their ROW patrol strategies
The goal of the briefing is to help pipeline integrity, compliance, and operations professionals better understand the regulatory context surrounding emerging monitoring technologies.
Meet the Speakers
Keith J. Coyle
Chief Counsel, PHMSA
Keith Coyle serves as Chief Counsel for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Prior to joining PHMSA, Coyle was a shareholder in the Washington, D.C. office of Babst Calland, where he focused on matters involving energy and natural resources, including the regulation of pipelines and the transportation of hazardous materials. His career has also included service as Legislative Counsel for former U.S. Representative Kevin Brady, as well as earlier roles within PHMSA and the federal judiciary.
Coyle holds an LL.M. in Law & Government from American University’s Washington College of Law, a J.D. in Integrated Trial Advocacy from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Lehigh University.
Nick Ferguson
Chief Evangelist, LiveEO
Nick Ferguson is Chief Evangelist at LiveEO and brings extensive experience helping energy and transportation network operators adopt geospatial technologies.
He has held senior leadership roles at several geospatial and infrastructure technology companies, including NM Group, Trimble, and Enview, and previously founded the consulting firm GEO-CEO. Nick also co-hosts the UVM Podcast, an award-winning and CEU-accredited program developed in partnership with the Utility Arborist Association.
Who Should Attend
This session is designed for professionals involved in:
- Pipeline integrity management
- Regulatory compliance and safety programs
- Damage prevention and right-of-way monitoring
- Pipeline operations and infrastructure oversight
Anyone seeking to better understand the regulatory outlook for remote sensing technologies in pipeline ROW patrol programs will benefit from attending.
Join the Webinar
As monitoring technologies continue to evolve, understanding how they fit within the regulatory framework is becoming increasingly important for pipeline operators.
This webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from PHMSA leadership about the current regulatory landscape and the path forward for innovative monitoring approaches.
Register now to secure your place and join the discussion on the future of right-of-way monitoring and compliance.
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