Working Within the Environmental Regulatory Process

Recent trends in environmental regulations are analyzed with respect to the pipeline industry. With the historical precedent established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the pipeline industry is now subject to numerous Federal and state regulations to protect the environment. Two strategies are identified that can be mutually beneficial for both government and industry. The first, cooperative involvement with the regulatory agency, is discussed and advantages identified and illustrated with examples. The second, more controversial, involves public involvement or participation in preconstruction planning. With an increase in pipeline construction and a demonstrated concern for increased governmental regulation of environmental and energy-related resources, the regulatory process will continue to expand in scope and depth.