Existing gathering line regulation reflects collaboration between pipeline operators and regulators, a model useful for new regulatory efforts as well.

Background -

America’s natural gas pipeline network transports natural gas to and from most locations across the continental United States, and across US borders with Canada and Mexico. The nation’s natural gas pipeline infrastructure generally consists of three types of interconnected pipelines that together transport natural gas from producers to consumers. These include upstream gathering lines, which move gas from production fields to processing plants; transmission lines, typically larger, higher pressure pipelines which carry processed natural gas longer distances towards the markets where the gas will be consumed; and finally, downstream distribution lines, typically lower pressure, local lines that deliver the gas to ultimate end users who burn it either in industrial processes or for heating and cooking. Together, these make up the nation’s pipeline system.