On December 20, 2018, the American Gas Association filed a petition for reconsideration of the Plastic Pipe Rule. The AGA raised concerns about the ability of operators to fully implement the rule by the effective date of January 22, 2019. Specific concerns were raised regarding implementation timeframe for training, operator qualification, modifications to processes and availability of equipment from third party suppliers.

In light of the recent federal lapse in funding, PHMSA could not process the request before the January 22nd effective date. PHMSA will complete a review and act upon the petition after the shutdown ends, and publish the final determination in the Federal Register. Until PHMSA issues its determination, PHMSA will suspend enforcement action on the new rule implementation date and recommend state regulators exercise similar discretion. PHMSA expects all operators are moving forward with due diligence to implement the new rule effectively across their respective organizations.