"US regulatory actions to ensure oil and gas pipeline safety have plummeted to a record low for the start of a presidential administration as Donald Trump pushes to streamline the government and cut red tape.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration opened 40 enforcement cases between January 20 and the end of June, according to filings from the regulator. That’s the least for the beginning of any presidential term in data going back two decades and a 68% slide compared with Trump’s first months in office eight years ago.

The drop-off in enforcement comes as the White House backs fossil fuels in pursuit of “energy dominance” and moves to reverse regulations imposed by former President Joe Biden, arguing that they burden companies with unnecessary costs. It also coincides with an exodus of senior officials from PHMSA earlier this year amid a move to shrink the federal government."

Catherine Cartier reports for Bloomberg July 10, 2025. [2]

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"Pipeline Safety Enforcement Stats Rebound After Plunge" (Politico) [3]