# Pipeline Safety: Electronic Retention of Part 194 Response Plans

**Action Urgency Score:** 30/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Transportation Department; Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Direct final rule (DFR); confirmation of effective date. |
| Published | 2026-07-31 |
| Effective | 2026-08-03 |
| Significant | No |
| CFR parts | 49 CFR 194 |
| Summary | PHMSA is confirming the effective date for a DFR titled "Pipeline Safety: Electronic Retention of Part 194 Response Plans," which published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2026. The DFR amended oil spill response plan requirements to clarify that operators may maintain the plans electronically. |
| Document number | 2026-15569 |

## Why this score
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/31/2026-15569/pipeline-safety-electronic-retention-of-part-194-response-plans). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T21:40:49.974Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.