National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives
STRUCTURE
NAPSR is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization of state agency pipeline safety directors, managers, inspectors and technical personnel who serve to support, develop and improve pipeline safety.
Each year, NAPSR holds meetings in each of its five regions and a national Board of Directors meeting to promote the exchange of Federal and State pipeline safety information, adopt resolutions of national scope, and consider innovative approaches for enhancing pipeline safety.
MISSION
NAPSR strives to strengthen State pipeline safety programs through the promotion of improved pipeline safety standards, education, training, and technology.
ABOUT NAPSR
The National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) is the national association representing State pipeline safety personnel in the contiguous United States as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through a unique partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, NAPSR members have oversight responsibilities for the safe and reliable transportation of natural gas and hazardous liquids through pipelines.
BACKGROUND
Established in 1982, NAPSR is recognized by Congress, the courts, federal agencies, and the media as the national voice of the State pipeline safety community.
State pipeline safety personnel make up more than 75% of the state and federal inspection workforce. NAPSR provides these inspectors with a venue to share best practices, enhance communications between state and federal counterparts, raise awareness of new issues, and influence policy. NAPSR members have direct safety authority over more than 96% of regulated intrastate gas systems and 32% of hazardous liquid systems (including carbon dioxide pipelines) in the United States.
STATE PIPELINE SAFETY PROGRAM
State pipeline safety programs ensure safety and give the public confidence that the pipeline system is safe and reliable. State pipeline inspectors are the “first line of defense” at the community level to enforce pipeline safety, enact underground utility damage prevention programs, and promote public awareness campaigns regarding pipeline safety.
Most States have adopted and enforce more stringent regulations than the federal pipeline safety regulations. NAPSR members employ a wide range of compliance methods as part of their regulatory oversight, including: corrective action orders, civil penalties, and rate-of-return control which ensures that the operating company and its shareholders, not consumers, bear the cost of improving the safety of pipeline systems.