Pipeline Safety: Inflation Adjustment of Maximum Civil Penalties

PHMSA is revising references in its regulations to the maximum civil penalties for violations of the Federal Pipeline Safety Laws, or any PHMSA regulation or order issued thereunder. Under the ``Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015,'' which further amended the ``Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990,'' federal agencies are required to adjust their civil monetary penalties effective August 1, 2016, and then annually thereafter, to account for changes in inflation. PHMSA finds good cause to amend the regulation related to civil penalties without notice and opportunity for public comment. For the reasons described below, advance public notice is unnecessary.