Pipeline SMS Implementation Team

In 2015, the pipeline industry completed the development of a framework for Pipeline Safety Management System (Pipeline SMS) designed specifically for pipeline operators. Pipeline SMS is the product of a collaboration between pipeline operators, state and federal regulators, and other engaged stakeholders working towards the goal of zero incidents. Since 2015, liquid and gas transmission operators have joined together with our Canadian colleagues, gas distribution and gathering operators, and leading contractor associations to improve pipeline safety. Learn more below about the organizations involved in the development and implementation of Pipeline SMS.

American Petroleum Institute

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.

Association of Oil Pipe Lines

The Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) represents liquids pipeline owners and operators transporting crude oil, petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and home heating oil and industrial products like propane and ethane.

American Gas Association

The American Gas Association (AGA), founded in 1918, represents more than 200 local energy companies that deliver clean natural gas throughout the United States. There are more than 73 million residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers in the U.S., of which 95 percent — more than 69 million customers — receive their gas from AGA members. Today, natural gas meets more than one-fourth of the United States’ energy needs.

American Public Gas Association

The American Public Gas Association (APGA) is the only not-for-profit trade organization representing America’s publicly owned natural gas local distribution companies (LDCs). APGA represents the interests of public gas before Congress, federal agencies and other energy-related stakeholders by developing regulatory and legislative policies that further the goals of our members. In addition, APGA organizes meetings, seminars, and workshops with a specific goal to improve the reliability, operational efficiency, and regulatory environment in which public gas systems operate. Through APGA, public gas systems work together to stay reliably informed about new developments in safety, public policy, operations, technology, and the marketplace that could affect the communities and consumers they serve.

Interstate Natural Gas Association of America

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) is a trade organization that advocates regulatory and legislative positions of importance to the natural gas pipeline industry in North America. INGAA is comprised of 27 members, representing the vast majority of the interstate natural gas transmission pipeline companies in the U.S. and Canada. INGAA members operate almost 200,000 miles of pipeline.

Canadian Energy Pipeline Association

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 119,000 kilometres of pipeline in Canada and 14,000 kilometres in the United States. CEPA members move approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas each year. In fact, 97 per cent of Canada’s daily crude oil and natural gas is moved from producing regions to markets throughout North America by CEPA members.

Gas Processors Association (GPA) Midstream

GPA Midstream represents more than 80 corporate members of all sizes; most are U.S.-based companies, but we do have members across the globe as well. Our members are engaged in the gathering and processing of natural gas into saleable pipeline gas, which are commonly referred to as “midstream” activities in the energy industry. Processing includes removing impurities from the raw gas stream produced at the wellhead, as well as the extraction for sale of natural gas liquids (ethane, propane, butane and natural gasoline).

Distribution Contractors Association (DCA)

The domain of DCA’s Contractor members is within city gates, where the final link for pipeline, cable and duct systems is made to individual residences and industrial complexes. Contractor members of the DCA are contractors who provide specific distribution construction services, including fiber optic, cable and duct installation, and the installation, replacement and rehabilitation of gas pipelines. Associate members are equipment suppliers and service providers who serve the professional contractors that comprise our contractor membership. Industry members are individuals who are regularly employed as consultants, employees, officers, directors or elected officials of any corporation or governmental unit engaged in the distribution industry.

American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA)

Serving as a national association of merit shop pipeline and station contractors, the American Pipeline Contractors Association was founded in 1971 as a regional alliance to promote the mutual interests and address industry concerns of its members and associates. APCA continues its quest to support its members in their efforts to secure a fair operating environment in the pipeline industry.