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Staff announces new hires, investigations totals and Feb. 25 town hall; PHMSA rates California program adequate
Summary
Board staff reported new hires in policy and investigations, gave investigation counts (133 damage/complaints in January; 7 investigations opened so far in 2026; 339 active investigations), announced a Feb. 25 town hall on fees, and said PHMSA rated California's pipeline-safety program 'adequate' but suggested review of maritime excavation laws.
During the executive officer report, staff introduced personnel updates and new team members joining policy and investigations. The investigations chief reported 133 damage and complaint notifications in January, seven investigations opened in 2026 so far, and 339 active investigations. Executive staff announced a Feb. 25 town hall to discuss the board's fee and invited the regulated public to attend. Staff also reported that the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) conducted an enforcement audit of California's program and rated it 'adequate,' while suggesting the board might consider reviewing laws related to maritime excavation as part of future agenda consideration.
Board members discussed maritime issues and the technical challenges of locating and recovering submerged facilities, and asked staff to keep an eye on maritime excavation matters as industry guidance and CGA work progresses. No formal action was taken; staff closed the update by noting upcoming planning-and-design workshop on Feb. 24 and the next board meeting on April 14.
