Role of informatization in the national pipeline regulation system of the United States

The oil and gas pipeline transportation system of the United States is the largest and the most complicated in the world, so its regulation is a big challenge. In order to meet the regulation requirements of different departments and agencies, a pipeline regulation system in which federal ministries, state governments, professional associations, pipeline operators and the public are dependent on each other has been established gradually. Based on the division of regulation powers, information platforms (e.g. national pipeline mapping system) are established by information technologies and measures, and they can act as effective tools to guarantee pipeline safety and formulate integrity plans. In this paper, the pipeline regulation system of the United States was analyzed in detail in terms of specific requirements, role of informatization, and activities involved in the informatization. Accordingly, it was pointed out that China could learn from the pipeline regulation system of the United States to strengthen safety and economic regulation of pipelines by means of informatization.