Which organization inside the DOT regulates the gas piping?

The Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the correct answer because it is specifically responsible for overseeing the safety of gas pipelines as part of its mandate under the Department of Transportation (DOT). PHMSA develops and enforces regulations for the safe transportation of hazardous materials, which includes natural gas and other pipeline safety issues.

This includes areas such as setting safety standards, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulations to protect public safety and the environment. The role of PHMSA is critical in maintaining the integrity of gas pipelines and preventing incidents that could lead to leaks or explosions.

In contrast, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) primarily regulates interstate energy markets and the transmission of energy, which does not include direct oversight of gas pipeline safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on workplace safety and health regulations, which, although they may pertain to the gas industry, do not cover the safety of gas piping itself. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deals with environmental protection regulations, which, while related to environmental aspects linked to gas, are not focused on the regulation of gas piping systems specifically.