After a unanimous working committee vote in April, the proposed ASME standard on pipeline operator qualification, B31Q, went to ballot on May 27, 2005. After a 30 day ballot period, there were 7 negative ballots received. Under the ASME standard development guidelines, each negative ballot must contain specific technical reasons for the negative vote. These negative comments will be addressed to the extent possible. Any revisions will be re-balloted – hopefully by the end of this summer. The final standard could be officially approved by ASME in the 4th quarter of 2005. After that time, OPS may initiate a rulemaking to incorporate the B31Q standard into the federal pipeline safety regulations.