At least according to the PMHSA, pipeline incidents are down by 20% since 2009.
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/inspections/inspections-overviewI'd say the idea proper inspections aren't taking place is bunk. There is no benefit to companies paying out fines and costly emergency repairs in lieu of normal maintenance and routine repairs. For the amount of product moved via pipeline vs. rail, truck, and water; pipelines still have a very good record per bbl moved. They also help cut carbon emissions which otherwise would be necessary moving via rail, truck, or boat.
Adequate inspections are not being done. (I thought you used to work in a related industry??) What IS bunk is that this situation has been allowed to continue since the testing gear became available. From a place of working in the industry for well over 25 years. And having created inspection tools that were not implemented for the very simple reason I have stated before - no DOT requirements for that inspection. It ain't rocket science - the technology has been working, cost-effective, and widely available since the very early 90's to do essentially 100% inspection. And consciously chosen NOT to do that inspection. Granted there are pipes out there where incompetent management allowed build conditions that hinder internal inspection tools - and DOT should have required straightening those out decades ago! The pipes have bends that are too tight for an inspection pig to traverse, like 90 degree and even tighter. And the tool is available to identify all of those, too. How do I know that? I have made those, too. Why do I say incompetent management? Because a very short term view allowed tight bends in particular, which may save a dollar or two up front, but costs huge amounts of extra money due to much higher pumping costs over the lifetime of the pipeline.