Search

DOT to Reconsider LNG by Rail Rule

Posted on 5/17/2021 by Roseanne Bottone and Roger Marks

US DOT will reconsider a Final Rule promulgated in July 2020 that authorized the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG)—also known as “Methane, refrigerated liquid”—in rail tank cars.  

A pair of Executive Orders* issued on day one of the Biden Administration direct regulatory agencies to reconsider existing regulations and other agency actions to ensure they are consistent with the policy goals and objectives set forth in the EOs.

The White House Fact Sheet: List of Agency Actions for Review indicates that DOT was explicitly directed to solicit comments regarding the LNG-by-rail Final Rule. It is the only hazardous materials transportation rulemaking on the list.

DOT will accept comments until June 4, 2021 on existing transportation and hazardous materials regulations, including the LNG-by-rail Final Rule, and other agency actions for consideration. 

Stakeholders and citizens can submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov, by mail, or by fax (202-493-2251). Comments should reference docket number DOT-OST-2021-0036.

More details about how to submit comments can be found in the May 5 Federal Register.

PHMSA's LNG by Rail Final Rule 

The Final Rule undergoing review authorized the transportation of LNG by rail in DOT-113C120W specification rail tank cars with enhanced outer tank requirements, subject to all applicable requirements and certain additional operational controls.

Before this Final Rule took effect, “Methane, refrigerated liquid” was not authorized for transport in rail cars because of safety concerns.

Read more about the LNG Final Rule.

*View the Executive Orders:
Protecting Public Health and the Environment… (Jan. 20, 2021)
Revocation of Certain Executive Orders Concerning Federal Regulation (Jan. 20, 2021)

Brush Up on PHMSA Hazmat Rail Rules

The Shipping Hazmat by Ground–Additional Rail Requirements online course will expand on your 49 CFR highway shipping expertise and introduce the latest unique rules for rail shipments. The course provides critical function-specific training for hazmat employees who prepare or offer hazmat shipments by rail. 
 
Or maintain your 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code hazmat certifications with Lion's other reliable, interactive 300-level online hazmat courses: 

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)
Hazmat Air Shipper Certification (IATA)
Hazmat Vessel Shipper Certification (IMDG)
 

Tags: hazmat by rail, hazmat shipping, LNG, methane, refrigerated liquid, UN 1972

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.