On November 8, 2021, US DOT PHMSA proposed a rule to
suspend authorization for transportation by rail of liquefied natural gas (LNG), also known as "methane, refrigerated liquid" (UN 1972).
PHMSA authorized bulk transportation of LNG in certain DOT specification 113 tank cars with enhanced outer tank requirements in a
July 2020 Final Rule.
US DOT will accept
public comments on the proposed suspension until December 23, 2021.
Read the Proposed Rule.
Why was LNG Transported by Rail Tanker Car Rule Revisited?
Executive Order 13990 requires Federal agencies to review regulations and other actions taken during the previous administration that might be considered for suspension, modification, or rescission because of inconsistency with the current Administration's policies and goals.
The White House specifically identified the LNG by Rail final rule as one of these candidates.
In the final LNG Rail Car Authorization rule published in July of 2020, PHMSA stated that it may adjust the HMR's regulatory framework governing rail tank car transportation of LNG as more information became available from its oversight activities or by June 30, 2024. (See
85 FR 44995).
For more detailed information, see the Table 1—Summary of DOT-SP 20534, NPRM Proposals, and Final Rule Components in the
Federal Register Section I. Overview. (Technical details under consideration are in section
IV. Summary and Discussion of Comments to the Rulemaking Docket,
A. Tank Car Design.)