PHMSA Targets Burdensome Hazmat Rules for Fuels

US DOT PHMSA is asking for comments from industry stakeholders and the public to identify provisions in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) that are overly burdensome to the domestic energy supply chain. 

In an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) published on June 4, PHMSA announced that comments received will inform future decisions about “whether to repeal or amend any requirements…to eliminate undue burdens on the identification, development, and use of domestic energy resources…”

PHMSA will accept comments until August 4, 2025 and is soliciting feedback on a wide range of topics. The notice invites stakeholders to consider all elements of the DOT hazmat regulations to identify overly burdensome rules, including the 172.101 Hazmat Table, the hazmat special provisions in 172.102, and requirements for shipping papers, hazard markings, labels, placarding, and emergency response information. 
 

More Hazmat Regulation Topics Under Review

The notice also poses questions about hazmat classification, packaging and preparation, employee training, safety and security plans, and more. PHMSA also asks for suggestions about hazmat special permits with longstanding safety records that PHMSA can incorporate into the HMR to streamline compliance for stakeholders.

Still more areas of the HMR that are open to comment and will be considered for one or more potential rulemakings include:   

• Modal requirements for rail, aircraft, vessel, highway in 49 CFR Parts 174—177
• Specifications for hazmat rail tank cars in 49 CFR Part 179
• Qualification and maintenance of hazmat cylinders 
• Transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail tank car
• Possible amendments to exceptions and reliefs  
• Regulations that affect coal mining, production, waste management, and transportation 

Read the notice, which includes the full list of topics, in the June 4, 2025 Federal Register. 

Upcoming DOT Hazmat Training 

Attend a Lion Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Workshop near you for two days of expert-led training to simplify you responsibilities for hazmat shipping compliance. From classifying materials and shipping names, to UN packaging, labels and placards, shipping papers, training employees, registration and reporting, and more—return to work feeling more confident about compliance with the US Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in 49 CFR.