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

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Look beyond the annual "Top 10 List" to see specifics about the most cited OSHA health & safety Standards and the individual regulations that tripped up employers the most last year. 

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.