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

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

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

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.