LNG Safety Rule Changes Get an Environmental Review
Published Date: 6/6/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
PHMSA is gearing up to update safety rules for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and will study how these changes might affect the environment. They’re asking everyone—from local communities to tribes—to share their thoughts by July 7, 2025. These updates aim to keep LNG operations safer and cleaner, with a draft plan coming soon for public review and feedback.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
New rules for small‑scale LNG facilities
PHMSA plans to implement new safety requirements for “permanent, small scale” liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities as directed by section 27 of the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2016 (PIPES Act of 2016). If you operate a permanent small‑scale LNG facility, the forthcoming rulemaking will propose specific regulatory requirements you must follow.
Risk‑based rules for large‑scale LNG operations
PHMSA intends to implement the congressional mandate in section 110 of the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 (PIPES Act of 2020) to adopt a risk‑based regulatory approach for operations and maintenance of large‑scale LNG facilities (other than peak‑shaving facilities). If you operate a large‑scale LNG facility, PHMSA will propose specific risk‑based requirements in the forthcoming rulemaking.
2023 NFPA 59A will be incorporated
PHMSA proposes to revise 49 CFR part 193 to incorporate by reference provisions of the 2023 edition of NFPA Standard 59A, “Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas.” If your LNG facility is subject to part 193, the upcoming rulemaking would align federal requirements with the 2023 NFPA 59A provisions.
EIS will study community health, safety, and local economy
PHMSA will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzing potential environmental and community effects of the proposed Part 193 amendments. The EIS will evaluate effects on populations near LNG facilities, public safety and human health from accidental releases, air pollutant emissions, socioeconomic factors such as economy, employment and transportation, historic and cultural resources, land use, and natural resources.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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