Feds Set Safer Rules for Hauling LNG by Train Nationwide
Published Date: 6/23/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting soon, new rules will make shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail safer and clearer. Rail companies and hazardous materials handlers need to follow updated guidelines to protect people and the environment. These changes come after a court decision and could mean some new costs but better safety overall.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Rail carriers face new LNG compliance rules
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), with the Federal Railroad Administration, is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations for shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail in response to the court decision Sierra Club v. DOT (No. 20-1317, Jan. 17, 2025). Rail companies and hazardous materials handlers must follow the updated guidelines, which the agency says could mean some new costs for those businesses.
Improved public and environmental safety from LNG-by-rail
PHMSA and the Federal Railroad Administration say the amended rules for shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail are intended to protect people and the environment. The agencies link the changes to the court decision Sierra Club v. DOT (No. 20-1317, Jan. 17, 2025) and state the updates will make shipping LNG by rail safer and clearer.
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