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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06323 — Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements; Response to Petition for Reconsideration
Pipeline companies and safety pros, listen up! PHMSA just said no to changes requested by the Interstate Natural Gas Association about pipeline safety rules for areas where people live or work. This means the current rules about how pipelines must be upgraded when neighborhoods grow stay in place, so companies should keep their safety upgrades on schedule without extra costs or delays.
2025-12083 — Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Department of Transportation Special Permit 14175
This update lets companies test certain gas cylinders every 10 years using a cool ultrasonic method instead of more often. It helps folks who handle flammable and non-flammable gas containers save time and money by cutting down on how often they need to check their gear. The change kicks in soon and makes safety checks easier without skimping on safety.
2025-12095 — Hazardous Materials: Reduce Training Burdens for America's Farmers
Farmers who handle hazardous materials will have an easier time with training because the government is raising the dollar limit that triggers extra security training. This change means fewer farmers need to take tough courses, saving them time and hassle. The update reflects inflation and helps farmers focus more on their work without extra costs or delays.
2025-12085 — Hazardous Materials: Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account
If you register hazardous materials, get ready to pay online only—no more paper checks! The Department of Transportation is updating the system to make payments faster and easier for everyone. This change will start soon, helping save time and cut down on paperwork.
2026-00566 — Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements
This new rule helps gas pipeline operators use smarter, modern safety checks when neighborhoods grow around their pipes. Instead of old-school methods, they can now use risk-based tools to decide if they need to adjust pipeline pressure, keeping everyone safer. The rule kicks in on March 16, 2026, and could save operators time and money while boosting safety.
C1-2025-11436 — Hazardous Materials: Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail
This update fixes a small but important detail about how thick the steel walls of liquefied natural gas (LNG) rail tanks must be. Rail companies and tank manufacturers need to follow these corrected thickness rules to keep LNG shipments safe. The change is effective immediately and helps prevent accidents without adding extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11391 — Modification of Class E Airspace; Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody, WY
Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, WY is updating its airspace rules to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using instruments. The changes expand the protected airspace starting 700 feet above the ground and fix some legal details. These updates help keep flights on track without costing anyone extra or changing schedules.
Next: 2025-11437 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is giving businesses and industries an extra 60 days before some new rules about Trichloroethylene (TCE) kick in. This delay affects certain uses of TCE that were supposed to follow stricter safety rules but now get a little more time to adjust. No new costs yet, just a friendly pause to keep things smooth and safe.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in