PHMSA’s focus on shale activities extends beyond gathering and transmission lines; the Agency also regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, including crude, by rail.  In response to an unfortunate fatality derailment of a parked rail car containing Bakken crude oil that occurred over the summer in Quebec, and subsequent NTSB recommendations and industry petitions, the Agency issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on September 6, 2013, to amend Hazardous Materials Regulations that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials by rail. The amendments in the ANPRM are intended to address five different aspects of the regulations, including improving DOT Specifications for repair, maintenance and construction requirements for tank cars used for transporting ethanol and crude oil. The public comment period will be open for sixty days, closing on November 5, 2013.  The Agency will then review any comments that are submitted and work toward preparation of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which will provide the public an additional opportunity to comment on a proposed rulemaking.