The Trump Administration’s recent executive order signals potentially significant changes to the regulatory landscape for domestic energy infrastructure generally and LNG in particular. Among the notable features of the order are the provisions directing US DOT to (1) update its 49 C.F.R. Part 193 regulations for LNG facility safety; and (2) issue regulations allowing LNG to be transported in approved rail tank cars.
Continue Reading LNG a Focus of Recent Executive Order
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,
PHMSA and DOT issued a joint safety advisory in the wake of the July 6, 2013 derailment and explosion of an unattended train carrying crude oil tanker cars in the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, which resulted in 47 fatalities. The advisory contains two recommendations relating to PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180; HMR):