January 14, 2022
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Download PDF
The United States House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves and Subcommittee on Rail, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Ranking Member Rick Crawford sent a December 22nd letter addressing regulations issued during the Trump Administration authorizing the transportation of liquified natural gas (“LNG”) by freight rail.
The Ranking Members’ letter is addressed to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Acting Administrator Tristan Brown.
The letter expresses:
. . . serious concerns with the Biden Administration’s proposed rule to suspend recently finalized regulations that authorize the safe transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by freight rail.
See Hazardous Materials: Suspension of HMR Amendments Authorizing Transportation of Liquified Natural Gas by Rail, 86 Fed. Reg. 61,731 (Nov. 8, 2021).
They argue that LNG:
- Has a proven safety record
- Is an environmentally friendly fossil fuel option
- Contributes to the United States and its allies energy independence
Concern is expressed that the rollback of the referenced regulation imposes additional regulatory burdens and impedes the safe transport of energy.
The history of the rule is addressed including its argued impetus as an additional needed means of transporting LNG. The prior 2020 rulemaking is stated to have supplemented transportation of LNG by:
- Special permit issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for freight shipment
- Highway transportation on large tanker trucks
A copy of the letter can be downloaded here.
The Between the Lines blog is made available by Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. and the law firm publisher. The blog site is for educational purposes only, as well as to give general information and a general understanding of the law. This blog is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Use of this blog site does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Mitchell Williams or the blog site publisher. The Between the Lines blog site should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.