[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 143 (Friday, July 24, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44994-45030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-13604]



[[Page 44993]]

Vol. 85

Friday,

No. 143

July 24, 2020

Part III





Department of Transportation





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Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration





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49 CFR Parts 172, 173, 174, et al.





Hazardous Materials: Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 143 / Friday, July 24, 2020 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 44994]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR Parts 172, 173, 174, 179, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0025 (HM-264)]
RIN 2137-AF40


Hazardous Materials: Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: PHMSA, in coordination with the Federal Railroad 
Administration (FRA), is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations 
(HMR) to allow for the bulk transport of ``Methane, refrigerated 
liquid,'' commonly known as liquefied natural gas (LNG), in rail tank 
cars. This rulemaking authorizes the transportation of LNG by rail in 
DOT-113C120W specification rail tank cars with enhanced outer tank 
requirements, subject to all applicable requirements and certain 
additional operational controls. The enhancements to the outer tank are 
indicated by the new specification suffix ``9'' (DOT-113C120W9).

DATES: 
    Effective date: This rule is effective August 24, 2020.
    Voluntary compliance date: Voluntary compliance is authorized July 
24, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Ciccarone, Standards and 
Rulemaking Division, (202) 366-8553, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, or Mark Maday, Federal Railroad Administration, 
(202) 366-2535, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Abbreviations and Terms

AAR Association of American Railroads
APA Administrative Procedure Act
ASNT American Society of Non-destructive Testing
ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials
AWS American Welding Society
BLET Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
BLEVE Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion
BNSF Burlington Northern Santa Fe
CEQ Council on Environmental Quality
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CTMV Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle
DOT Department of Transportation
DOT-SP Department of Transportation Special Permit
DP Distributed Power
EA Environmental Assessment
ECP Electronically Controlled Pneumatic
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
E.O. Executive Order
EOT End of Train
ERG Emergency Response Guidebook
ETS Energy Transport Solutions, LLC
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FRA Federal Railroad Administration
FRSA Federal Railroad Safety Act
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GRL Gross Rail Load
HHFT High-Hazard Flammable Train
HLRW High Level Radioactive Waste
HMEP Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness
HMT Hazardous Materials Table
HMTA Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
HMR Hazardous Materials Regulations
IAFC International Association of Fire Chiefs
IAFF International Association of Fire Fighters
IBR Incorporation by Reference
IFR Interim Final Rule
LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas
MLI Multi-Layer Insulation
NASFM National Association of State Fire Marshals
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NJDEP New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NTSB National Transportation Safety Board
NYDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
NYDHSES New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency 
Services
NYDOT New York State Department of Transportation
OIRA Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
OMB Office of Management and Budget
PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
PRD Pressure Relief Device
PRV Pressure Relief Valve
PSR Physicians for Social Responsibility
RSI Railway Supply Institute
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis
RIN Regulatory Identifier Number
RSI-CTC Railway Supply Institute Committee on Tank Cars
SNF Spent Nuclear Fuel
SI Super Insulation
TTD Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO
The Center The Center for Biological Diversity
TC Transport Canada
TDG Transportation of Dangerous Goods
UMRA Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
UN United Nations
U.S.C. United States Code
VCE Vapor Cloud Explosion

Table of Contents

I. Overview
II. NPRM and Background
    A. Petition for Rulemaking (P-1697)
    B. Regulatory Review
    C. DOT Special Permit 20534
III. Amendments to the HMR Adopted in This Final Rule
    A. Existing HMR Requirements for Rail Transport of Flammable 
Cryogenic Material
    B. The DOT-113C120W Specification Tank Car
    C. Additional Operational Controls for LNG Transportation
IV. Summary and Discussion of Comments to the Rulemaking Docket
    A. Tank Car Design
    B. Operational Controls
    C. Environmental Impacts
    D. Economic Analysis
    E. Emergency Response
    F. Comments of General Opposition
    G. Comments From the Puyallup Tribe
    H. Comments Beyond the Scope of This Rulemaking
V. Section-by-Section Review
VI. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
    A. Statutory/Legal Authority for This Rulemaking
    B. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures
    C. Executive Order 13771
    D. Executive Order 13132
    E. Executive Order 13175
    F. Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Order 13272, and DOT 
Policies and Procedures
    G. Paperwork Reduction Act
    H. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
    I. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    J. Environmental Assessment
    K. Privacy Act
    L. Executive Order 13609 and International Trade Analysis
    M. Executive Order 13211
List of Subjects

I. Overview

    In this final rule, PHMSA is authorizing the transportation of LNG 
by rail tank car, pursuant to Federal Hazardous Materials 
Transportation law (Federal hazmat law; 49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.), 
because we have determined that bulk rail transport is a safe 
alternative for this energy product. The final rule authorizes the 
transportation of LNG by rail in DOT-113 tank cars, which have an 
established track record of safety in transporting other cryogenic 
flammable materials. The DOT-113 tank car authorized for LNG service 
will be enhanced with an outer tank that is thicker and made of steel 
with a greater puncture resistance to provide an added measure of 
safety and crashworthiness. Additionally, there will be operational 
controls in the form of enhanced braking requirements, remote

[[Page 44995]]

monitoring, and route analysis, which are intended to exceed current 
safety requirements for other flammable cryogenic materials.
    PHMSA's mission is to protect people and the environment by 
advancing the safe transportation of energy products and other 
hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. To do this, 
the agency establishes national policy, sets and enforces standards, 
conducts research to prevent incidents, and prepares the public and 
first responders to reduce consequences if an incident does occur. 
PHMSA and FRA share responsibility for regulating the transportation of 
hazardous materials by rail and take a system-wide, comprehensive 
approach that focuses on prevention, mitigation, and response to manage 
and reduce the risk posed to people and the environment. In line with 
PHMSA's mission and shared responsibility with FRA for oversight of the 
rail transport of hazardous materials, PHMSA is issuing this final rule 
to authorize the transportation of LNG by rail in DOT-113C120W 
specification rail tank cars with enhanced outer tank material and 
thickness (those enhancements to be indicated by the specification 
suffix ``9''), subject to operational controls for braking, monitoring, 
and route analysis.
    This authorization conforms to the intent and purpose of the HMR 
(49 CFR parts 171-180), which are designed to ensure the safe 
transportation of all hazardous materials packagings (including tank 
cars). Collectively, the HMR combine packaging design and maintenance, 
operational controls, package handling, employee training, hazard 
communication, emergency response information, and security plan 
requirements to safeguard transportation. These measures help ensure 
that hazardous contents safely remain within a package during the 
course of transportation while also providing for public awareness and 
appropriate response mechanisms. Supplemental to the HMR, PHMSA 
oversees a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant 
program that provides funding to the emergency response community for 
training and planning purposes, furthering appropriate response 
efforts.
    The United States leverages domestic technology improvements to 
transform American life through increased natural gas production and 
energy independence. As a result, the United States is today the 
world's largest natural gas producer through economical production from 
shale and other unconventional formations.\1\ Transportation of natural 
gas, however, can be constrained by the capacity of existing 
transportation infrastructure, which negatively affects regions with 
insufficient access to pipelines or ports. This constraint on capacity, 
coupled with increased natural gas production in the United States, has 
resulted in the consideration of using rail transport to help 
efficiently deliver natural gas to domestic U.S. and international 
markets.
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    \1\ CRS, ``An Overview of Unconventional Oil and Natural Gas: 
Resources and Federal Actions,'' 7-5700, Summary, (2015).
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    Authorizing the use of proven DOT-113C120W-specification tank cars 
to transport LNG will allow the rail industry to play a role in the 
safe, efficient transport of this important energy product for the 21st 
century. LNG--referred to as ``Methane, refrigerated liquid'' \2\ 
within the HMR--has been transported safely by trucks on highways and 
by marine vessels for over 40 years in the United States, and over 50 
years internationally. However, the HMR did not authorize the bulk 
transport of LNG in rail tank cars prior to this rulemaking action, 
instead permitting rail transport of LNG only on an ad hoc basis as 
authorized by the conditions of a PHMSA special permit (49 CFR 107.105) 
or in a portable tank secured to a rail car pursuant to the conditions 
of an FRA approval. The recent expansion in U.S. natural gas production 
has increased interest in a programmatic approach to using 
appropriately the nation's rail infrastructure to facilitate efficient 
transportation of LNG. In response to that interest, PHMSA, in 
coordination with the FRA, issues this final rule to amend the HMR to 
permit the bulk transport of LNG in DOT-113C120W specification rail 
tank cars with enhanced outer tank requirements (those enhancements to 
be indicated by the specification suffix ``9''), subject to operational 
controls for braking, monitoring, and routing.
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    \2\ Use of this description in quotes and with methane 
capitalized reflects the proper shipping name as listed in the Sec.  
172.101 Hazardous Materials Table.
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    In addition, this final rule satisfies the directive in Executive 
Order (E.O.) 13868 [84 FR 15495, April 19, 2019] to propose, consistent 
with applicable law, regulations that ``treat LNG the same as other 
cryogenic liquids and permit LNG to be transported in approved rail 
tank cars.'' \3\ E.O. 13868 recognizes the leading role that the United 
States plays in producing natural gas, the importance of improving the 
United States' capacity to supply natural gas, including LNG, to 
domestic and international markets, and the need to continue to 
transport this energy product in a safe and efficient manner. In 
issuing this final rule, PHMSA furthers the purposes and policies set 
forth in E.O. 13868 by enabling an additional safe, reliable, and 
efficient transportation alternative for bringing domestically produced 
natural gas to existing, and potentially new, markets.
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    \3\ PHMSA notes that it first announced in the ``Spring 2018 
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions'' [83 
FR 27085] that it had initiated a ``pre-rule'' action on LNG by 
Rail, and subsequently announced that it would proceed with an NPRM 
in the ``Fall 2018 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal 
Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions'' [83 FR 57803]. While these 
actions notified the public of PHMSA's intention to develop propose 
a regulatory framework for the safe rail transportation of LNG, 
PHMSA had not published a proposed rulemaking by the time the 
President issued E.O. 13868 on April 10, 2018.
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    The present action is based on a longstanding understanding of the 
properties of LNG and an evidence-based approach to the safety of the 
DOT-113 tank cars designed and used to transport flammable cryogenic 
materials. At the same time, in promulgating this final rule, and as it 
does with other hazardous materials, PHMSA recognizes that there is 
ongoing and potential future research related to the transportation of 
LNG by all modes. The Agency will continue to use this research to 
inform potential future regulatory activity, as appropriate.
    In the following table, PHMSA provides an overview of: (1) The 
requirements for LNG transportation in tank cars pursuant to DOT 
Special Permit 20534 (DOT-SP 20534),\4\ issued to Energy Transport 
Solutions, LLC (ETS) during the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 
\5\ comment period to authorize ETS's rail transportation of LNG along 
specific routes; (2) the requirements proposed in the October 24, 2019 
NPRM; and (3) the requirements adopted in this final rule. Requirements 
related to the thermal performance of the DOT-113C120W tank car are 
unchanged from the NPRM (75 psig maximum start to discharge pressure; 
maximum pressure when offered; and design service temperature). But 
this final rule, after consideration of comments received in the docket 
and to provide additional operational controls and crashworthiness for 
LNG tank cars, adopts supplemental requirements to those initially 
proposed in the NPRM: Remote monitoring of pressure and location for 
LNG tank cars in

[[Page 44996]]

transportation; two-way end-of-train (EOT) or distributed power (DP) 
system for trains transporting 20 or more loaded tank cars of LNG in a 
continuous block, or 35 or more loaded tank cars of LNG throughout the 
train; and a requirement that railroads comply with Sec.  172.820 route 
planning requirements. In addition, to account properly for the 
properties of LNG, this final rule raises the maximal filling density 
limit to 37.3% from the proposed 32.5%. Finally, in this final rule 
PHMSA is also adopting enhanced outer tank requirements compared with 
the requirements that apply to other DOT-113C120W-specification tank 
cars, including a thicker 9/16th inch outer tank made from high quality 
TC-128B normalized steel. Compliance with these enhanced outer tank 
requirements will be indicated by the new specification suffix ``9'' 
(DOT-113C120W9).
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    \4\ https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=PHMSA-2019-0100-3006.
    \5\ Hazardous Materials: Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail NPRM [84 
FR 56964].

                   Table 1--Summary of DOT-SP 20534, NPRM Proposals, and Final Rule Components
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                                                LNG requirements
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                                          DOT special permit
                Topics                          20534                     NPRM                  Final rule
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Approval of LNG......................  Permitted between        Permitted Nationwide...  Permitted Nationwide.
                                        Wyalusing, PA and
                                        Gibbstown, NJ, with no
                                        intermediate stops.
Remote Monitoring....................  Required as a condition  Not Required...........  Required as a Special
                                        of the DOT-SP.                                    Provision for LNG.
Maximum Start to Discharge Pressure..  Not Specified..........  75 psig................  75 psig.
Maximum Pressure when Offered for      15 psig................  15 psig................  15 psig.
 Transportation.
Design Service Temperature...........  Not Specified..........  Minus 260 [deg]F.......  Minus 260 [deg]F.
Maximum Permitted Filling Density      32.5%..................  32.5%..................  37.3%.
 (percent by weight).
When is a two-way end-of-train (EOT)   Required when a train    Not Proposed...........  Required when a train
 or a distributed power (DP) system     is transporting 20 or                             is transporting 20 or
 required.                              more tank cars                                    more loaded tank cars
                                        authorized under this                             of LNG in a continuous
                                        special permit.                                   block or 35 or more
                                                                                          loaded tank cars of
                                                                                          LNG throughout the
                                                                                          train.
Route Controls.......................  Authorized only on one   Not Proposed...........  Must comply with
                                        route.                                            172.820.
Minimum Wall Thickness of the Outer    Shell: \7/16\''........  Shell: \7/16\''........  Shell and Tank Head:
 Tank Shell and the Outer Tank Heads.  Tank Head: \1/2\''.....  Tank Head: \1/2\''.....   Enhanced \9/16\''.
Required Outer Tank Steel Type(s)....  As specified in AAR      As specified in AAR      AAR TC 128, Grade B
                                        Specifications for       Specifications for       normalized steel
                                        Tank Cars, Appendix M.   Tank Cars, Appendix M.   plate.
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II. NPRM and Background

    PHMSA on October 24, 2019, in consultation with the FRA, published 
the NPRM proposing to authorize the transport of LNG by rail. PHMSA 
issued the NPRM in response to a petition for rulemaking (P-1697) \6\ 
from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and a review of 
existing regulations.
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    \6\ PHMSA-2017-0020-0002.
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    The NPRM proposed a framework for transporting LNG by rail safely 
by designating an authorized packaging, and by determining how the 
packaging would be filled safely. PHMSA chose the DOT-113C120W 
specification tank car packaging designed for flammable cryogenic 
material. This packaging has been transporting similar flammable 
cryogenic materials for decades with no fatalities or serious injuries. 
As for the filling/loading controls, PHMSA proposed a maximum start-to-
discharge pressure of 75 psig, a maximum permitted filling density of 
32.5 percent by weight, a maximum pressure when offered for 
transportation of 15 psig, and a design service temperature of minus 
260 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum offering pressure of 15 psig 
proposed in the NPRM is consistent with the 20-day transportation 
requirement for cryogenic materials and the allowable average daily 
pressure rise of 3 psig per day during transportation.
    In the NPRM, PHMSA also proposed operational controls consistent 
with the existing requirements of the HMR, and invited comment on 
whether existing regulations and the operational controls in AAR's 
Circular OT-55 entitled ``Recommended Railroad Operating Practices For 
Transportation of Hazardous Materials'' \7\ are sufficient. The NPRM 
also sought comment on the potential need for additional operating 
controls. Beyond the operational controls already included for other 
flammable cryogenic materials transported by rail, PHMSA specifically 
referenced train length and composition, speed restrictions, braking 
requirements, and routing requirements as potential areas of interest 
to provide for enhanced operational control requirements. PHMSA also 
encouraged commenters to provide data on the safety or economic impacts 
associated with any additional operational controls, including analysis 
of the safety justification or cost impact of their implementation.
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    \7\ The freight rail industry developed the first edition of OT-
55, which details railroad operating practices for hazardous 
materials, in the late 1980s, as part of an inter-industry hazardous 
materials rail safety task force that also included the Chemical 
Manufacturers Association (now the American Chemistry Council) and 
the Railway Progress Institute (now the Railway Supply Institute).
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    PHMSA also received a request from the Offices of the Attorneys 
General of New York and Maryland to extend the 60-day comment period 
for the NPRM an additional 30 days. PHMSA issued a notice \8\ on 
December 23, 2019, extending the comment period until January 13, 2020.
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    \8\ Hazardous Materials: Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail; 
Extension of Comment Period [84 FR 70491], https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/12/23/2019-27656/hazardous-materials-liquefied-natural-gas-by-rail-extension-of-comment-period.

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[[Page 44997]]

A. Petition for Rulemaking (P-1697)

1. AAR's Petition for Rulemaking and the NPRM
    On January 17, 2017, AAR submitted a petition for rulemaking to 
PHMSA, entitled ``Petition for Rulemaking to Allow Methane, 
Refrigerated Liquid to be Transported in Rail Tank Cars'' (P-1697), 
requesting revisions to the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT; Sec.  
172.101) and Sec.  173.319 of the HMR that would permit the 
transportation of LNG by rail in DOT-113 tank cars. The Administrative 
Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 551, et seq. requires Federal agencies to 
give interested persons the right to petition an agency to issue, 
amend, or repeal a rule. 5 U.S.C. 553(e). PHMSA's rulemaking procedures 
at Sec.  106.95 allow interested persons to ask PHMSA to add, amend, or 
repeal a regulation by filing a petition for rulemaking along with 
information and arguments supporting the requested action. In May 2018, 
PHMSA accepted P-1697 in accordance with Sec.  106.105 by notifying AAR 
that the request merited consideration in a future rulemaking.\9\
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    \9\ PHMSA-2017-0020-0005.
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    In its petition, AAR proposed that PHMSA amend the entry for 
``United Nations (UN) 1972, Methane, refrigerated liquid'' in the HMT 
to add a reference to Sec.  173.319 in Column (8C) authorizing 
transport in rail tank cars. Additionally, AAR proposed that PHMSA 
amend Sec.  173.319 to include specific requirements for DOT-113 tank 
cars used for the transportation of LNG, and suggest that the 
authorized tank car specifications be DOT-113C120W and DOT-
113C140W.\10\ AAR further proposed amending Sec.  173.319(d)(2) to 
include maximum filling densities comparable to those specified for 
cargo tanks containing LNG in Sec.  173.318(f)(3). AAR argued that 
``LNG should be authorized for rail transportation because it is a safe 
method of transporting this commodity, LNG shippers have indicated a 
desire to use rail to transport it, and because railroads potentially 
will need to transport LNG for their own use as a locomotive fuel.'' 
With respect to shipper demand, AAR contended the following:
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    \10\ The HMR do not authorize the DOT-113C140W specification 
tank car for hazardous materials transportation. See section ``III. 
A. Tank Car Specification'' of the NPRM for further discussion.

    The only way to transport LNG is by obtaining special approval 
from PHMSA for rail transport, or by transporting it via highway; 
and that notwithstanding the requirement for a special approval, 
customers have expressed interest in shipping LNG by rail from 
Pennsylvania to New England, and between the U.S. and Mexico. 
Authorizing transportation of LNG by rail likely would stimulate 
more interest. In addition, several railroads are actively exploring 
LNG as a locomotive fuel. If railroads are to use LNG-powered 
locomotives, they would need to supply LNG along their networks. 
Transporting LNG in tank cars would be an optimal, if not essential, 
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way to transport LNG to those locations.

    Furthermore, with respect to rail as a safe method of 
transportation, AAR noted:

    Rail is undeniably safer than over-the-road transportation of 
LNG, and transport via that mode should be facilitated. The reason 
the hazardous materials regulations do not currently authorize the 
transportation of LNG by rail is simply that there was a lack of 
demand for rail transport of LNG when PHMSA authorized DOT-113 tank 
cars for the transportation of cryogenic liquids and listed the 
cryogenic liquids that could be transported in those cars. There was 
no determination that rail was an unsuitable mode of transporting 
LNG.

    In the NPRM, PHMSA noted that AAR's requested action fits generally 
into the existing structure of the HMR, which combines packaging design 
and maintenance, operational controls, package handling, employee 
training, hazard communication, emergency response information, and 
security plan requirements to ensure safe transportation of hazardous 
materials. In the NPRM, PHMSA also requested public comment on the 
proposals present in AAR's petition, including their potential to 
reduce regulatory burdens, enhance domestic energy production, and 
impact safety.
2. The Center for Biological Diversity's Response to P-1697
    On May 15, 2017, the Center for Biological Diversity (the Center) 
submitted a comment to P-1697, recommending that PHMSA deny AAR's 
petition for rulemaking because of potential environmental impacts of 
transporting LNG. The Center commented that PHMSA should not proceed in 
evaluating the petition request until the Agency has conducted a 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation, prepared an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Assessment (EA), 
and provided opportunity for public review and comment in accordance 
with Federal hazmat law, as applicable. PHMSA regulations do not 
require PHMSA to conduct a NEPA evaluation at the time it responds to a 
petition, and PHMSA has not taken such actions historically as part of 
its decision whether to accept or deny a petition for rulemaking. As 
result, PHMSA did not prepare an EA or EIS prior to responding to P-
1697. This decision was made with the knowledge that PHMSA would be 
required to conduct a NEPA analysis as part of a potential rulemaking.
    When PHMSA published the NPRM, it prepared a draft EA, see Section 
V. J. ``Environmental Assessment'' of the NPRM. A final EA for the 
rulemaking is included in the rulemaking docket as part of the analysis 
for the final rule.

B. Regulatory Review

    On October 2, 2017, DOT published a notice \11\ in the Federal 
Register expressing Department-wide plans to review existing 
regulations and other agency actions to evaluate their continued 
necessity, determine whether they are crafted effectively to solve 
current problems, and evaluate whether they potentially burden the 
development or use of domestically produced energy resources. As part 
of this review process, DOT invited the public to provide input on 
existing rules and other agency actions that have potential for repeal, 
replacement, suspension, or modification.
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    \11\ Notification of Regulatory Review, Docket No. DOT-OST-2017-
0069 [82 FR 45750].
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    The Interested Parties for Hazardous Materials Transportation 
(Interested Parties) submitted a comment \12\ supporting the 
authorization of LNG for rail tank car transport. Specifically, the 
Interested Parties noted in its comment that LNG shares similar 
properties to other flammable cryogenic materials currently authorized 
by rail tank car and

[[Page 44998]]

has already been moved in the United States under a special permit. 
Additionally, they noted that Transport Canada authorizes LNG for 
transportation by rail in DOT-113-equivalent rail cars and that there 
is increased commercial demand for rail transport of LNG within the 
United States and between the United States and Mexico.
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    \12\ Comment from Interested Parties for Hazardous Materials 
Transportation, Document No. DOT-OST-2017-0069-2591, at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOT-OST-2017-0069-2591. The 
Interested Parties is a volunteer-run coalition of organizations 
that share an interest in legislative and regulatory issues related 
to the safe and secure domestic and international transportation of 
hazardous materials. Interested Parties members include associations 
representing hazardous materials shippers, carriers, packaging 
manufacturers and other related groups, including the Agricultural 
Retailers Association; American Chemistry Council; American Fuel & 
Petrochemical Manufacturers; American Trucking Associations; 
American Pyrotechnics Association; Association of HazMat Shippers; 
The Chlorine Institute; Compressed Gas Association; Council on the 
Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles; Dangerous Goods Advisory 
Council; The Fertilizer Institute; Gases and Welding Distributors 
Association; Institute of Makers of Explosives; International Liquid 
Terminals Association; International Vessel Operators Dangerous 
Goods Association; Medical Device Battery Transport Council; 
National Association of Chemical Distributors; National Private 
Truck Council; National Tank Truck Carriers; Plastics Industry 
Association; Petroleum Marketers Association of America; 
Radiopharmaceutical Shippers & Carriers Conference; Railway Supply 
Institute, Inc.; Reusable Industrial Packaging Association; Sporting 
Arms Ammunition Manufacturers Institute; The Sulphur Institute; and 
the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group.
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    After consideration of the issues, PHMSA is acting on the comment 
from the Interested Parties by amending the HMR to allow for bulk 
transport of LNG by rail in a DOT-113 specification tank car. 
Additionally, this action supports the objectives of the Notification 
of Regulatory Review because it is expected to ``promote [the] clean 
and safe development of our Nation's vast energy resources, while 
avoiding regulatory burdens that unnecessarily encumber energy 
production, constrain economic growth, and prevent job creation.''

C. DOT Special Permit 20534

    On August 21, 2017, PHMSA received an application for a special 
permit from ETS to authorize the transportation in commerce of 
``Methane, refrigerated liquid'' in DOT-113C120W tank cars.
    Upon completion of its preliminary evaluation of the application, 
PHMSA published for public comment a Notice of Draft Environmental 
Assessment for a Special Permit Request for Liquefied Natural Gas by 
Rail in the Federal Register on June 6, 2019.\13\ The notice requested 
comment on potential safety, environmental, and any additional impacts 
that should be considered as part of the special permit evaluation 
process. The docket for the draft Environmental Assessment enclosed a 
draft special permit. The notice was initially published with a 30-day 
comment period and was extended an additional 30 days after requests 
from numerous stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations 
(NGOs) and private individuals. The extended comment period closed on 
August 7, 2019 and PHMSA received 2,994 comments.
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    \13\ Hazardous Materials Safety: Notice of Availability of the 
Draft Environmental Assessment for a Special Permit Request for 
Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail [84 FR 26507].
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    On December 5, 2019, PHMSA granted DOT-SP 20534 to ETS authorizing 
the transportation of LNG in DOT-113C120W tank cars between Wyalusing, 
Pennsylvania, and Gibbstown, New Jersey, with no intermediate stops, 
and subject to certain operational controls. Some of the operational 
controls required by the special permit had not been proposed in the 
draft special permit; PHMSA introduced those additional operational 
controls in response to comments received and additional documentation 
provided by the applicant, as well as to further reduce risk by 
supplementing the robust safety regime established by the HMR. Those 
information requests also were intended to increase PHMSA and FRA's 
knowledge of ETS's operations to inform later decisions on DOT-SP 20534 
and the HMR. Specifically, PHMSA added the following requirements to 
the special permit:
    (1) Each tank car must be operated in accordance with Sec.  173.319 
except for the identified maximum permitting filling density, maximum 
operating pressure, and remote sensing equipment as specified in the 
special permit;
    (2) Shipments are authorized between Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, and 
Gibbstown, New Jersey, with no intermediate stops.
    (3) Within 90 days after issuance, the grantee shall prepare and 
submit a plan providing per shipment quantities, timelines, and other 
actions to be taken for moving from single car shipments to multi-car 
shipments, and subsequently to unit trains (20 or more tank cars).
    (4) Trains transporting 20 or more tank cars authorized under this 
special permit must be equipped and operated with a two-way end of 
train device as defined in 49 CFR 232.5 or distributed power as defined 
in 49 CFR 229.5.
    (5) Prior to the initial shipment of a tank car under this special 
permit, the grantee must provide training to emergency response 
agencies that could be affected between the authorized origin and 
destination. The training shall conform to NFPA-472, a voluntary 
consensus standard developed by the National Fire Protection 
Association (NFPA) establishing minimum competencies for responding to 
hazardous materials emergencies, including known hazards in emergencies 
involving the release of LNG, and emergency response methods to address 
an incident involving a train transporting LNG.
    (6) While in transportation, the grantee must remotely monitor each 
tank car for pressure, location, and leaks.
    Following issuance of DOT-SP 20534, PHMSA published a notice \14\ 
in the Federal Register that PHMSA had added DOT-SP 20534 and documents 
supporting the special permit decision--the Special Permit Evaluation 
Form and Final Environmental Assessment--to the docket for the HM-264 
NPRM (Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0025) for consideration by the public 
because of the overlapping subject matter. PHMSA invited comments on 
DOT-SP 20534 operational controls to be submitted to the HM-264 
rulemaking docket by December 23, 2019.\15\ PHMSA noted it would 
consider any additional comments on the operational controls included 
in DOT-SP 20534, which was posted to the HM-264 rulemaking docket to 
aid in determining appropriate operational controls for this final 
rule. PHMSA encouraged commenters to provide data on the safety or 
economic impacts associated with operational controls in the special 
permit, including analysis of the safety benefits and the potential 
cost-benefit impact of implementing those or other operational 
controls.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Hazardous Materials: Notice of Issuance of Special Permit 
Regarding Liquefied Natural Gas [84 FR 67768].
    \15\ On December 23, 2019, PHMSA extended the comment period to 
January 13, 2020 [84 FR 70491].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Amendments to the HMR Adopted in This Final Rule

    In this final rule, PHMSA is authorizing LNG, a well characterized 
and understood material, for transportation in a specific rail car 
packaging that has a long, safe record carrying similar cryogenic 
materials, including flammable materials. Additionally, to provide an 
additional level of safety and in response to comments, PHMSA is 
adopting certain supplemental packaging integrity enhancements and 
operational controls.

A. Existing HMR Requirements for Rail Transport of Flammable Cryogenic 
Material

    Federal hazmat law, 49 U.S.C. 5103, requires PHMSA \16\ to 
designate material or a group or class of material as hazardous when it 
determines that transporting the material in commerce in a particular 
amount and form may pose an unreasonable risk to health and safety or 
property, and to prescribe regulations for the safe transportation of 
hazardous material in commerce. Transportation includes the movement of 
that hazardous material and any loading, unloading, or storage 
incidental to the movement.\17\ These statutory provisions are 
implemented within PHMSA regulations at 49 CFR parts 171 to 180 (i.e., 
the HMR).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ The authority was delegated by the Secretary of 
Transportation in 49 CFR 1.97.
    \17\ 49 U.S.C. 5102(13).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The HMR prescribe a comprehensive suite of requirements for 
hazardous material classification, hazard communication, emergency 
response

[[Page 44999]]

information, training, packaging, and material handling. These 
requirements are designed to prevent the release of hazardous materials 
in transportation, and in the event of a release, to provide emergency 
responders and the public with necessary information to protect 
themselves and mitigate the consequences of the release to the greatest 
extent possible. The HMR are a proven hazardous material regulatory 
system well suited to manage the risks of LNG transportation in rail 
tank cars. The robust requirements already in place in the HMR for 
packaging, rail car handling, hazard communication and training address 
many of the safety concerns related to the transportation of LNG by 
rail. Moreover, PHMSA works closely with other Federal and State 
partners to enforce the requirements of the HMR.
1. Packaging
    Selecting proper packaging for a hazardous material is a critical 
step in the HMR safety system. Hazardous materials packaging must be 
chemically and physically compatible with the material contained in the 
package, also known as the lading. The packaging must be able to 
withstand all conditions normally encountered during transportation, 
which include humidity and pressure changes, shocks, and vibrations. 
The HMR authorize many types of packagings for hazardous materials, 
ranging in size from 1 milliliter glass sample tubes, to 30,000-gallon 
railroad tank cars. Different modes of transportation (highway, air, 
rail, and vessel) and varying volumes of hazardous materials present 
different challenges, and require a variety of packaging designs to 
account for different conditions encountered in transportation. Tank 
cars used for rail transportation must be designed to withstand 
exposure to weather, in-train forces and switching, vibrations, dynamic 
forces, and exposure to the lading they transport.
    Cryogenic materials pose unique challenges for selecting 
appropriate transportation packaging. The lading's extreme cold 
properties render most types of packaging material too brittle to 
maintain containment during transportation. Therefore, all cryogenic 
packagings in the HMR are required to be constructed from specific 
steel alloys with physical properties that enable them to retain their 
strength and ductility at the lading's extreme low temperatures.
    Another challenge that must be considered is ensuring that the 
lading remains at these cold temperatures during transportation. 
Temperature maintenance of the lading prevents expansion and 
overpressure conditions, or possible activation of the transportation 
vessel's pressure relief device. To help ensure that neither scenario 
occurs during transportation, all bulk packagings authorized in the HMR 
for transportation of flammable cryogenic materials (e.g., DOT-113 tank 
cars, MC-338 cargo tanks, and UN T75 portable tanks) are built as a 
``tank-within-a-tank'' design. The inner tank contains the cryogenic 
material. The space between the inner and outer tanks is evacuated to a 
high degree of vacuum (absolute pressure less than 75 microns of 
mercury or 0.0001 atmospheres). The outer surface of the inner tank is 
wrapped with a high-grade insulation consisting of multiple layers of a 
thin reflecting material such as an aluminum foil sandwiched between a 
thin non-conducting paper type material. Alternately, the physical 
insulation may also be made of fine grained perlite particles filling 
the void space between the inner and outer tanks. The combined effect 
of vacuum in the annular space between the inner and outer tanks 
together with the physical insulation substantially reduces the heat 
transfer from the atmosphere to the lading, thus effectively 
maintaining the lading temperature within safe limits during 
transportation. Furthermore, the outer tank shields the inner tank from 
physical damage, exposure to the elements, and in-train forces, while 
providing structural support to the packaging.
    Tank car design is a mature field, and the requirements for 
designing and building a tank car able to withstand the conditions 
encountered during transportation are codified in part 179 of the HMR. 
An industry publication, AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended 
Practices, Section C--III, Specifications for Tank Cars, Specification 
M-1002 (AAR Specifications for Tank Cars), is incorporated by reference 
into the HMR. HMR tank specifications and standards are aligned with 
authoritative design and construction standards found in the ASME 
Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Section VIII, Division 1 Rules 
for Construction of Pressure Vessels, and welding requirements found in 
ASME BPVC Section IX, Welding and Brazing Qualifications. The inner and 
outer tanks are designed to ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 1 using the 
design margins and loading conditions for pressure vessels. The ASME 
BPVC Section VIII Division 1 design margin and loading conditions 
determine the design thickness of both the inner and outer tanks. 
However, the HMR prescribe minimum thicknesses requirements for both 
tanks. American Welding Society (AWS) standards are used during 
manufacturing to ensure that the welding performed has quality control 
systems and is performed by qualified personnel. The DOT-113 tank car 
requirements in the HMR incorporate elements of rigorous engineering 
standards, including the ASME BPVC as well as the AAR Specifications 
for Tank Cars, M-1002. M-1002 in turn draws on well-established 
industry standards of the AWS, ASTM, American Society of Non-
destructive Testing (ASNT) as well as ASME, for design, materials, 
fabrication, testing and inspection requirements. The ASME BPVC, 
Section VIII, Division 1, has become the international benchmark 
standard for pressure vessel design for a multitude of industries, 
including transportation. These standards impose criteria for forming, 
fabricating, inspecting, and testing pressure vessels and their 
components and for qualifying welders, welding operators, and welding 
procedures to ensure the soundness of pressure vessels. Starting from 
these rigorous design principles, the specification requirements in 
part 179 of the HMR add design requirements to address conditions 
encountered in transportation and not necessarily applicable to 
stationary storage. For example, the HMR require the use of specific 
steels that balance toughness, strength, and weldability with being 
able to withstand extremely low temperatures.
    Like other bulk packagings, cryogenic packagings authorized in the 
HMR, including DOT-113 tank cars, have requirements for safety relief 
devices, also referred to as pressure relief devices (PRDs). PRDs are 
designed to vent the contents of the tank in a controlled manner to 
prevent the inner tank from suffering a catastrophic failure or 
explosion due to pressure-increasing events, such as exposure to fire. 
DOT-113 tank cars have two different PRDs: (1) A pair of reclosing 
pressure relief valves (PRVs), which operate on a temporary basis to 
relieve inner tank pressure and bring it back to safe levels; and (2) a 
pair of non-reclosing safety vents (rupture disk) that open at a 
pressure higher than the start to discharge pressure of the PRVs and 
remain open once the disk ruptures. The latter devices are a failsafe 
in the event the primary PRVs fail to perform as intended.
    The HMR explicitly authorize LNG for transportation in UN T75 
insulated portable tanks that are loaded onto railroad flat cars and 
MC-338 cargo

[[Page 45000]]

tanks, which are both tank-within-a-tank designs. Both bulk packagings 
have an established safety record for LNG and other flammable cryogenic 
materials over many years of transportation, demonstrating the high 
level of safety provided by the tank-within-a-tank design. On May 4, 
1963, the Interstate Commerce Commission Safety and Service Board 
published final rule Order 57 [28 FR 4495], which authorized the 
transportation of liquefied hydrogen in a DOT-113 tank car. The DOT-113 
specification itself was adopted into the HMR on December 1, 1962 in 
final rule Order 56 [27 FR 11849]. Prior to adoption, the DOT-113 
design had been authorized to transport liquefied hydrogen by special 
permits, documents issued by PHMSA and its predecessor agencies that 
permit a variance from the requirements of the HMR provided an 
equivalent level of safety is maintained. PHMSA and its predecessor 
agencies have used special permits to evaluate new transportation 
technologies and practices prior to authorizing them for broader use. 
Liquefied ethylene, a flammable cryogenic material with physical 
properties (including flammability range and cryogenic state) similar 
to LNG, has been authorized for transportation in DOT-113C120W tank 
cars since the publication of final rule HM-115, Cryogenic Liquids [48 
FR 27674, June 16, 1983]. The DOT-113C120W tank car was authorized by 
special permit prior to adoption in the HMR.
    It is essential to ensure that cryogenic lading remains below a 
maximum temperature during transportation. The HMR address this 
currently by requiring tank car owners to ensure the thermal integrity 
of DOT-113 packages through measurement of thermal performance 
throughout the life of the tank. Specifically, the HMR prohibit the 
transportation of a DOT-113 if the average daily pressure rise in the 
tank exceeded 3 psig during the prior shipment. The insulation located 
in the annular space between the outer and inner tanks can lose its 
effectiveness over time due to conditions encountered during 
transportation, through settling of the insulation or through the 
development of micro vacuum leaks. New multi-layer insulation systems 
do not suffer settling problems, but are still susceptible to the 
degradation of vacuum and therefore must be monitored in the same way 
as older insulation systems. As the effectiveness of the insulation 
system lessens, more thermal energy can be transmitted to the inner 
tank and the lading. The rate of thermal energy transfer can be 
determined by measuring the pressure the lading exerts on the inner 
tank at the time the material is offered, and after the material 
arrives at its destination. If the average daily pressure rise during 
transportation exceeds 3 psig, the thermal integrity of the tank must 
be tested. This testing involves measuring either pressure rise or 
calculated heat transfer over a 24-hour period. When the pressure rise 
test is performed, the absolute pressure in the annular space of the 
loaded tank car may not exceed 75 microns of mercury at the beginning 
of the test and may not increase more than 25 microns during the 24-
hour period. If the tank fails the thermal integrity test, it must be 
removed from hazardous material transportation service until it has 
been repaired and passes the required thermal integrity tests. This 
system of thermal integrity management has proven to be an effective 
way of preventing unsafe pressure increases during transportation for 
the existing DOT-113 fleet, and PHMSA expects that it will continue to 
be effective for DOT-113s used in LNG service.
    The flammability and low-temperature hazards presented by LNG in 
transportation are well understood. The DOT-113C120W tank car has a 
well-established safety record transporting similar cryogenic flammable 
materials. The construction specifications for the steel used for 
fabricating the inner tank of the DOT-113C120W tank car requires it to 
withstand a (design) service temperature of -260 [deg]F, which is also 
the temperature of LNG at atmospheric pressure (i.e., LNG is not cooled 
below this temperature). The austenitic steel required for the inner 
tank retains all necessary strength and ductility at -260 [deg]F, and 
is suitable for use to -423 [deg]F the shipping temperature of 
liquefied hydrogen, a far lower temperature than it would be exposed to 
in LNG service.
2. Hazard Communication
    Once the lading has been properly packaged, the HMR prescribe an 
extensive system of multi-layered hazard communication tools designed 
to provide information on the type and location of hazardous materials 
present to transportation employees, emergency responders, and the 
public. The discussion below will focus on hazard communication 
requirements specific to rail transportation, but similar requirements 
exist for highway, vessel, and air transport, with variations to 
account for specific challenges applicable to each mode of 
transportation.
    The HMR require that a tank car containing a hazardous material 
conspicuously display placards on each side and each end of the car. 
The diamond-shaped placards are designed to be instantly recognizable 
to any trained emergency responder or transportation employee. Placards 
allow for quick identification of the DOT hazard class or division of 
the material being transported by their color, symbol, and the numeral 
entered in the bottom corner of the placard. Specifically, for DOT-113 
tank cars transporting flammable gases such as LNG, the placard must 
also be placed on a white square background to increase the contrast 
and visibility of the placard in accordance with Sec.  172.510(a)(3), 
and as a visual signal of the special handling procedures for DOT-113 
tank cars transporting flammable gases. Tank cars must additionally be 
marked on each side and each end with the UN ID number of the hazardous 
material being carried. This marking is typically displayed on a white 
rectangle in the center of the placard. Moreover, tank cars loaded with 
flammable gases, like LNG, are required to be marked on two sides with 
the key words of the proper shipping name, or the common name of the 
material being transported. Therefore, a tank car transporting LNG will 
be marked with the words ``Methane, refrigerated liquid'' or ``Natural 
gas, refrigerated liquid'' on two sides of the tank car.
    The train crew is required to maintain a document which identifies 
the position in the train of each rail car containing a hazardous 
material. The crew is also required to maintain emergency response 
information for each hazardous material carried in the train. This 
emergency response information must include specific information 
related to the material being transported, including:
    [cir] Immediate hazards to health;
    [cir] Risks of fire or explosion;
    [cir] Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident 
or incident;
    [cir] Immediate methods for handling fires;
    [cir] Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence 
of fire; and
    [cir] Preliminary first aid measures.
    As one method of compliance with these requirements, train crews 
often carry the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG),\18\ a joint 
publication of PHMSA, Transport Canada, the Secretariat of 
Communication and Transport of Mexico, and interested parties from 
government and industry,

[[Page 45001]]

to supplement emergency response information provided by the person 
shipping the hazardous material. The ERG is intended for use by 
emergency services personnel to provide guidance for initial response 
to hazardous materials transportation incidents. The ERG cross-
references specific materials with incident response information, 
including firefighting instructions and evacuation distances. The ERG 
is made widely available, as PHMSA provides millions of free copies of 
the ERG to emergency responders in every State, and several commercial 
publishers have copies available for purchase. Smartphone applications 
of the ERG are also available. The ERG includes instruction to handle 
incidents involving flammable cryogenic materials such as LNG.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ERG2016.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, the document carried by the train crew is required to 
display clearly the emergency response telephone number for each 
hazardous material transported in the train. The phone number must be 
easily recognizable to the train crew, or any other person using the 
train document in an emergency. The telephone number must be of a 
person who either: (1) Is knowledgeable of the hazardous material being 
shipped, and has comprehensive emergency response and incident 
mitigation information for that material; or (2) has immediate access 
to a person who possesses such knowledge and information. The emergency 
response telephone number must be monitored at all times the material 
is in transportation. A telephone number that requires a call back 
(such as an answering service, answering machine, or beeper device) 
does not meet this requirement. The emergency response telephone number 
may be monitored by the person offering the hazardous material, or an 
agency or organization capable of, and accepting responsibility for, 
providing the comprehensive emergency response and incident mitigation 
information.
    The railroad industry has also developed its own electronic hazard 
communication aids, beyond the requirements of the HMR. Specifically, 
the AAR, in conjunction with its members and Railinc (an AAR technology 
subsidiary), has developed and deployed an application called 
AskRail.\19\ The AskRail app links to the freight railroad industry's 
train and railcar information database maintained by Railinc. AskRail 
provides an emergency responder who has registered to use the service 
with detailed information about the type and location of all cars 
carrying hazardous materials in a train including emergency response 
guidance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ https://public.railinc.com/products-services/askrail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This existing system of hazard communication under the HMR, 
supplemented by industry efforts such as AskRail, accurately 
communicates the hazards presented by hazardous materials to emergency 
responders, transportation employees, and the public and contributes to 
proper emergency response when accidents occur in transportation.
3. Training
    The HMR requirements for safe transportation of hazardous materials 
also encompass training for all hazmat employees involved in the 
transportation of hazardous material. See part 172 subpart H. Training 
is the cornerstone of compliance with the HMR, because only properly 
trained employees can ensure the applicable HMR requirements are 
followed appropriately. All hazmat employees must be trained and tested 
by their employer to perform their HMR-related functions correctly and 
safely. This includes employees who prepare a hazardous material 
package for transportation, transport hazardous materials (e.g., the 
train crew), or unload hazardous material. See Sec.  171.8. In 
accordance with Sec.  172.704, training must cover:
    [cir] General awareness of HMR requirements;
    [cir] Function-specific training applicable to the particular 
functions performed by the employee (e.g., proper loading procedures 
for flammable cryogenic material);
    [cir] Safety;
    [cir] Security awareness; and
    [cir] In-depth security training, when applicable.
    Training must be documented in accordance with Sec.  172.704(d), 
and repeated at least every 3 years.
4. Security Plans
    The HMR also address security requirements for certain high-risk 
hazardous materials. Offerors and carriers of materials listed in Sec.  
172.800 must develop and adhere to a transportation security plan for 
hazardous materials. Security plans are required of any offeror or 
carrier of flammable gas in a quantity over 792 gallons, which is far 
below the volume of a single tank car of LNG or similar flammable 
cryogenic material. Security plans must include an assessment of 
transportation security risks for shipments of the hazardous materials, 
including site-specific or location-specific risks associated with 
facilities at which the hazardous materials listed in Sec.  172.800 are 
prepared for transportation, stored, or unloaded incidental to 
movement, and appropriate measures to address the assessed risks. 
Specifically, security plans must address three elements:
    [cir] Personnel security. Measures to confirm information provided 
by job applicants hired for positions that involve access to and 
handling of the hazardous materials covered by the security plan.
    [cir] Unauthorized access. Measures to address the assessed risk 
that unauthorized persons may gain access to the hazardous materials 
covered by the security plan or transport conveyances being prepared 
for transportation of the hazardous materials covered by the security 
plan.
    [cir] En route security. Measures to address the assessed security 
risks of shipments of hazardous materials covered by the security plan 
en route from origin to destination, including shipments stored 
incidental to movement.
    Properly implemented security plans decrease the risk that a 
shipment of hazardous material, including LNG, can be used in an attack 
against persons or critical infrastructure within the United States.
5. Preparing a Packaging for Transportation
    Hazardous materials packages must be prepared and filled in such a 
way to ensure that there can be no detectable release of hazardous 
materials to the environment during conditions normally incident to 
transportation. Specifically, for LNG, there are several existing 
requirements in the HMR that address the proper filling of a DOT-113 
tank car to ensure safe transportation of the commodity. These package 
preparation requirements include:
     As provided in Sec.  173.31, when the car is offered into 
transportation, the offeror must inspect the tank car and all closures 
prior to movement (i.e., the pre-trip inspection); and
     Filling density restrictions and loading pressure 
restrictions in Sec.  173.319 for cryogenic material.
    The filling and loading restrictions in Sec.  173.319 are based on 
the physical properties of each flammable cryogenic material and are 
designed to ensure that during transportation, the inner tank will not 
experience a pressure rise that triggers the PRVs to activate.
6. Route Planning
    The HMR address requirements for rail route planning in Sec.  
172.820. Trains

[[Page 45002]]

meeting the following criteria are required to assess the safety and 
security risks along transportation routes (Sec.  172.820(c)) and 
perform an alternative route analysis (Sec.  172.820(d)):
    (1) More than 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs.) in a single carload of a 
Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosive;
    (2) A quantity of a material poisonous by inhalation in a single 
bulk packaging;
    (3) A highway route-controlled quantity of a Class 7 (radioactive) 
material, as defined in Sec.  173.403 of this subchapter; or
    (4) A high-hazard flammable train (HHFT) as defined in Sec.  171.8 
of this subchapter.
    Historically, there has been considerable public and Congressional 
interest in the safe and secure rail routing of security-sensitive 
hazardous materials (such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia). The 
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 \20\ 
directed the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland 
Security, to publish a rule governing the rail routing of security-
sensitive hazardous materials. On December 21, 2006, PHMSA, in 
coordination with FRA and the Transportation Security Administration 
(TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), published an 
NPRM under Docket HM-232E (71 FR 76834), which proposed to revise the 
current requirements in the HMR applicable to the safe and secure 
transportation of hazardous materials by rail. Specifically, the HM-
232E NPRM proposed to require rail carriers to compile annual data on 
specified shipments of hazardous materials, use the data to analyze 
safety and security risks along rail routes where those materials are 
transported, assess alternative routing options, and make routing 
decisions based on those assessments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ https://www.congress.gov/110/plaws/publ53/PLAW-110publ53.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the HM-232E NPRM, PHMSA solicited comments on whether the 
proposed requirements should also apply to flammable gases, flammable 
liquids, or other materials that could be weaponized, as well as 
hazardous materials that could cause serious environmental damage if 
released into rivers or lakes. Commenters who addressed this issue 
indicated that rail shipments of Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives; 
PIH materials; and highway-route controlled quantities of radioactive 
materials pose significant rail safety and security risks warranting 
the enhanced security measures proposed. Commenters generally did not 
support enhanced security measures for a broader list of materials than 
were proposed in the NPRM.
    PHMSA adopted the NPRM's proposed security measures in an April 16, 
2008 Interim Final Rule (IFR) (73 FR 20752) which was subsequently 
amended by a November 26, 2008 final rule (73 FR 72182). The 2008 IFR 
and final rule imposed a series of rail routing requirements in Sec.  
172.820. Carriers must compile annual data on certain shipments of 
explosive, PIH, and radioactive materials; use the data to analyze 
safety and security risks along rail routes where those materials are 
transported; assess alternative routing options; and make routing 
decisions based on those assessments. In accordance with Sec.  
172.820(e), the carrier must select the route posing the least overall 
safety and security risk. The carrier must retain in writing all route 
review and selection decision documentation. Additionally, the rail 
carrier must identify a point of contact on routing issues involving 
the movement of covered materials and provide that contact information 
to the appropriate State, local, and tribal personnel.
    PHMSA proposed in the August 1, 2014 NPRM, in Sec.  174.310(a)(1), 
to modify the rail routing requirements specified in Sec.  172.820 to 
apply to any HHFT. The routing requirements discussed in the NPRM 
reflect the practices recommended by the NTSB in recommendation R-14-
4,\21\ and are in widespread use across the rail industry for security-
sensitive hazardous materials. An overwhelming majority of commenters 
expressed support for additional routing requirements for HHFTs and 
thus, PHMSA finalized the proposed requirements.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ https://www.ntsb.gov/publications/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=R-14-004.
    \22\ 80 FR 26644.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In this final rule, PHMSA makes any railroad that transports a 
quantity of LNG in a tank car subject to the route planning 
requirements in Sec.  172.820.
7. Operational Controls
    In addition to requirements for packaging, hazard communication, 
training, and security plans that must be met before the hazardous 
material is offered for transportation, the HMR contain operational 
controls requirements for the safe transportation of hazardous 
materials in tank cars. These requirements include specific provisions 
for handling flammable cryogenic materials similar to LNG, including 
loading and unloading requirements for tank cars in Sec. Sec.  173.31 
and 174.67, which help prevent movement of tank cars during loading/
unloading operations, help prevent other rail equipment from 
approaching tank cars during loading/unloading through use of derails, 
bumpers, or lining switches to prevent entry, and include specific 
instructions that tank car unloading personnel are required to follow, 
such as attendance of the unloading operation and care of tools used 
for unloading.
    Other operational controls include an unloading requirement in 
Sec.  174.204 that requires that tank cars containing a flammable 
cryogenic material must be unloaded directly from the car to permanent 
storage tanks of sufficient capacity to receive the entire contents of 
the car. Finally, switching restrictions in Sec.  174.83(b) prohibit a 
DOT-113 specification tank car displaying a Division 2.1 (flammable 
gas) placard, including a DOT-113 specification tank car containing a 
residue of a Division 2.1 material (e.g., LNG), from being cut off 
while in motion, coupled into with more force than is necessary to 
complete the coupling, or struck by any car moving under its own 
momentum. These special handling requirements protect DOT-113 tank cars 
from experiencing unnecessary impact forces during switching. 
Compliance with these switching restrictions is highlighted by the 
special white background for the flammable gas placard required by 
Sec.  172.510 for DOT-113, and a marking requirement for the tank car 
which indicates that the cars may not be humped or cut off while in 
motion (see Sec.  179.400-25).
    Additionally, three operational controls currently address the 
expedited movement of a tank car transporting hazardous materials, 
delivery of tank cars containing gases and cryogenic material, and 
notification of delays in transit. First, Sec.  174.14 requires that a 
carrier must forward each shipment of hazardous materials promptly and 
within 48 hours (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded), after 
acceptance at the originating point or receipt at any yard, transfer 
station, or interchange point, except that where biweekly or weekly 
service only is performed, a shipment of hazardous materials must be 
forwarded on the first available train. Furthermore, Sec.  174.14(b) 
states that a tank car loaded with any Division 2.1 material (which 
would include LNG), may not be received and held at any point, subject 
to forwarding orders, to defeat the purpose of this requirement for the 
expedited movement of a hazardous material, or to

[[Page 45003]]

defeat the requirements of Sec.  174.204 for tank car delivery of gases 
such as cryogenic liquids. Section 174.204 prohibits tank cars 
containing Class 2 materials from being unloaded unless the shipment is 
consigned for delivery to an unloading facility on private tracks, and 
prohibits the storage of Division 2.1 (flammable) cryogenic material. 
If a tank car containing Class 2 material cannot be delivered to a 
private track for unloading, the regulation does allow the car to be 
unloaded on a rail carriers tracks provided the lading is piped 
directly from the tank car to permanent storage tanks. Finally, in 
accordance with Sec.  173.319, the shipper must notify FRA whenever a 
tank car containing any flammable cryogenic material is not received by 
the consignee within 20 days from the date of shipment.
8. Risk Based Framework
    The HMR address the risks inherent in the transportation of 
hazardous materials through comprehensive packaging, hazard 
communication, training, security planning, and material- and mode-
specific operational controls.
    The HMR regulate 435 million shipments of hazardous materials every 
year and by all modes of transportation, with an average of 20 
hazardous material incidents resulting in death and serious injury each 
year, most of which occur in the highway mode. The existing HMR 
requirements are robust and will adequately address the risks posed by 
transportation of LNG in DOT-113C120W tank cars. However, in this final 
rule, PHMSA is adopting certain additional safety measures designed to 
further reduce those risks. These safety measures are discussed in 
detail in the following section.

B. The DOT-113C120W Specification Tank Car

    PHMSA considers the existing DOT-113C120W tank car a suitable 
packaging for transportation of LNG by rail. The inner tank is capable 
of withstanding the cryogenic temperatures and chemical properties of 
LNG, and the thermal protection system is capable of maintaining LNG at 
a safe pressure and temperature throughout transportation. However, in 
this final rule, to improve crashworthiness and in response to comments 
received, PHMSA requires that DOT-113C120W tank cars used for LNG 
transportation must be constructed with a thicker outer tank, and that 
the outer tank be constructed of a higher quality steel currently 
required for construction of DOT-117A and PIH/TIH tank car tanks. PHMSA 
has determined that the thicker outer tank in DOT-117A and PIH/TIH tank 
cars improved crashworthiness. The DOT-117A crashworthiness improvement 
results are discussed below. Additionally, PHMSA is adopting the 
proposals for maximum offering pressure as proposed in the NPRM, but is 
amending the maximum filling density to 37.3%.
1. Suitability of the DOT-113C120W Tank Car for LNG
    The DOT-113C120W tank car has a long history of safe transportation 
of flammable cryogenic material similar to LNG. The safe history of 
DOT-113C120W tank cars used for the transportation of other cryogenic 
materials such as ethylene since 1983 (and earlier under special 
permits) is a key factor in determining that this tank car design is 
appropriate for the transportation of LNG. Please see our discussion of 
the history of the DOT-113 specification in ``Section III.A. Existing 
HMR Requirements for Rail Transport of Flammable Cryogenic Gas'' for 
further details.
    DOT-113C120W rail tank cars are vacuum-insulated tank-within-a-tank 
designs (similar to a thermos bottle) consisting of an inner alloy 
stainless steel tank enclosed within a carbon steel outer tank 
specifically designed for the transportation of cryogenic material, 
such as liquid hydrogen, oxygen, ethylene, nitrogen, and argon. 
Additionally, the design and use of the DOT-113 specification tank car 
includes added safety features--such as protection systems for piping 
between the inner and outer tanks, multiple PRDs (pressure relief 
valves and vents), and insulation--that contribute to an excellent 
safety record throughout its 50 years of service. The HMR currently 
authorize the DOT-113C120W specification tank car, the same 
specification being authorized for LNG in this rule, for another 
flammable cryogenic material, ethylene, which has chemical properties 
similar to those of LNG.
    The DOT-113 tank car requirements in the HMR incorporate elements 
of rigorous engineering standards, including the ASME BPVC as well as 
the AAR Specifications for Tank Cars, M-1002. M-1002 in turn draws on 
well-established industry standards of the American Society for Testing 
and Materials (ASTM), American Society of Non-destructive Testing 
(ASNT), as well as ASME, for design, materials, fabrication, testing 
and inspection requirements. The ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 1, 
is the international benchmark standard for pressure vessel design for 
a multitude of industries, including transportation. Starting from 
these rigorous design principles, the specification requirements in 
part 179 of the HMR add design requirements to address conditions 
encountered in transportation and not necessarily applicable to 
stationary storage. For example, the HMR require the use of specific 
steels that balance toughness, strength, and weldability with being 
able to withstand extremely low temperatures.
    When cryogenic ethylene is transported in DOT-113C120W 
specification tank cars, it is offered at cryogenic service temperature 
(defined in Sec.  173.115(g) as colder than -90 [deg]C), as LNG would 
be in this final rule. The delimiter letter ``C''--as used in ``DOT-
113C120W''--indicates the car is designed for a loading and shipping 
temperature as low as -260 [deg]F (-162 [deg]C) (see the specification 
requirements in Sec.  179.401-1 for DOT-113C120W tank cars). Negative 
260 [deg]F corresponds to the temperature at which LNG converts from a 
gas to a liquid. The HMR do not permit the filling of a tank car below 
its service temperature (see Sec.  173.319(a)(4)(ii)). However, should 
the inner tank experience colder temperatures, the 300-grade austenitic 
stainless steels, 304/304L, permitted for the inner tank, are 
authorized to withstand the much lower service temperature of cryogenic 
hydrogen, 423 [deg]F.
    Similarly, the standard heat transfer rate assigned to the DOT-
113C120W tank car in Sec.  179.401-1, a maximum of 0.4121 Btu per day 
per pound of water capacity, is consistent with the requirements for 
the other bulk packages authorized for LNG in the HMR (MC 338 cargo 
tanks and UN T75 portable tanks), and packages authorized by DOT 
Special Permits. The specific design properties of the DOT-113C120W, 
including service temperature and thermal performance, make it an 
appropriate packaging for safe transportation of LNG, in the same way 
that the packaging is currently used to transport cryogenic ethylene.
2. Materials of Construction for DOT-113 Tank Cars
    In the United States, storage vessels for LNG are designed and 
constructed in accordance with ASME BPVC Section VIII Rules for 
Construction of Pressure Vessels, Division 1. To maintain the low 
temperature, LNG storage tanks are usually made with an inner and outer 
tank with insulating material between and a vacuum applied to the 
annular space.

[[Page 45004]]

a. Inner Tank
    ASTM A240/240M 300-grade austenitic stainless steels, 304/304L, are 
the only steels authorized in the HMR for constructing the inner tank 
of a DOT-113 tank car. The major elements in these steels are: Carbon--
0.08% (0.03%); manganese--2.00% (both); chromium--18.0-20.00% (both); 
nickel--8.00-11.00% (8.00-12.00%); and the remainder iron. The role of 
chromium and nickel in the 304/304L grade steels is to: (1) Retain the 
Face Centered Cubic (FCC) atomic structure which gives 304/304L its 
strength, ductility and toughness down to cryogenic temperatures and 
(2) provide a corrosion resistant passive layer. The tensile strength 
of 304/304L steel is 70,000-75,000 psi with Charpy V-notch toughness 
(resistance to brittle failure) values in the range of 80-130 ft. lbs. 
at -320 [deg]F (minimum Charpy V-notch failure value is 60 ft. lbs.), 
below the temperature range encountered during LNG transportation. The 
service environment of a railroad tank car is dynamic and severe and 
can result in the accumulation of impact and fatigue damage. Austenitic 
stainless steels, which are readily weldable using qualified welders 
and welding procedures, are therefore well-suited for use in the 
construction and repair of tank cars.
    For storage tanks, ASME design criteria allow for the use of 300-
grade stainless steels or ASTM A553 Standard Specification for Pressure 
Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched and Tempered 7, 8, and 9% Nickel. 
Both the 304/304L and A553 steels have similar nickel content limits, 
but utilize the nickel to achieve strength and toughness in different 
ways. The A553 steel is a heat treatable, ``quench and tempered'' type 
of steel with the nickel helping to form martensite, a strong but 
brittle metallurgical product. The quench and tempering treatment makes 
welding A553 difficult, requiring expertise in welding procedure 
development and operator skill which adds risk to its use for tank 
cars. By contrast, the nickel content in 304/304L stainless steels 
facilitates the formation of austenite, a strong, tough and ductile 
form of steel, which maintains its physical properties at cryogenic 
temperatures. This, coupled with its excellent weldability, make it the 
clear choice for cryogenic tank cars.
    The inner tank has a minimum thickness requirement of 3/16th inch 
(after forming) unless increased through a calculated formula in 
179.400-8, which increases thickness based on inner diameter of the 
tank. The calculations used to determine the thickness of the inner 
tank are aligned with the ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 1 and align 
with all other tanks used for cryogenic materials. Typically, DOT-113 
inner tanks exceed the minimum value of 3/16th inch thickness to 
conform to ASME calculations and to avoid localized thinning arising 
from manufacturing processes and the variation in the thickness of 
steel sourced from steel mills. Therefore, in this final rule, PHMSA 
maintains the current requirements for inner tanks.
b. Outer Tank
    For DOT-113 tank cars, plate materials listed in M-1002 Appendix M 
must be used for the outer tank. Industry practice has been to 
fabricate the external tank from ASTM A516-70 steel. A516-70 steel has 
provided reliable performance in the service history of DOT-113 tank 
cars. However, PHMSA in this final rule is authorizing rail transport 
of LNG in DOT-113C120W-specification tank cars with enhanced outer tank 
thickness and materials (with a specification suffix ``9'' added to 
denote those enhancements). Specifically, this final rule requires DOT-
113C120W9-specification tank cars carrying LNG to have a minimum outer 
tank thickness of 9/16'' (compared to 7/16'' for other DOT-113C120W-
specification tank cars). Further, those thicker outer tanks must be 
made of TC-128 Grade B (TC-128B) normalized steel. TC-128B normalized 
steel is currently used for TIH and flammable liquid tank car designs 
and its manufacturing process produces a more puncture resistant steel 
as compared to A516-70 steel. AAR TC-128 Grade B normalized steel is a 
high-strength, fine-grained carbon-manganese-silicon steel intended for 
fusion-welded tank car tanks in service at moderate and lower 
temperatures. By normalizing (heating the steel to 1600 [deg]F and air 
cooling) TC-128 steel and controlling its chemistry, the outer tank of 
an LNG tank car made from TC-128 Grade B steel has a reduced 
probability of tank failure due to cracking and an increased resistance 
to puncture compared to ASTM A516-70 steel.
    The TC-128 Grade B normalized carbon steel used to construct the 
outer tank for DOT-113C120W9 tank cars does not maintain the same 
strength and ductility at the cryogenic temperatures of the lading. 
However, this is not a safety concern for DOT-113 tank cars. Existing 
DOT-113C120W tank cars used in cryogenic ethylene service have outer 
tanks constructed of ASTM A516-70 carbon steel. ASTM A516-70 is also 
not resistant to cryogenic temperatures, and has been used safely in 
the outer tank of DOT-113C120W tank cars for decades. Similarly, the 
steel used to construct the outer tanks of other ``tank-within-a-tank'' 
cryogenic packagings, including MC-338 cargo tanks, UN T75 portable 
tanks, and ocean-going LNG tanker ships, is not resistant to cryogenic 
temperature.
    LNG in these packagings is contained during transportation in an 
inner stainless-steel tank or tank lined with cryogenic compatible 
liners, which maintains strength and ductility at cryogenic 
temperatures, while the outer tank provides accident protection and 
structural support to the packaging. The only way LNG can be released 
from the inner tank of a rail tank car to the void space between the 
inner and outer tanks is if the inner tank is compromised. In a rail 
accident, a puncture of the inner tank can occur only after the outer 
tank is breached. In such a scenario, any LNG released from the breach 
of the inner tank will also be released into the environment and not be 
contained in the space between the two tanks even if the outer tank is 
made of stainless steel that maintains strength and ductility at 
cryogenic temperatures. Therefore, there is no safety advantage in 
making the outer tank of stainless steel. On other hand, making the 
outer tank of stainless steel able to withstand cryogenic temperatures 
in addition to withstanding the in-train forces during transportation, 
providing puncture resistance, and ensuring structural support for the 
tank car would be prohibitively expensive (especially if the thickness 
is the same as or thicker than the adopted 9/16th inch TC-128 Grade B 
normalized carbon steel design).
    As explained further below, PHMSA expects that each of the 
enhancements provided for in the final rule will improve tank car 
crashworthiness.
c. Determination of Inner and Outer Tank Requirements
    PHMSA is maintaining the requirements for the inner tank. ASTM A 
240/A 240M, Type 304 or 304L steel has the correct balance of strength, 
durability, and weldability for use in transportation applications for 
cryogenic materials, as demonstrated over many years of use. However, 
due to the possibility of LNG being transported in blocks of tank cars 
within each train that are larger than the blocks of tank cars that are 
typically used for rail transportation of other flammable cryogenic 
liquids, and in response to comments, PHMSA is authorizing in this 
final rule rail transportation of LNG

[[Page 45005]]

in DOT-113C120W-specification tank cars with enhanced outer tank 
thickness and materials (those enhancements to be indicated by the 
specification suffix ``9'') to obtain improved crashworthiness.
    The inner tank design of DOT-113C120W9 tank cars will be identical 
to other DOT-113C120W-specification tank cars, and will have the same 
safety features to vent the contents in the event of an unsafe pressure 
increase. In essence, the lading retention capabilities of the DOT-
113C120W9 and other DOT-113C120W-specification tank cars are identical, 
with specific enhancements to the outer tank of the tank car design 
being employed to increase crashworthiness.
    The outer tank enhancements for the DOT-113C120W9 incorporate the 
best available technology for the outer tank of a tank car with little 
additional manufacturing costs. Increasing wall thickness and the use 
of normalized steel (which increases the ductility of the steel) of the 
outer tank wall together provide enhanced crashworthiness for the tank 
car. Previously, there was limited economic rationale to amend the 
outer tank characteristics for the DOT-113C120W tank car to incorporate 
those elements because of the small size of the fleet and the small 
number of tank cars within each train. The existing level of safety 
provided by the DOT-113C120W tank car and existing operational controls 
is sufficient for the current use scenarios, as shown by the safety 
history of that tank car with over 100,000 shipments.
    Currently, because of market demand and usage patterns for 
ethylene, DOT-113 tank cars are transported as part of mixed commodity 
freight trains at one to three cars per train. However, as the number 
of tank cars within a train increases--in blocks of cars larger than 
three or in unit trains--there is a higher probability that a car 
containing a flammable cryogenic material such as LNG will be involved 
should a derailment or other accident occur.
    PHMSA cannot predict the number of DOT-113C120W9 tank cars per 
train the LNG market will support, but we know that from ETS's 
application for DOT-SP 20534, that it has plans to operate unit trains 
of at least 80 cars per train at some point in the future. With the 
possibility of larger numbers of cars in LNG transportation, PHMSA and 
FRA have determined that applying improved outer tank requirements is 
feasible from a manufacturing and economic perspective. Given the 
feasibility of securing a more robust tank car design within prevailing 
manufacturing processes across North America, PHMSA determined that the 
authorization for transporting LNG by rail can achieve an additional 
safety margin by employing the more robust car design described herein.
    If a tank car containing LNG is breached during a derailment, the 
LNG will behave largely the same way as crude oil or ethanol. The LNG 
lading will be released as a very cold liquid, creating an LNG pool 
that could catch on fire. Employing a thicker outer shell will reduce 
the puncture probability of the inner tank, and thus mitigate the 
consequences of the derailment. Moreover, a tank car is estimated to 
have a service life of approximately 50 years. DOT-113 tank cars 
compliant with the enhanced outer shell requirements are projected to 
cost 3% more to manufacture. When divided by the large number of 
carloads that would be carried during a DOT-113's 50-year service life, 
the 9/16th inch TC-128B normalized steel outer tank is highly cost-
effective in that it will mitigate the consequences of derailment 
involving LNG by reducing the number of tanks punctured in the unlikely 
event of an accident. See our discussion of modeling crashworthiness in 
Section III. B. 6. ``Finite Element Modeling and Validation'' for 
additional information.
3. Safety History
    DOT-113 tank cars have a demonstrated safety record of over 50 
years. More than 100,000 rail shipments of cryogenic material in DOT-
113 tank cars have taken place with no reported fatalities or serious 
injuries occurring due to a train-accident caused release of product. 
Only twice--during the 2011 incident in Moran, KS and the 2014 incident 
in Mer Rouge, LA--did the inner tank of a DOT-113 tank car release 
product due to damage sustained during an accident. LNG transportation 
by rail in currently authorized packaging also has a demonstrated, 
albeit brief, safety history. Since LNG was authorized to be shipped by 
rail in T-75 UN containers, PHMSA and FRA have no record of any rail 
incidents involving these packagings.
4. Crashworthiness Assessment/Field Tests
    PHMSA and FRA are confident, based on rigorous modeling, testing, 
and experience (described in detail in below), that the DOT 
specification tank cars, enhanced with a 9/16th inch outer tank made of 
TC-128 Grade B normalized steel, will provide sufficient 
crashworthiness in accident scenarios compared to tank cars 
manufactured from 7/16th inch A516-70 steel outer tanks. As part of the 
analysis conducted for the Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational 
Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains, (HM-251; 80 FR 26643, May 8, 
2015) along with the final rule RIA, PHMSA determined that there was a 
reduction in the number of tank cars punctured when increasing the 
outer tank thickness from 7/16th inch to 9/16th inch of TC-128 Grade B 
normalized steel with a train traveling at 40 mph.
    This final rule will require the same increase in thickness of the 
same type of steel as was required in the HM-251 final rule for DOT-117 
tank cars. PHMSA, therefore, expects a similar increase in safety 
benefits from the use of enhanced outer tank thickness and improved 
materials.
5. Comparison of Derailments
    In the following table, FRA compared three derailment accidents 
that occurred in relatively similar conditions. All accidents involved 
trains travelling at similar speeds, in similar weather conditions, and 
with a similar number of cars derailed. The tank cars that derailed in 
Guernsey, Saskatchewan, had a tank thickness of 9/16th inch and had 62 
percent fewer shell punctures than the tank cars that derailed in 
Casselton, North Dakota, and 69 percent fewer tank punctures than the 
tank cars that derailed in Arcadia, Ohio. The tank cars involved in the 
Casselton and Arcadia derailments had a tank thickness of 7/16th inch. 
These scenarios validate the extensive modeling and simulations done 
and provide evidence of the substantial safety benefit of requiring an 
outer tank thickness of 9/16th inch in the construction of the DOT-
113C120W tank car that is being authorized for the transportation of 
LNG by rail in this rule.

[[Page 45006]]



                                       Table 3--Comparison of Derailments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Derailment location
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Guernsey, SK            Casselton, ND             Arcadia, OH
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derailment date......................  2/6/2020...............  12/30/2013.............  2/6/2011.
Temp at Time of Derailment...........  -18 [deg]C (0 [deg]F)..  -18 [deg]C (-1 [deg]F).  -4 [deg]C (25 [deg]F).
Train speed (MPH)....................  42.....................  48.....................  42.
Type of cars (Specification).........  DOT 117J (286K)........  DOT 111 Legacy (263K)..  DOT 111 Legacy (263K).
Shell Thickness......................  9/16th inch............  7/16th inch............  7/16th inch.
Total cars derailed..................  32.....................  20.....................  32.
Total cars breached..................  8......................  19.....................  30.
Head Punctures.......................  0......................  3......................  10.
Shell Punctures......................  5......................  13.....................  16.
Fittings Compromised.................  3......................  10.....................  13.
Product(s) released..................  UN 1267 Crude Oil......  UN 1267 Crude Oil......  UN 1987 Ethanol.
Fire Occurred........................  Yes....................  Yes....................  Yes.
Thermal Ruptures.....................  No.....................  Yes....................  Yes.
Approximate size of derailment area..  900'L x 250'W (est)....  600'L x 600'W..........  1200'L x 450'W.
General topography of derailment area  Flat field, raised RR    Flat/straight tangent    Flat field, raised RR
                                        bed.                     track.                   bed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Finite Element Modeling and Validation
    FRA's Research program, in coordination with PHMSA, funded the 
development and continued refinement of Finite Element (FE) Models for 
a variety of tank car specifications as well as computer simulation of 
impacts and derailments. FE modeling is a widely-used method for 
evaluating the effects of stresses on components or structures and is 
used in the fields of structural analysis, heat transfer, and fluid 
flow. Within the FRA research program, component and full scale tests 
results are used to validate the computer simulations and their 
assumptions and boundary conditions. Full scale test results are 
compared to simulation results, including the overall force-time or 
force-indentation histories, the puncture/non-puncture outcomes, the 
rigid body motions of the tank car, the internal pressures within the 
lading, and the energy absorbed by the tank during the impact.
    The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) 
supports the FRA in this research effort, and has performed pre- and 
post-test FE analyses corresponding to several component and full-scale 
shell impact tests. Validated models and computer simulations are a 
necessary alternative to full-scale impact testing which are time 
consuming, expensive, and challenging to perform.
    A primary purpose for a pre-test simulation is to estimate the 
threshold puncture speed of the test ram car. The puncture speed of the 
tank car is the speed at which, under the test conditions, the initial 
kinetic energy of the ram car is equal to the energy necessary to 
puncture the inner and outer tank. The threshold puncture speed is the 
maximum speed at which the tank car can be impacted under the 
prescribed conditions without resulting in a tear to the inner and 
outer tanks that would allow its lading to escape.
    Results of recent tests and simulations demonstrate the potential 
improvement in crashworthiness from the outer tank enhancements set 
forth in this final rule. In November 2019 FRA conducted a full-scale 
impact test of a DOT-113C120W tank car at TTC in Pueblo, CO.\23\ 
According to the test report, the initial kinetic energy imparted to 
the inner and outer tanks was about 2.8 Million ft.-lbs. Further, it is 
estimated that the residual energy (after puncture of the inner and 
outer tanks) was about 25% of the initial energy. Accordingly, the 
puncture energy of the DOT-113 tank is about 75% of 2.8 Million ft.-
lbs., or 2.1 Million ft.-lbs. A separate full-scale impact test was 
performed on a DOT-117J100W specification tank car equipped with a 
jacket and thermal protection material. A review of the test report 
suggests that the tank (made of TC-128B normalized steel) absorbed an 
energy of about 1.9 Million ft.-lbs., without puncture. The report also 
notes that under those conditions, the tank was near puncture. PHMSA 
estimates the puncture capacity of the DOT-117 car to be about 2 
Million ft.-lbs. Comparing the puncture capacities of the two tank 
specifications (DOT-113 @2.1 Million ft.-lbs., and the DOT-117 @2 
Million ft.-lbs.), their performances are very similar, and that the 
DOT-113 might even have a slightly higher puncture resistance. The two 
tank cars have about the same cumulative thickness. Therefore, based on 
the puncture tests and modeling, PHMSA and FRA anticipate that 
increasing the outer tank thickness of the DOT-113 from 7/16 to 9/16 (a 
28.5% increase), and requiring the use of the more puncture-resistant 
TC-128B normalized steel, will add about 20-30% to the puncture 
resistance (i.e., reduction in number of punctures) of the DOT-
113C120W9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Full-Scale Shell Impact Test of a DOT-113 Tank Car, RR 20-
03, February 2020.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The above comparison of testing and simulation results was used to 
determine the suitability of the DOT-113 tank car for LNG service, as 
well as to determine the increased safety gained by using a 9/16th inch 
thick outer tank shell of TC-128 Grade B, normalized steel. Further, a 
similar model was created in the Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Tank Car 
Standards and Operational Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains 
[HM-251, 80 FR 26643] rulemaking to help evaluate how effectively the 
increased thickness improved on the DOT-111 tank car (predecessor to 
the DOT-117). The results of that modeling were factored into design of 
the current DOT-117 specification tank car which improved on the DOT-
111 tank car design.
7. Loading and Preparation for Offering
    In this final rule, PHMSA is adopting a 37.3 percent maximum 
filling density for LNG, which will allow for approximately 2 percent 
outage below the inlet of the pressure control valve to prevent the 
venting of liquid material at start-to-discharge pressure, thus 
ensuring the safe transportation of LNG. In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed a 
32.5 percent filling density. However, PHMSA has determined a 37.3 
percent maximum filling density is appropriate

[[Page 45007]]

because it is consistent with outages determined to be safe for LNG in 
other packagings such as MC-338 cargo tanks and UN T75 portable tanks. 
This maximum filling density is also more conservative than maximum 
filling densities set in the HMR for other flammable cryogenic 
materials, which allows for 0.5 percent outage at the start-to-
discharge pressure. See Sec.  173.319(b)(1). Additionally, a 37.3 
percent maximum filling density harmonizes with Canada's Transportation 
of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations which have been in place since 
2015.
    PHMSA expects that any tank car containing a cryogenic material 
will be delivered to its destination within 20 days of offering, and 
requires notification of any car that has not reached its destination 
within this timeframe. See Sec.  173.319(a)(3). Therefore, PHMSA is 
adopting a 15 psig maximum offering pressure, as proposed, which is 
appropriate for the transportation of LNG and is consistent with the 
level of safety provided to other flammable cryogenic materials. The 
HMR do not prohibit shippers from offering a tank car of LNG at a lower 
pressure.
8. Review Approval Provision to Exceed Weight
    On May 14, 2010, PHMSA published a final rule amending the HMR to 
incorporate provisions contained in several widely used or longstanding 
special permits that have an established safety record. The final rule, 
Hazardous Materials: Incorporation of Special Permits into Regulations 
(75 FR 27205, May 14, 2010), in part, amended the HMR to allow certain 
rail tank cars transporting hazardous materials to exceed the gross 
weight on rail limitation of 263,000 pounds upon approval of the FRA. 
On January 25, 2011, the FRA published a notice (76 FR 4250) of FRA's 
approval pursuant to the Final Rule of the operation of certain tank 
cars in hazardous materials service that exceed 263,000 pounds and 
weigh up to 286,000 pounds gross rail load (GRL). In 2002, AAR adopted 
a revised industry standard related to railroad freight cars weighing 
over 263,000 pounds GRL and weighing up to 286,000 pounds. This revised 
industry standard, AAR Standard S-286 (adopted 2002, revised 2003, 
2005, 2006), Free/Unrestricted Interchange for 286,000 pound GRL Cars 
(S-286), is applicable to rail freight cars manufactured, rebuilt or 
modified on or after January 1, 2003, and is the existing industry 
standard for designing, building, and operating rail cars at gross 
weights over 263,000 pounds and up to 286,000 pounds. S-286 sets forth 
industry-tested practices for designing, building, and operating rail 
cars at gross weights over 263,000 pounds and up to 286,000 pounds. S-
286 provides for the free interchange among carriers of cars built to 
meet its requirements.
    In this rulemaking, DOT-113 tank cars in LNG service will be 
required to have an outer tank that is 9/16th inch thick (after 
forming) and made from TC-128 Grade B, normalized steel plate. 
Depending on the specific design characteristics of a tank car 
manufactures approved car design, PHMSA and FRA determined that simply 
the use of 9/16th inch TC-128, Grade B normalized steel for the outer 
tank would not increase the GRL above 263,000 pounds; however, PHMSA 
and FRA understand that operators may select certain specification 
designs that may place the rail car at a GRL over 263,000 pounds.
    In an effort to maintain consistency with FRA's current approval 
(see 76 FR 4250, January 25, 2011) of newly manufactured railroad tank 
cars with a GRL exceeding 263,000 pounds, this final rule will amend 
the HMR to state that tank cars manufactured for LNG service after (the 
effective date of this final rule) may be loaded to a maximum GRL of 
286,000 provided the tank car meets the following criteria:
    1. Tank car is constructed in accordance with S-286.
    2. The outer shell and heads are constructed with TC-128 Grade B, 
normalized steel.
    This aligns with the action PHMSA and FRA took when creating the 
DOT-117 specification and does not place a new burden on tank car 
manufacturers. A tank car manufacturer may therefore consider their 
design ``approved'' provided it meets the two conditions above, with no 
application to FRA or PHMSA required.

C. Additional Operational Controls for LNG Transportation

    In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to rely on the operational controls 
already required in the HMR for the transportation by rail of other 
flammable cryogenic materials, and invited comment on whether 
additional operational controls may be warranted. PHMSA encouraged 
commenters to provide data on the safety or economic impacts associated 
with any proposed operational controls, including analysis of the 
safety justification or cost impact of implementing operational 
controls.
    In this final rule, PHMSA is amending the HMR to adopt operational 
controls beyond the current extensive requirements of the HMR. These 
additional operational controls consist of requirements for:
     A two-way end-of-train (EOT) device or distributed power 
(DP) for trains with 20 continuous tank cars of LNG, or 35 tank cars of 
LNG throughout the entire train;
     Location and inner tank pressure monitoring for each tank 
car containing LNG; and
     Compliance with Sec.  172.820 route planning requirements 
(i.e., rail routing).
    PHMSA and FRA believe that the current requirements of the HMR 
ensure a robust level of safety for the transport of LNG by rail that 
is further reinforced by widely-adopted voluntary industry standards in 
AAR Circular OT-55. Additionally, the new operational controls in this 
final rule will add a still greater margin of safety to address the 
risks posed by LNG transportation in DOT-113C120W tank cars.
1. AAR Circular OT-55
    AAR Circular OT-55 (OT-55) outlines operational controls for trains 
meeting the industry definition of a ``Key Train,'' including speed 
restrictions, track requirements, storage requirements, and the 
designation of ``Key Routes,'' which are subject to additional 
inspection and equipment requirements. OT-55 defines a ``Key Train'' as 
any train with:
     One tank car load of Poison or Toxic Inhalation Hazard 
(PIH or TIH) (Hazard Zone A, B, C, or D), anhydrous ammonia (UN1005), 
or ammonia solutions (UN3318);
     20 car loads or intermodal portable tank loads of any 
combination of hazardous material, or;
     One or more car loads of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF), High 
Level Radioactive Waste (HLRW).
    Key Trains have a maximum speed of 50 mph. If a defect to a rail 
car (e.g., hanging equipment) is reported by a wayside detector but not 
confirmed by visual inspection, the maximum speed is reduced to 30 mph. 
Circular OT-55 defines a ``Key Route'' as ``any track with a 
combination of 10,000 car loads or intermodal portable tank loads of 
hazardous materials, or a combination of 4,000 car loadings of PIH or 
TIH (Hazard zone A, B, C, or D), anhydrous ammonia, flammable gas, 
Class 1.1 or 1.2 explosives, environmentally sensitive chemicals, Spent 
Nuclear Fuel (SNF), and High Level Radioactive Waste (HLRW) over a 
period of one year.'' OT-55 states that ``main tracks on `Key Routes' 
must be inspected by rail defect detection and track geometry 
inspection cars or any equivalent level of inspection no less than two 
times

[[Page 45008]]

each year; sidings are similarly inspected no less than one time each 
year; and main track and sidings will have periodic track inspections 
that will identify cracks or breaks in joint bars.'' Finally, OT-55 
states that ``wayside defective bearing detectors shall be placed at a 
maximum of 40 miles apart on ``Key Routes,'' or equivalent level of 
protection may be installed based on improvements in technology.'' 
These recommended practices were originally implemented by all major 
Class I rail carriers operating in the United States, with smaller 
short-line railroads following on as signatories.
    While PHMSA did not propose to incorporate by reference OT-55 or to 
adopt the requirements for ``Key Trains'' in the HMR, the railroad 
industry's widespread, voluntary adoption of the circular is an 
important consideration for PHMSA in assessing the need for prescribing 
additional operational controls by regulation. AAR first published 
Circular No. OT-55 in January 1990 to document recommended railroad 
operating practices for the transportation of hazardous materials. The 
first issue of the circular included recommended mainline and yard 
operating practices, designation of key routes, proposed separations 
from hazmat storage areas, training of transportation employees, and 
implementation of TRANSCAER[supreg]. TRANSCAER[supreg] is a national 
community outreach program that works to improve community awareness, 
emergency planning and incident response for the transportation of 
hazardous materials, criteria for shipper notification, and procedures 
for handling time sensitive materials. Over the past 30 years, OT-55 
has been routinely revised as needed to incorporate technological 
developments and other changes in industry practice concerning the safe 
transportation of hazardous materials. For instance, OT-55 has adopted 
revisions to AAR's interchange standards, and technology advancements 
such as the use of electronic emergency response information to provide 
timely and reliable information to emergency responders.
    To further promote compliance with the recommended practices 
outlined in OT-55, and compliance with Federal transportation laws, the 
rail industry developed and published the United States Hazardous 
Materials Instructions for Rail, commonly referred to as ``HM-1.'' The 
purpose of the HM-1 is to provide the rail industry with uniform 
hazardous materials operating rules that railroads can implement and 
consistently apply to support compliance with Federal regulations, and 
to enhance significantly employee safety and the safety of the 
communities through which the railroads operate. The HM-1 may be 
implemented as published, or it may be modified by an individual 
railroad to be consistent with its unique operating rules and 
practices.
    Through its enforcement activities, FRA verifies that each railroad 
has established operating rules governing the safe transportation of 
hazardous materials, and utilizes those instructions to enforce that 
railroad's compliance with the Federal operating and hazardous 
materials transportation regulations.
    In accordance with the ``Key Train'' definition and the changes 
being adopted, OT-55's operational controls would apply to the bulk 
transport of LNG by rail in a train that is composed of 20 car loads or 
intermodal portable tank loads in which LNG is present along with any 
combination of other hazardous materials. Due to the operational 
controls required for ``Key Trains,'' Circular OT-55 provides an 
additional level of safety regardless of what combination of hazardous 
materials the train is transporting. PHMSA and FRA believe this 
industry standard reduces the risk of derailments and collisions and 
therefore decreases the risk involved in the transportation of all 
hazardous materials, including LNG.
    PHMSA and FRA note that the hazardous materials operating 
instructions from Circular OT-55-Q, the most recent edition, have been 
incorporated into railroads' (carriers') operating rules. Furthermore, 
FRA regularly performs reviews of railroads and their operating rules 
and are not aware of any instances in which a railroad is failing to 
adhere to Circular OT-55 when operating ``Key Trains.''
2. Additional Operational Controls in the Final Rule
    In this final rule, PHMSA is adopting several additional 
operational controls:
    (1) Trains with a block of 20 loaded tank cars of LNG, or 35 loaded 
tank cars of LNG throughout the entire train, are required to be 
equipped with an EOT device or DP.\24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ See Section IV, B. Operational Controls, 1. Braking and 
Routing for further discussion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Each loaded tank car containing LNG must be monitored for 
location and tank pressure by the offeror and notify the carrier if the 
tank pressure rises by more than 3 psig in any 24-hour period.
    (3) Each carrier operating trains carrying a loaded tank car of LNG 
must perform additional planning requirements in accordance with Sec.  
172.820 (i.e., rail routing). While the general operational controls in 
the HMR, as supplemented by the widespread, voluntary practices 
governing Key Trains in Circular OT-55, provide robust protections 
against derailment and other accidents (and by extension, a loss of 
package integrity resulting from the same) involving train 
configurations with only a handful of tank cars, PHMSA believes that 
the additional operational controls established by this final rule will 
ensure safe transportation of LNG regardless of train configuration. As 
explained earlier, trains currently transport to three DOT-113 tank 
cars of flammable cryogenic materials (such as ethylene) in mixed 
commodity freight trains. However, if the market for rail 
transportation of LNG evolves to include movement of LNG in larger 
quantities (in blocks of cars or unit configurations) within each 
train, there is a higher probability that, should a derailment occur, 
one or more cars containing LNG would be involved and would be 
breached.
    The additional operational controls will decrease the likelihood 
and severity of derailments (DP/EOT device); decrease the likelihood 
that an LNG tank car is lost in transport (location monitoring); 
increase the likelihood that the railroad is notified immediately in 
the unlikely event that a tank car experiences unsafe conditions during 
transportation (pressure monitoring); and reduce the severity of the 
consequences in a derailment scenario by requiring that railroads 
transport LNG on the safest route available to them (rail routing and 
risk assessment). Over a DOT-113 tank car's expected 50-year service 
life, the use of DP/EOT devices for block carriage and unit trains, 
remote monitoring, and risk-based routing of trains transporting LNG 
will help ensure the transportation safety of LNG on the rail 
transportation network.
    Enhanced braking requirements can result in accident avoidance and 
can lessen the consequences of an accident by more quickly slowing the 
train and decreasing the energy of impacts by reducing the number of 
tank cars affected by a potential derailment. PHMSA decided on the HHFT 
threshold (i.e., a continuous block of 20 loaded LNG tank cars or 35 
loaded LNG tank cars throughout the train) based on the effectiveness 
of this existing requirement for flammable liquids in rail 
transportation. PHMSA reviewed the possibility of requiring 
electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) braking on cars meeting the 
above threshold, but determined that ECP

[[Page 45009]]

brakes are not a practical alternative given that ECP brakes are not 
cost justified when applied to unit train configurations in the HHFT 
environment. See HM-251F; 83 FR 48393 (Sept. 25, 2019).\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ PHMSA notes that while this rulemaking does not prohibit 
LNG rail transportation in unit trains, the likelihood is low that 
there will be LNG unit trains, at least initially. Development of 
the necessary infrastructure, especially construction of DOT-
113C120W9 tank cars, to transport LNG by railroad, particularly by 
unit trains, demands significant financial investment, long term 
commitment, and considerable planning. LNG tank car fleets would 
need to be built, and there is a limit to the construction capacity 
of the industry. As a result, FRA anticipates that industry will 
transport LNG in smaller configurations, at least until 
infrastructure is in place to allow for unit train service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Given the availability of existing braking technologies, PHMSA is 
requiring advanced braking in the form of a two-way EOT device or, 
alternatively, a linked and operational DP system located at the rear 
of the train. A two-way EOT device or DP system is more effective than 
conventional brakes because a locomotive engineer can initiate an 
emergency brake application from the front and rear of the train, which 
can reduce stopping distances and lessen in-train forces that can cause 
or contribute to the severity of certain derailments. These advanced 
braking requirements are consistent with the current requirements for 
HHFTs, which apply to Class 3 flammable liquids that are transported in 
a single block of twenty cars or 35 cars dispersed throughout a single 
train.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ See Section IV, B. Operational Controls, 1. Braking and 
Routing for a more detailed discussion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The requirement to remotely monitor a tank car containing LNG will 
allow shippers and carriers to better identify adverse conditions and 
prevent a non-accidental release of LNG while in transportation. 
Moreover, the requirements in this final rule allow for flexibility for 
shippers and carriers in determining how to best monitor the location 
of the tank cars and pressure within the inner tank. PHMSA and FRA 
expect that the industry will develop standard practices and implement 
technologies to meet the HMR performance standard for monitoring.
    PHMSA is also adopting routing requirements in Sec.  172.820 to 
further reduce the risk of a train accident. This amendment requires 
railroads to evaluate safety and security risk factors when assessing 
the potential routes to be used to transport LNG. The 27 safety and 
security risk factors set forth in Appendix D of Part 172 against which 
carriers evaluate their routes provide a robust framework for 
identifying and managing route-based risks associated with LNG 
transportation by rail. FRA regularly conducts evaluations of a 
railroad's route risk assessment requirements to ensure adherence to 
the requirement.
    Requirements of the route analysis measures for a rail carrier 
include:
     Compilation of commodity transportation data;
     Analysis of safety and security risks for transportation 
route(s);
     Identification and analysis of potential alternate 
route(s); and
     Based on the above data, selection of the practicable 
route posing the least overall safety and security risk.
    By expanding the existing route analysis and consultation 
requirements of Sec.  172.820 to include LNG by tank car, PHMSA is 
incorporating additional safety elements that are available within the 
overall hazardous materials regulatory scheme. It is worth noting that 
routing requirements were not mandated in the special permit issued to 
ETS because the permit is issued to a shipper rather than a rail 
carrier who is ultimately responsible for the route risk analysis. In 
this final rule, there is no limitation on specific origins and 
destinations, thereby necessitating routing and risk analysis under 
Sec.  172.820. Some of the operational controls included in special 
permit DOT-SP 20534 were not adopted or were revised in the final rule. 
The requirement to submit a plan providing per shipment quantities, 
timelines, etc., was included in DOT-SP 20534 in order to gather more 
information about the movement of the material. This requirement is not 
feasible for a broadly applicable regulatory authorization. In this 
final rule, PHMSA applied the HHFT criteria in reaching its 
determination to require the same braking requirements for LNG 
transportation. After review of the comments and the safety history of 
flammable liquid HHFTs, PHMSA concludes that this is best option to 
ensure safe movement of LNG. In the final rule, the remote monitoring 
requirements are different than what was included in the DOT-SP 20534 
because PHMSA does not believe that direct monitoring for leaks is 
necessary. Monitoring for tank pressure and tank car location 
parameters will sufficiently inform the offeror of the tank car's 
location and condition and allow notification to the carrier should an 
undesirable condition occur. For example, registering and notification 
of an unexpected decrease in pressure could likely indicate a methane 
release and could be communicated immediately to the rail carrier and 
the closest emergency responders.
    With respect to train length and weight limitations, PHMSA 
determined that there should not be a maximum for either in this 
rulemaking. PHMSA notes that the HMR do not limit the number of 
shipments a shipper can offer into transportation, nor do the HMR 
restrict the number or type of hazardous materials rail cars that a 
carrier can transport in a train. An individual railroad's appropriate 
train operating lengths are based on multiple factors, including, but 
not limited to, track profile, train make-up, train dynamics, and crew 
training. Due to these and other unique factors that influence a 
specific railroad's operation, PHMSA and FRA conclude that 
determination of appropriate train lengths is best left to the 
individual railroads.
    Regarding separation distance, which is the number of non-placarded 
rail cars between a locomotive or occupied caboose and railcars 
containing hazardous materials (see Sec.  174.85), PHMSA has concluded 
that it is appropriate to maintain the current requirement at this 
time, pending further study of the issue. Non-placarded rail cars are 
rail cars that do not contain an amount of hazardous material that 
require placarding (see 49 CFR part 172 subpart F for additional 
information about placarding requirements). The current requirement for 
a flammable gas, like LNG, requires a separation distance of five cars 
between the engine and placarded tank car, when train length permits. 
If train length does not permit a separation distance of five cars, the 
tank car(s) must be placed near the middle of the train, but not nearer 
than the second car from an engine or occupied caboose. These long-
standing separation distance requirements protect train crews from the 
releases of hazardous materials in accident conditions. PHMSA and FRA 
collaborated under the scope of the Rail Safety Advisory Committee 
Hazardous Materials Issues Working Group Task No. 15-04 to consider the 
separation distance issue.
    Ultimately, due to an absence of consensus of the Working Group 
participants, as well as a lack of established incident data, the 
members did not reach agreement on a change to the existing regulation 
governing hazardous materials in train separation distances. Moreover, 
PHMSA worked with the Volpe Center in its review of rail accidents 
occurring between 2006 and 2015 where there was a release of hazardous 
materials near the head end of the train (occupied locomotive). The 
review found no reported crew injuries

[[Page 45010]]

and therefore no injuries that were potentially preventable with 
additional buffer cars.
    Extensive research exists on separation distance of hazardous 
materials from train crews and locomotives, and other hazardous 
materials in a train. PHMSA has initiated a research project in 
coordination with the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems 
Center (Volpe Center) as an initial step in addressing NTSB Safety 
Recommendations R-17-1 and -2.\27\ This effort will result in a report 
that identifies gaps in the existing studies, areas for further 
research, and what conclusions can be drawn collectively from the 
existing knowledge base, if any. PHMSA may consider changes to the 
separation distance requirements in Sec.  174.85 of the HMR for 
placarded rail cars and tank cars in mixed commodity freight train and 
unit train configurations pending the outcome of the study.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-recs/recletters/R-17-001-002.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In consideration of the foregoing, PHMSA is not amending the 
separation distance requirement in this final rule.

IV. Summary and Discussion of Comments to the Rulemaking Docket

    The NPRM comment period closed on January 13, 2020. PHMSA received 
445 comment submissions \28\ to the rulemaking docket through the 
extended comment period. PHMSA considered all comments in the 
development of this final rule. The comments submitted to this docket 
may be accessed via http://www.regulations.gov. The following table 
categorizes the commenters by background:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ Some comment submissions noted additional signatories. 
Those were considered in the development of the final rule.

                        Table 4--NPRM Commenters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Description and
        Commenter background             Count     examples of category
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Government Organizations........          27  Environmental Groups
                                                   (17); Emergency
                                                   Response
                                                   Organizations (6);
                                                   Other (4).
Governments.........................          15  Local (6); State (6);
                                                   Federal (2); Tribal
                                                   (1).
Private Individuals.................         391
Industry Stakeholders...............          12  Tank Car Manufacturers
                                                   (1); Trade
                                                   Associations (10);
                                                   Shippers (1).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA received comments relating to tank car design, operational 
controls, emergency response, and potential environmental and economic 
impacts. These comments are summarized and discussed in greater detail 
below.

A. Tank Car Design

    In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to authorize DOT-113C120W tank cars for 
use in the transportation of LNG by rail and to amend the ``Pressure 
Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting'' Table in Sec.  
173.319(d)(2) by adding a column for methane as follows:

                                        Table 5--Proposed Pressure Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Maximum permitted filling density  (percent by weight)
  Maximum start-to-discharge   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       pressure  (psig)                   Ethylene                 Ethylene              Ethylene                 Hydrogen                 Methane
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17............................  ...........................  ....................  ...................  6.60.......................
45............................  52.8.......................
75............................  ...........................  51.1................  51.1...............  ...........................  32.5.
Maximum pressure when offered   10 psig....................  20 psig.............  20 psig............  ...........................  15 psig.
 for transportation.
Design service temperature....  Minus 260 [deg]F...........  Minus 260 [deg]F....  Minus 155 [deg]F...  Minus 423 [deg]F...........  Minus 260 [deg]F.
Specification (Sec.             113D60W, 113C60W...........  113C120W............  113D120W...........  113A175W, 113A60W..........  113C120W.
 180.507(b)(3) of this
 subchapter).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed in the summary of amendments in this final rule in 
Section III, the start-to-discharge pressure setting, filling density, 
maximum offering pressure, and the thermal characteristics of the DOT-
113 tank car in Sec.  173.319 were selected to allow enough holding 
time (including loading, transit, storage incidental to movement, and 
unloading) such that the inner tank would not experience a pressure 
rise sufficient to activate the reclosing PRV during conditions 
normally incident to transportation. Additionally, if the pressure in 
the inner tank were to reach the start-to-discharge pressure of the 
reclosing PRV, the inlet to the valve would successfully vent vapor to 
relieve further pressure buildup. That is, the combination of these 
conditions (the start-to-discharge pressure setting, filling density, 
maximum offering pressure, and the thermal characteristics of the DOT-
113C120W) acts as a safety measure to prevent activation of the PRV 
under normal conditions of transport. At the maximum offering pressure 
of 15 psig and the start-to-discharge pressure setting of 75 psig for 
the reclosing PRV adopted in this final rule, the tank car has a 60 
psig pressure range before venting occurs. Using an average daily 
pressure rise of 0.75 to 1.5 psig as indicated by industry, even if the 
FRA notification requirement for tank cars in transportation for over 
20 days is reached, the tank would see only a 15 to 30 psig pressure 
increase--meaning there would still be a 30 to 45 psig buffer remaining 
before venting occurs (or an aggregate 20 to 60 days of holding time). 
Please see Section III. B. ``The DOT-113C120W Specification Tank Car'' 
for additional details on the offering pressure, set-to-discharge 
pressure, and the revised filling density requirements for LNG in this 
final rule.

[[Page 45011]]

    PHMSA received numerous comments about the tank car design for the 
transportation of LNG by rail, which it sorted into the following 
subtopics:

    1. General Suitability of the DOT-113C120W Specification Tank 
Car;
    2. Crashworthiness Assessment/Field Tests;
    3. High Nickel Steels;
    4. Maximum Permitted Filling Density;
    5. Maximum Pressure When Offered;
    6. Insulation;
    7. Maximum Gross Rail Weight; and
    8. The DOT-113C140W Tank Car Specification.
    In this section, PHMSA responds to 15 sets of substantive comments 
related to tank car design for LNG transportation.
1. General Suitability of the DOT-113C120W Specification Tank Car
    PHMSA received various comments regarding the general safety of the 
tank car design as proposed in the NPRM. Notably, the Railway Supply 
Institute Committee on Tank Cars (RSI-CTC) cited the regulatory history 
of the DOT-113C120W as an indication that DOT previously considered it 
for the transport of LNG and that the specification itself was 
originally designed to accommodate cryogenic materials, like LNG. RSI-
CTC noted that the Hazardous Materials Regulations Board, a predecessor 
agency to PHMSA, published a notice in the Federal Register in 1971 as 
part of the HM-91 \29\ rulemaking docket indicating that the agency was 
``considering amendment of the Department's Hazardous Materials 
Regulations to provide for the shipment of ethylene, hydrogen, methane, 
[and] natural gas . . . in a cold liquefied gas state in certain tank 
cars.'' RSI-CTC further commented that the delimiter letter ``C'' 
indicates that DOT-113C120W tank cars were specifically designed for 
the safe transportation of cryogenic materials like LNG. They also 
pointed out that these cars are subject to additional operating 
requirements, namely thermal integrity and in-transit reporting 
requirements, which have led to a strong safety record of over 50 
years. Similarly, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) 
agreed with the NPRM's proposal to use DOT-113 tank cars, noting that 
other refrigerated liquids are transported safely using this 
specification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/standards-rulemaking/rulemakings/archived-rulemakings/67251/36fr-20166.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other commenters expressed concern over the tank car design, 
stating that there is a lack of testing on the suitability of the tank 
car for the transportation of LNG. The Governor of Washington State, on 
behalf of Washington State, claimed that PHMSA's assertion of a 
demonstrated safety record for DOT-113 tank cars is baseless without a 
completed risk assessment, because LNG is not currently authorized for 
transportation in DOT-113 tank cars and PHMSA and FRA may not be aware 
of every incident involving these cars. The Surfrider Foundation noted 
its belief that the proposed tank cars were never designed or intended 
to be used for the transport of LNG. Likewise, the California Public 
Utilities Commission (CPUC) expressed concern that PHMSA is moving 
forward with a deregulatory action without proper evaluation. CPUC also 
stated that transporting LNG in DOT-113 tank cars poses an unacceptable 
risk, further noting that an increase in pressure could trigger venting 
and that exposure of the newly vented gas to a heat source could result 
in an expanded fire or secondary explosion. Finally, CPUC also stated 
that the proposed modification to the HMR to authorize a DOT-113 tank 
car would be untested and that this is inconsistent with PHMSA's 
mission for safety.
    Furthermore, various commenters--including the New York State 
Department of Transportation (NYDOT), the New York State Department of 
Environmental Conservation (NYDEC), the New York State Division of 
Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYDHSES), and the NTSB--
stated their belief that the limited number of incidents involving DOT-
113 tank cars does not provide adequate evidence to ensure that they 
are safe for the transportation of LNG. These commenters expressed that 
the sample size of crashes is too small given the low number of DOT-113 
tank cars in existence, and therefore, they requested additional 
research on the suitability of these tank cars for LNG service. 
Similarly, a group of environmental protection NGOs expressed their 
belief that PHMSA failed to provide analysis to justify its claim that 
the current known safety record of DOT-113 rail cars provides a 
meaningful comparison to their understanding of planned large-scale 
shipments of 100-car trains of LNG throughout the United States. They 
further commented that PHMSA did not provide adequate data or analysis 
to support its conclusions about how DOT-113 tank cars and their 
cargoes will behave in a potential crash on main line rail routes. 
Additionally, they asserted that PHMSA failed to provide data on the 
risk of cascading failure of tank cars, noting that the lack of data 
undermines PHMSA's statement that highway transportation is less safe 
than rail transportation. Furthermore, the Center requested that PHMSA 
consider the specific issues surrounding LNG tank cars, such as the 
placement of valves and other appendages that may be sheared off during 
a derailment; the puncture resistance of the tank car and potential 
jacketing to prevent punctures; the heat resistance of LNG tank cars to 
prevent explosions from fires during derailments; and braking 
requirements that are adequate for the weight of LNG tank cars.
    With respect to concerns about the potential for explosions, the 
IAFC noted that the DOT-113 tank car is specifically designed to 
prevent a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) and that in 
the event of an accident, the LNG would initially spread before either 
warming or freezing. They further noted that if the released LNG were 
to catch fire, it would most likely be limited to the contents of the 
specific tank car that experienced the release, rather than spreading 
to the other tank cars. However, Earthjustice \30\ expressed concern 
regarding two LNG motor vehicle accidents in Spain where a BLEVE was 
observed, and Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) noted that no 
test data or mathematical models exist to predict whether and when a 
LNG tank car exposed to an external fire would undergo a BLEVE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ Earthjustice's January 14, 2020 comment was filed on behalf 
for the Center, Clean Air Council, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, 
Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, Mountain Watershed 
Association, and Sierra Club.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHMSA Response
    PHMSA agrees with RSI-CTC's comment and notes that the HM-91 
rulemaking specifically considered that ``methane, liquefied'' (as 
referenced in the rulemaking) could be shipped in a DOT-113C120W 
specification tank car.
    The safety history of DOT-113C120W tank cars is sufficient to draw 
a conclusion that these tank cars are appropriate for the bulk 
transportation of LNG. Please refer to our discussion on the DOT-
113C120W tank car in Section III. B. ``The DOT-113C120W Specification 
Tank Car'' for further details. Also, please note that PHMSA is 
enhancing this already suitable packaging with additional outer tank 
requirements to improve crashworthiness. Although the HM-91 rulemaking 
published October 16, 1971 [36 FR 20166] and docket was subsequently 
withdrawn, PHMSA subsequently undertook a separate rulemaking published 
March 1, 1974

[[Page 45012]]

[HM-115, 44 FR 12826] to authorize the transport of a flammable 
cryogenic material (ethylene) in DOT-113C120W specification tank cars. 
While methane (i.e., LNG) was not authorized for transport in that 
later rulemaking, there is no indication in the record that the 
omission was due to safety concerns.
    With respect to Earthjustice's concern, the above BLEVE incidents 
that occurred in Tivissa, Catalonia, Spain \31\ and Zarzalico, Murcia, 
Spain \32\ with cargo tank motor vehicles transporting LNG do not serve 
as an appropriate comparison to LNG rail tank cars. The tanks involved 
in these incidents had a single inner steel tank covered by an envelope 
of polyurethane foam and a lacquered aluminum jacket as opposed to the 
tank-within-a-tank design of the DOT-113C120W tank car consisting of an 
inner and outer tank made of steel. Although the cargo tanks involved 
in the incidents were both constructed of 304L stainless steel, the 
insulation material and the outer jacket (constructed of 2mm (0.080 in) 
of aluminum) held no vacuum. Neither the polyurethane insulation nor 
the thin aluminum, which were used in the construction and design of 
the outer tanks, are particularly fire resistant. Therefore, these 
envelopes around the tanks provided little fire protection in the 
accident scenarios.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ Explosion of a road tanker containing liquefied natural 
gas. Eula`ia Planas-Cuchi, Nu[acute]ria Gasulla, Albert Ventosa, 
Joaquim Casal. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 
17 (2004) 315-32. https://www.academia.edu/7741565/Explosion_of_a_road_tanker_containing_liquified_natural_gas.
    \32\ Analysis of the Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion 
(BLEVE) of a Liquefied Natural Gas Road Tanker: The Zarzalico 
Accident. E Planas, E. Pastor, J. Casal, J.M. Bonilla. Centre for 
Studies on Technological Risk (CERTEC). Department of Chemical 
Engineering. Universitat Polit[egrave]cnica de Catalunya. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/46606613.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Conversely, the DOT-113C120W tank car has a steel outer tank and a 
multi-layer insulation system, and is significantly superior in terms 
of both impact and fire resistance than the cargo tanks involved in the 
Spanish incidents. The annular space of the DOT-113 design works in 
combination with a properly functioning pressure relief system to 
diminish the likelihood of a high-energy event such as a BLEVE. Also, 
in the case of the Zarzalico accident, a significant portion of the 
insulation was destroyed by the fire, and in both cases the tank 
containing the LNG was directly exposed to the fire. Direct contact by 
flames resulted in increased pressure in the tank, followed by thermal 
tears of the unprotected tanks due to a decrease in material 
properties, rapid release of the contents, and subsequent ignition of 
the vapor cloud. Direct contact by flames on the inner tank of a DOT-
113 is significantly less likely due to the more robust design of the 
DOT-113 tank car.
    In response to comments from CPUC and members of the public, PHMSA 
notes that venting of a flammable cryogenic material, other than that 
caused by an accident, is prohibited, and is unlikely to occur given 
the DOT-113C120W tank car's safety features and operational controls to 
expedite the movement of flammable cryogenic materials. Although there 
may be rare instances as a result of offeror's failure to properly 
operate or maintain the pressure relief system, this concern is 
adequately addressed by existing HMR requirements for monitoring the 
average daily pressure rise, requirements for routine maintenance of 
PRDs, and the supplemental requirement adopted in this final rule to 
monitor the pressure in the tank remotely so that the shipper will be 
aware of issues that may result in venting before the tank car reaches 
its destination. Please see our discussion of existing operational 
controls in the HMR and the tank car design features in Section III. 
``Amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations Adopted in this 
Final Rule'' of this final rule for further discussion of the existing 
framework that ensures safe, expedited movement of flammable cryogenic 
materials like LNG.
    CPUC's comment brought up concerns over potential secondary fires 
caused by the release of LNG from a tank car due to exposure to fire, 
and BLEVEs of tank cars exposed to fire. As stated in the NPRM, DOT-113 
specification tank cars are inherently more robust when compared to 
other specification tank cars, due to their unique design, materials of 
construction, and their specific purpose to transport cryogenic 
materials. The tank-within-a-tank design of the DOT-113 specification 
tank car reduces the probability of cascading failures of other 
undamaged DOT-113 specification tank cars being transported in a block 
or unit train configuration. While it is possible that ignition of 
these vapors could occur if an ignition source is present, the fire 
would be contained to the proximity of the release point of the vapors 
from the tank car. Additionally, it is highly unlikely that an 
undamaged DOT-113 specification tank car involved in a derailment would 
result in explosion due to a BLEVE due to the design of the tank car, 
the loading pressure requirements for cryogenic materials, the mandated 
requirements for redundant pressure relief systems (valves and safety 
vents) and the insulation systems that are built into each car. It is 
not possible to state with certainty whether a BLEVE is possible in the 
case of a LNG tank car derailment, and what conditions need to be 
present for such an event to occur. However, in a full-scale test \33\ 
conducted in 2018, a double walled portable cryogenic tank was filled 
with liquid nitrogen (and PRDs operated as designed) and exposed to a 
greater than 200-minute engulfing propane pool fire. The tank was 
neither destroyed nor did a BLEVE occur.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ FRA Full Scale Test titled: ``Fire Performance of a UN-T75 
Portable Tank Phase 1: Loaded with Liquid Nitrogen''.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on the suitability of the DOT-113 design and material of 
construction for cryogenic material, safety history of the car, and the 
existing framework in the HMR for hazard communication and operational 
control, PHMSA concludes that the DOT-113C120W tank car is a safe 
packaging to transport LNG by rail. PHMSA has evaluated years of LNG 
transportation via other modes and packagings, both international and 
domestic, to help assess the potential risks of LNG by rail resulting 
in our determination that the containment vessel is an equally safe 
alternative. PHMSA reaffirms that the DOT-113 tank car is suitable for 
use in LNG service, as it has a demonstrated safety record of over 50 
years in the service of similar flammable cryogenic materials.
2. Crashworthiness Assessment/Field Tests
    PHMSA received various comments regarding the crashworthiness and 
general field testing of the DOT-113C120W tank car. Notably, NTSB and 
other commenters requested that PHMSA and FRA complete a thorough 
crashworthiness and safety assessment of the DOT-113C120W tank car 
specification prior to authorizing it for LNG service. Further, they 
stated that relying on data for the accident history of similar 
hazardous materials transported in the small fleet of DOT-113 tank cars 
(as was done in the NPRM) or making engineering assumptions based on 
the performance of pressure tank cars with different features and 
operating parameters (as was done in the Exponent Report \34\ 
referenced in the Special Permit 20534 docket) does not provide a 
statistically significant or valid safety assessment.

[[Page 45013]]

They also called into question how PHMSA determined that the 
specification DOT-113C120W tank car is an acceptable packaging to 
transport LNG. They noted their belief that the small number of DOT-113 
tank cars in use and the documented 14 incidents referenced in the 
NPRM, in which three shell breaches occurred between 1980 and 2017, do 
not provide a demonstrated safety record. The Physicians for Social 
Responsibility cited the need to develop a new, robust tank car design. 
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network cited a lack of field tests on the 
survivability of the DOT-113 tank car loaded with LNG and the lack of 
simulation of the tank car ``hulls.'' The Puyallup Tribe of Indians 
stated its belief that PHMSA is in violation of the APA, stating that 
the NPRM was not supported by a complete and technically sufficient 
administrative record because there are ongoing and incomplete studies 
to determine the safety of transporting LNG in DOT-113 tank cars.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ The referenced Exponent Report is a study to examine the 
risks of bulk transportation of LNG by investigation the potential 
risk profiles for transport of LNG versus liquefied petroleum gas 
(LPG) by cargo tank motor vehicle and rail tank car. https://
www.exponent.com/knowledge/alerts/2015/08/bulktransportation/~/
media/03b73782ec76446798c70f6ac403ef84.ashx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Earthjustice questioned the suitability of the DOT-113 tank car 
noting that ``. . . of the three specific derailments of the DOT113C120 
tank car noted by the EA, all three ended up either breaching or 
needing to be breached and losing their entire cargoes. This represents 
4.5% of the entire DOT113C120 tank car fleet.''
PHMSA Response
    As noted previously, PHMSA does not agree that Earthjustice's 
analysis calls into question the suitability of the DOT-113C120W tank 
car. PHMSA has concluded that the safety history of DOT-113C120W tank 
cars is sufficient to demonstrate that these tank cars are appropriate 
for the transportation of LNG, as the DOT-113 tank car has a 
demonstrated safety record of over 40 years. Since authorized in the 
HMR, there have been no train-accident related fatalities or serious 
injuries in over 100,000 shipments of cryogenic material in DOT-113 
tank cars. PHMSA has reviewed the approximately 450 Incident Report 
Form 5800.1 filings involving releases from DOT-113 (or equivalent 
AAR204W \35\) tank cars. Nearly all of these filings resulted from the 
non-accidental release of product attributed to defective or improperly 
secured valves and/or associated fittings and not a breach of the tank. 
The HMR requirements for the design and material of construction for 
the DOT-113, as well as existing operational controls and handling 
requirements for the tank car, have contributed significantly to the 
strong safety history of the DOT-113.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ The AAR204W is also authorized for the transportation of 
non-flammable cryogenic materials and has a similar design to a DOT-
113.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA disagrees with the suggestion that the Exponent Report in 
support of the DOT-SP 20534 is irrelevant to the discussion. That study 
conducted a quantitative risk assessment addressing unit train movement 
of LNG in DOT-113 tank cars. The study creates multiple models that 
estimate the potential damage of an LNG incident. Specifically, 
transport releases were evaluated along 1-mile long segments with 
varying population densities. While commenters have claimed that the 
study does not have a large enough sample size, PHMSA notes that the 
study used all the available data on DOT-113 incidents. The reason for 
that perceived lack of data is that DOT-113 tank cars have not been 
involved in many incidents during the timeframe that DOT-113s have been 
in use. Given that the study uses all the available data on DOT-113 
incidents, PHMSA believes that the study's findings are useful in 
informing this final rule.
    After internal review and in consideration of certain substantive 
comments received to the NPRM, PHMSA is further enhancing the safety of 
these tank cars to be equipped with a 9/16th inch thick outer tank and 
constructed from TC-128 Grade B Normalized steel. This represents a 28% 
increase in outer tank thickness over the current minimum requirements 
for a DOT-113C120W tank car in use for other flammable cryogenic 
materials. PHMSA has concluded that this change will improve the 
crashworthiness of the tank, thereby improving its effectiveness in 
retaining LNG contents during a crash scenario. This conclusion is 
supported by modeling conducted on the DOT-117 specification tank car 
with a 9/16th inch thick shell and heads used in flammable liquid 
service when compared with the previous DOT-111 tank cars with 7/16th 
inch steel. See Section III. B. ``The DOT-113C120W Specification Tank 
Car'' for further details on the tank car enhancements added in this 
final rule.
3. High Nickel Steels for Inner Tanks
    The Puyallup Tribe stated that PHMSA failed to provide a sufficient 
factual basis to support its assertion that the materials used in the 
fabrication of DOT-113 tank car inner tanks are appropriate for the 
transportation of LNG. They noted that stationary LNG storage tanks use 
high nickel steels and that the specifications for American Society of 
Testing and Materials (ASTM) A240/240M 304, or 304L steels used in DOT-
113C120W tank cars provide for a range of nickel content that can 
equal--but can also extend outside of--the range recommended for 
stationary LNG tanks. Therefore, they commented that there is no 
evidence that all steels meeting this specification will have the 
performance specifications appropriate for storing LNG that is being 
transported by rail. The Tribe further expressed their belief that 
PHMSA has not adequately demonstrated why ASTM A240/240M 304, or 304L 
steel will ensure safe transport of LNG in tank cars.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA disagrees with the Puyallup Tribe that there is no factual 
basis for the existing requirements for ASTM A240/240M 304, or 304L 
steels. The ASTM 300 series steels required in part 179 for DOT-113 
tank cars have a long, successful history demonstrating the suitability 
of this steel as the material of construction for the inner tank of 
DOT-113 tank cars.
    The 300-grade austenitic stainless steels (304/304L), commonly 
referred to as ``18-8 grade'' stainless steels, are the only steels 
authorized in the HMR for use when constructing the inner tank of a 
DOT-113 tank car. As discussed in Section III. B. ``The DOT-113C120W 
Specification Tank Car,'' ASTM A240/240M 304, or 304L steels have the 
best balance of toughness, strength, and weldability for 
transportation, along with being able to withstand extremely low 
temperatures.
    By contrast, ASTM A553 steel, also known as ``9% Nickel'' alloy 
steel, has less ductility and requires special welding protocols. A553 
steel can be used for static storage vessels which do not have to 
withstand the dynamic stress conditions experienced by the tank car 
during movement and the more frequent thermal cycles of loading and 
unloading experienced by tank cars. In tank cars, the use of A553 steel 
is not advisable, due to the physical properties of the steel. The HMR 
have not approved it for use in tank cars, in part, due to problems 
encountered with welded repairs.
    Therefore, in this final rule, PHMSA is maintaining the requirement 
to construct the inner tank of a DOT-113 tank car from ASTM A240/240M 
304, or 304L steels for the inner tank. Please see Section III. B. 
``The DOT-113C120W Specification Tank Car'' for further discussion of 
the properties of 304 and 304L steel and the material of construction 
requirements for the inner tank of a DOT-113 tank car.

[[Page 45014]]

4. Maximum Permitted Filling Density
    AAR, RSI-CTC, and Chart Inc. disagreed with the maximum filling 
density proposed in the NPRM. Chart Inc. recommended that the filling 
density be 38.1 percent for a safety relief valve set at 75 psig, 
thereby corresponding to the 51.1 percent tabulated value for liquid 
ethylene. Chart Inc. further noted that flammable cryogenic materials 
in tank cars are required to have a 0.5 percent outage below the inlet 
of the pressure relief or pressure control valve at the start-to-
discharge pressure setting of the valve, with the tank car in a level 
attitude.
    RSI-CTC commented that PHMSA did not provide an explanation as to 
why it is imposing a maximum filling density that results in 15 percent 
outage rather than the standard 0.5 percent outage identified in 
existing regulations for other flammable cryogenic materials authorized 
by rail tank car. They stated that limiting LNG to a maximum filling 
density of 32.5 percent would require approximately 13 percent more 
tank cars to move the same volume of commodity, noting that this could 
increase the risk in transportation. Moreover, they stated that PHMSA's 
proposed limit is inconsistent with Transport Canada's regulations, 
which impose a 37.3 percent maximum filling density. To resolve this 
issue, they recommended that PHMSA consider adopting a maximum filling 
density of 37.3 percent, which they point out would harmonize the 
United States and Canada, as well as reduce the overall safety risk by 
reducing the total number of tank cars required.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA notes the concerns over the proposed filling density and the 
potential inconsistencies related to the outage requirements for 
flammable cryogenic materials. The filling density of 32.5% specified 
in the NPRM was based on a 15% outage (vapor volume) at PRV start to 
discharge pressure. The AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended 
Practices, M-1004 ``Specifications for Fuel Tenders'' requires the LNG 
filling of tenders used to fuel LNG powered locomotives with 15% vapor 
volume. The operating demands on tenders combined with the need for 
more vapor as a fuel and the expected refueling processes make the 
filling density acceptable for use with fuel tenders. In contrast, tank 
cars do not require these same considerations, and thus, the filling 
density should be aligned with other bulk packagings.
    After reviewing the comments provided to the NPRM and conducting 
further technical analysis, PHMSA agrees that the proposed 32.5 percent 
filling density unnecessarily limits the amount of LNG that can be 
loaded into the tank car designed for commercial shipments and not 
locomotive fueling. Calculations were performed through linear 
regression analysis of authorized filling densities for cryogenic 
material in cargo tanks (see Sec.  173.318). The equations derived 
during that analysis were compared with filling density values 
currently authorized for tank cars in Sec.  173.319 for ethylene and 
hydrogen. The comparison between cargo tanks and tank cars filling 
density values held true for ethylene and hydrogen, so the equation was 
therefore used to derive the filling density for LNG in tank cars. This 
filling density value was compared to the results of calculations 
conducted by AAR, Transport Canada, and FRA. A filling density of 37.3% 
by weight is consistent with these four (AAR, Transport Canada, FRA, 
PHMSA) analyses.
    Therefore, in this final rule PHMSA is adopting a 37.3 percent 
maximum filling density for LNG, which will require approximately 2 
percent outage below the inlet of the PRD at the start-to-discharge 
pressure to prevent the venting of liquid material should the device 
activate. This represents a greater level of safety than other 
cryogenic packagings authorized in the HMR and internationally, which 
only require a 0.5% outage requirement below the PRD inlet at the 
start-to-discharge pressure. Additionally, a 37.3 percent maximum 
filling density harmonizes with Transport Canada's TDG regulations. 
Please see the Section III.B. ``The DOT-113C120W Specification Tank 
Car'' discussion for additional discussion of filling density.
5. Maximum Pressure When Offered
    RSI-CTC stated that the proposed offering pressure of 15 psig for 
the Pressure Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting in Sec.  
173.319(d)(2) is inconsistent with Transport Canada's requirements, 
which impose a 10 psig maximum offering pressure, and departs from 
AAR's practice of assuming a 10 psig maximum offering pressure to 
determine the individual specification requirements for DOT-113C120W 
tank cars. They also stated that while PHMSA appears to be relying on 
Sec.  173.319(e)(1) for its determination that 15 psig is consistent 
with the 20-day transportation requirement for cryogenic materials and 
the estimated 3 psig per day maximum pressure increase during 
transportation, current regulations for DOT-113 tank cars as set forth 
in part 179, subpart F do not specify a time-in-transit limit for 
cryogenic materials. Rather, RSI-CTC asserted that both DOT's 
predecessor and the AAR have historically assumed a 30-day hold time in 
developing the DOT-113C120W specification. Moreover, the commenter 
noted that the average daily pressure rise limit of 3 psig per day, as 
set forth in Sec.  179.319, is an operating specification for shippers 
designed to trigger inspection of the tank vacuum to ensure thermal 
integrity and should not be imposed as a design requirement to 
calculate the maximum offering pressure.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA agrees that the HMR do not specify a time-in-transit limit. 
However, PHMSA requires notification to FRA if a flammable cryogenic 
material has not reached the consignee within 20 days. FRA closely 
monitors any situation requiring notification of more than 20 days in 
transit, and our experience is that rail carriers act to expedite 
movement of the tank car to its destination or take swift corrective 
action to reduce the pressure within the tank if necessary. Therefore, 
PHMSA believes that the 15 psig maximum offering pressure is 
appropriate for the transportation of LNG and is consistent with the 
level of safety provided to other flammable cryogenic materials. 
Further, the HMR do not prohibit shippers from offering a tank car of 
LNG at a lower pressure. Please see Section III.B. ``The DOT-113C120W 
Specification Tank Car'' and III.C. ``Additional Operational Controls 
for LNG Transportation'' for additional discussion of offering pressure 
and the operational controls for the movement of these tank cars.
6. Insulation
    Chart Inc. noted in their comment that Mylar is a plastic material 
that is incompatible with the potential for flammable gas in the 
annular space. They further stated that common wrapped insulation used 
in such tanks is often referred to as MultiLayer Insulation (MLI), 
Super Insulation (SI), or MultiLayer Super Insulation, which consists 
of alternating layers of aluminum foil and a non-conducting spacer 
material. Chart Inc. further explained that fiberglass or Perlite 
powder can be used as a potential alternative in place of or in 
addition to the MLI or SI.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA agrees that use of the term Mylar in the preamble of the NPRM 
was inconsistent with the current design and practice. The DOT-113 
construction

[[Page 45015]]

design relies on a performance standard in Sec.  179.400-4 that does 
not specify the use of Mylar or any other specific type of material to 
be used for insulation. In the NPRM, PHMSA inadvertently represented 
``Mylar'' as a specification requirement for MLI or SI use on a DOT-
113, when in fact, it is not. Please see our discussion of the 
insulation system and thermal performance monitoring program in Section 
III of this final rule for more information on DOT-113 insulation 
requirements.
7. Maximum Gross Rail Weight
    RSI-CTC and AAR commented on the existing allowable gross weight of 
rail tank cars. They stated the FRA provided notice in the Federal 
Register of approval of the operation of certain tank cars in hazardous 
materials service up to 286,000 pounds GRL, further noting that this 
approval does not address cryogenic tank cars.\36\ Specifically, RSI-
CTC recommended adding language in Sec.  179.13 that would authorize a 
GRL limitation of up to 286,000 pounds, thereby removing the need for 
FRA approval and allowing for heavier inner or outer tanks. They 
further stated that authorizing cryogenic tank cars to operate with 
286,000 pounds GRL would not increase the volume of commodity 
transported (which would still be limited to 34,500 gallons) and would 
enable manufacturers to increase the weight of the tank car by building 
it with a thicker outer shell, which would enhance the overall safety 
of these tank cars in cryogenic service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ Notice regarding FRA approval for operating certain 
railroad tank cars in excess of 263,000 pounds gross rail load. 
January 25, 2011; 76 FR 4350.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHMSA Response
    PHMSA acknowledges that the thicker outer tank, as required in this 
rulemaking, will have a net impact of increasing the overall weight of 
a loaded DOT-113C120W9 tank car. The added tank thickness is expected 
to increase the overall weight of the tank car by approximately 11,050 
pounds. See the Table 6 below for a comparison of the DOT-113C120W and 
DOT-113C120W9 tank car weights. PHMSA estimates the light (empty) 
weight of a DOT-113 tank car for LNG to be approximately 138,050 pounds 
and the estimated weight of allowable LNG that can be loaded into the 
car at roughly 108,000 pounds. This equates to a maximum gross weight 
on rail of only 246,050 pounds. However, the request to remove the 
approval requirement for tank cars greater than 263,000 pounds GRL is 
beyond the scope of this rulemaking, as it is not specific to LNG and 
would therefore impact all cryogenic materials transported by tank car. 
Additionally, while 2011 FRA Notice does not specifically mention 
cryogenic tank cars, PHMSA and FRA reiterate that the broad language in 
the FRA's January 2011 approval clearly contemplates application to 
cryogenic tank cars. Therefore, a DOT-113 tank car manufactured for LNG 
service after (the effective date of this final rule) is approved for a 
maximum GRL of 286,000 provided the tank car meets the following 
criteria:
    1. Tank car is constructed in accordance with S-286.
    2. The outer shell and heads are constructed with TC-128 Grade B, 
normalized steel.
    Please see our discussion of maximum GRL in Section III.B. ``The 
DOT-113C120W Specification Tank Car'' of this final rule for additional 
details. PHMSA is adding a new section, Sec.  179.400-26, to the DOT-
113 specification requirements to indicate clearly that DOT-113C120W9 
tank cars exceeding 263,000 lbs. gross weight are (in light of FRA's 
January 2011 approval) approved by FRA for a maximum gross weight of 
286,000 provided they meet the two conditions above.
    The following table provides a comparison of the approximate weight 
of a DOT113C120W tank car with an outer tank shell thickness of \7/16\ 
(i.e., the current standard) vs. \9/16\ (i.e., the standard adopted in 
this final rule) is provided in the following table. Note that 
stiffening ring weight changes with outer tank thickness. In this 
comparison, a thicker outer tank corresponds to less stiffening ring 
weight.

                 Table 6--Gross Rail Weight Calculation
            [Approximate weights for a DOT113C120W Tank Car]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outer Shell Thickness...........  \7/16\''..........  \9/16\''.
Inner Tank Thickness............  \3/8\''...........  \3/8\''.
Combined Tank Weight............  98,250 lbs........  109,500 lbs.
Stiffening Ring Weight..........  1,750 lbs.........  1,550 lbs.
Fittings/Piping/Housing.........  3,800 lbs.........  3,800 lbs.
Running Gear....................  23,200 lbs........  23,200 lbs.
Estimated Light Weight..........  127,000 lbs.......  138,050 lbs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. DOT-113C140W Tank Car Specification
    Consistent with its prior petition, AAR reiterated its suggestion 
that PHMSA adopt the DOT-113C140W tank car standard. However, AAR noted 
that PHMSA may require more time to evaluate the new tank car 
specification, as it is not currently authorized by the HMR. Therefore, 
AAR suggested that PHMSA proceed with authorizing the DOT-113C120W tank 
car for LNG service at this time and consider authorizing the DOT-
113C140W tank car in a future rulemaking.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA agrees that it would take additional time and resources to 
create and evaluate a new specification (e.g., the DOT-113C140W) not 
authorized under the current HMR. Furthermore, PHMSA believes the 
addition of this tank car specification warrants further engineering 
review and evaluation, including consideration of safety risks 
presented by the new design specification. Increased thickness and 
improved outer tank materials, as required in this final rule, require 
minimal engineering effort; and insofar as PHMSA regulations establish 
minimum thickness requirements for DOT-113 cars, those regulations have 
always permitted outer tanks of varying thickness above those lower 
limits.
    In contrast, a new inner tank design with a higher test pressure of 
140 psig requires significant engineering effort that is beyond the 
scope of this rulemaking. An inner tank designed to withstand a test 
pressure of 140 psig has a thicker wall, and has different pressure 
relief features that would need to be tested extensively prior to 
authorization for use in transportation. The designs for the new inner 
tank, the 140 psig pressure relief system, and the new design's thermal 
performance would each need to be validated. The inner tank, along with 
the thermal protection provided by the annular space, is the most 
safety critical component to retaining the contents of the car during 
normal conditions incident to transportation. The outer tank, on the 
other hand, shields the inner tank from physical damage, exposure to 
the elements, and in-train forces, while providing structural support 
to the packaging. Unlike a change to the inner tank, the enhancements 
to the outer tank denoted by the new specification suffix would not 
require the extensive additional engineering review because PHMSA and 
FRA have access to testing and modeling data that demonstrate the

[[Page 45016]]

crashworthiness improvements from a thicker 9/16th inch outer tank.
9. PHMSA Determination Regarding Tank Car Design
    In summary, PHMSA acknowledges the comments received addressing the 
appropriateness of the DOT-113C120W tank car for LNG transportation. As 
discussed in this section, and in Section III, PHMSA has concluded that 
the DOT-113C120W tank car is an appropriate packaging for LNG 
transportation.
    The existing structure of the HMR--to include requirements for 
packaging design--provides for the safe transportation of all hazardous 
materials. The DOT-113C120W9 tank car is a variation of the DOT-113 
specification currently authorized in the HMR for use as a packaging 
for cryogenic material, including flammable cryogenic material like 
LNG. The ``C'' delimiter for this type of tank car indicates a 
temperature rating for service that is suitable for LNG. Furthermore, 
the existing HMR include requirements for components specific to 
flammable cryogenic material services, such as PRDs and thermal 
insulation systems.
    PHMSA believes that transportation of LNG by DOT-113C120W-
specification rail tank car as proposed in the NPRM would be safe if 
LNG was transported in similar quantities to what is currently done for 
ethylene. Currently, because of market demand and usage patterns for 
ethylene, DOT-113 tank cars are transported as part of mixed commodity 
freight trains at one to three cars per train. However, when 
transported in larger fleets--in blocks of cars larger than three or in 
unit trains--there is a higher probability that cars containing this 
material will be involved in a derailment when a derailment or other 
accident occurs, leaving the potential for more hazardous material to 
be released during an incident. While PHMSA cannot predict the number 
of DOT-113C120W9 tank cars per train the LNG market will support, the 
agency does have relevant information from ETS's application for DOT SP 
20534, which indicates the company plans to operate unit trains of at 
least 80 cars per train at some point in the future. Therefore, even 
though the current outer tank specifications of existing DOT-113s are 
appropriate for the physical properties of LNG, the potential increased 
risk involved in transporting LNG in blocks of more than three or in 
unit trains warrants the additional safety margin that is currently 
available from the tank car manufacturing industry. As a result, PHMSA 
is amending the DOT-113 specification to require tank cars with a 
minimum outer tank thickness of 9/16th inch constructed from TC-128 
Grade B, normalized steel (those enhancements to be indicated by the 
specification suffix ``9''). PHMSA believes that this change will 
further enhance the safety of the DOT-113 tank car by significantly 
increasing its crashworthiness.

B. Operational Controls

    PHMSA did not propose supplemental operational controls in the NPRM 
beyond the existing requirements in the HMR, but did invite comment on 
whether PHMSA and FRA should rely on existing regulations and the 
operational controls in AAR's Circular OT-55, or if additional 
operational controls may be warranted based on an assessment of risk. 
PHMSA encouraged commenters to provide data on the safety or economic 
impacts associated with any proposed operational controls, including 
analysis of the safety justification or cost impact of implementing 
operational controls. Further, PHMSA invited comment on the operational 
controls included in the special permit described above, due to the 
overlapping content contained in the NPRM.
    Numerous commenters expressed concern about the possible 
operational controls associated with the transportation of LNG by rail. 
For example, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 
suggested that PHMSA conduct a more expansive safety assessment of the 
DOT-113 rail car before making the decision to forgo additional 
operational controls. In the responses below, PHMSA has sorted these 
comments into the following subtopics: Braking and Routing 
Requirements, Maximum Train Length and Weight, Speed Restrictions and 
AAR Circular OT-55, and Separation Distance. Please also see Section 
III.C. ``Additional Operational Controls for LNG Transportation'' for 
more discussion.
1. Braking and Routing Requirements
    NTSB, the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), New 
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Members of the 
New Jersey Senate and Assembly, NYDOT, NYDEC, NYDHSES, IAFF, and others 
commented that PHMSA should require braking and routing requirements 
for trains carrying LNG. NTSB specifically commented that PHMSA should 
require that trains be ``equipped and operated with either 
electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes, a two-way end-of-
train (EOT) device as defined in 49 CFR 232.5, or a distributed power 
(DP) system as defined in 49 CFR 229.5.''
    Conversely, AAR commented that there is no justification for 
braking and routing requirements for trains carrying LNG shipments to 
be as restrictive as the requirements for HHFTs. AAR noted that if 
PHMSA were to apply braking and routing requirements similar to those 
imposed on HHFTs to trains carrying LNG, the requirements should only 
apply to a train transporting 20 or more loaded tank cars of LNG in a 
continuous block, or to a train carrying 35 or more loaded tank cars of 
LNG throughout the train.
    PSR and the Surfrider Foundation expressed concern that the 
possibility of a terrorist attack has not been properly considered when 
looking at the security measures for LNG by rail. They further stated 
that the urban routing of LNG unit trains would make them highly 
vulnerable to attack by terrorists and that the predictability and 
visibility of commercial rail traffic through urban settings would make 
targeting easy and devastating. The Governor of Washington State, on 
behalf of Washington State, also expressed concern that the NPRM did 
not address the risk of terrorist attacks.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA agrees that requiring enhanced braking is necessary for 
trains meeting an LNG analog of the HHFT threshold (i.e., 20 continuous 
tank cars of LNG or 35 tank cars of LNG throughout the train). PHMSA 
and FRA determined that this threshold best captures the higher-risk 
bulk quantities transported in unit trains, while excluding lower-risk 
manifest trains. PHMSA and FRA have concluded that the HHFT threshold 
is suitable for the transportation of LNG because these materials have 
similar risk profiles when transported in such configurations. If a 
tank car containing LNG is breached during a derailment, the LNG will 
behave largely the same way as crude oil or ethanol. The LNG lading 
will be released as a very cold liquid, creating an LNG pool and likely 
a fire.
    The effective use of braking on a train can result in accident 
avoidance and can lessen the consequences of an accident by diminishing 
in-train forces. This can reduce the likelihood of a tank car being 
punctured and decrease the likelihood of a derailment. PHMSA believes 
that requiring enhanced braking for these train configurations provides 
a cost-effective way to reduce the number of cars and the energy 
associated with train accidents.

[[Page 45017]]

    In consideration of the comments received, consistent with comments 
from NTSB and others, PHMSA is adding a requirement that for a single 
train with 20 or more loaded tank cars of LNG in a continuous block or 
a single train carrying 35 or more loaded tank cars of LNG throughout 
the train, each carrier must ensure that the train is equipped and 
operated with either an EOT device, as defined in 49 CFR 232.5, or a DP 
system, as defined in 49 CFR 229.5.
    Some public commenters, including Earthjustice, noted that PHMSA 
did not propose a requirement that trains transporting LNG be equipped 
with ECP brakes, which they suggest would provide an extra measure of 
safety. PHMSA and FRA did consider adopting ECP brake requirements in 
this final rule but ultimately determined that such a braking 
requirement would not be practical.
    Freight railroads in the U.S. overwhelmingly rely on conventional 
air brakes to comply with FRA regulations for stopping a train.\37\ 
This conventional air brake system has been in use since 1869 and has 
proven to be reliable and effective. Conventional air brakes use air 
pressure to apply and release the brakes on each car in a train. When 
air pressure is reduced in a braking application, the air brakes will 
apply sequentially from the front to the back of the train. ECP brake 
systems are an alternative braking technology that integrate electronic 
and pneumatic communications hardware into one package to allow for 
nearly instantaneous responses to locomotive braking commands 
throughout an entire train. While some types of ECP brake systems 
overlay the air brake system, the integrative functions of ECP brakes 
essentially require the entire train be equipped with operable ECP 
brakes if the system is to be effective. Except in very rare 
circumstances where the railroads are capable of keeping and 
maintaining captive unit train fleets, railroads in the U.S. have not 
implemented ECP brake systems into their operations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ 49 CFR part 232.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA previously considered and adopted ECP brake requirements for 
a limited subset of HHFTs in its final rule on ``Enhanced Tank Car 
Standards and Operational Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains,'' 
(HM-251; 80 FR 26643, May 8, 2015), based on the potential benefits of 
those trains' being operated effectively as a captive fleet. However, a 
subsequent re-evaluation of the HM-251 ECP brake requirements found 
that even the ``captive'' unit train configurations operating with ECP 
brakes are not cost-beneficial in the HHFT environment. (HM-251F; 83 FR 
48393; Sep. 25, 2018). As a result, PHMSA removed requirements 
pertaining to ECP brake systems on high-hazard flammable unit 
trains.\38\ PHMSA relies on the analysis in HM-251F to inform its 
decision in this final rule to not require ECP brakes on trains 
transporting LNG.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ The HM-251 final rule defined a ``high-hazard flammable 
unit train'' (HHFUT) as a train comprised of 70 or more loaded tank 
cars containing Class 3 flammable liquids.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While PHMSA is not implementing ECP brake requirements, both 
agencies recognize the importance of advanced braking for trains 
transporting large quantities of LNG. As result, PHMSA is requiring 
advanced braking in the form of a two-way EOT device or linked and 
operational DP system located at the rear of the train. The two-way EOT 
device or DP system at that rear of the train is more effective than 
conventional brakes because the rear cars can receive the emergency 
brake command more quickly, which allows the back of the train to start 
braking quicker than if the train was only equipped with conventional 
air brakes. This can reduce stopping distances and lessen in-train 
forces that can cause or contribute to the severity of certain 
derailments.
    The action taken by PHMSA in this final rule, requiring the use of 
a two-way EOT device or DP unit at the end of the train for a single 
train with 20 or more loaded tank cars of LNG in a continuous block or 
a single train carrying 35 or more loaded tank cars of LNG throughout 
the train, is consistent with the comments of NTSB, Members of the New 
Jersey Senate and Assembly, and the Attorneys General for various 
States. It matches the current requirements for HHFTs, which apply to 
Class 3 flammable liquids that are transported in a single block of 
twenty cars or 35 cars dispersed throughout a single train. Given the 
comments received and the similarity in risk profiles with HHFTs, PHMSA 
and FRA have determined that the requirement for a two-way EOT device 
or a DP system in the rear of the train is an acceptable safety 
measure.
    Regarding rail routing requirements, PHMSA agrees that requiring 
additional planning and route analysis will provide safety benefits to 
the transportation of LNG by rail. The routing requirement will reduce 
the severity of the consequences of a derailment by requiring that 
railroads transport LNG on the safest route available to them.
    Accordingly, PHMSA is amending Sec.  172.820 to require that a 
train carrying LNG in a rail tank car be subject to the additional 
planning requirements of that section. This change will require rail 
carriers to compile annual data on shipments of LNG and use the data to 
analyze safety and security risks along rail routes where LNG is 
transported, assess alternative routing options, and make routing 
decision based on those assessments.
    Regarding the risk of terrorism, 49 CFR part 172, subpart I--Safety 
and Security Plans, prescribes security requirements for shippers and 
carriers while a hazardous material is in transportation. Flammables 
(e.g., LNG) transported in large bulk quantities (i.e., 3,000 liters 
[792 gallons]) in a single packaging such as a tank car are subject to 
requirements for development and implementation of plans to address 
security risks, including preventing unauthorized access to the 
material, providing for en route security, and personnel security. 
PHMSA believes these existing requirements adequately address the 
security risks associated with the transportation of LNG by rail. 
Please see additional discussion of existing security planning and rail 
routing requirements in Section III. A. ``Existing HMR Requirements for 
Rail Transport of Flammable Cryogenic Material.''
2. Maximum Train Length/Weight
    Some commenters suggested limiting the number of LNG tank cars in a 
train; however, no commenters provided specific recommendations on what 
would constitute the preferred maximum number of cars. The National 
Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) noted that although 19 cars 
of LNG would not trigger the ``Key Train'' requirements, it would be a 
large enough quantity to present a significant hazard.
    AAR noted that research \39\ on the safety impact of operating so-
called ``long'' trains suggests that there is no increased risk of 
derailment, further commenting that the use of fewer, longer trains may 
reduce derailment rates. AAR further stated that PHMSA should not 
create a limit on train length within the context of this rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ See footnote 9, page 3--https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=PHMSA-2018-0025-0209.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Others expressed concern that these tank cars could damage and 
degrade train tracks, leading to potential future derailments. 
Additionally, a few commenters noted that PHMSA and FRA should assess 
and fix damaged

[[Page 45018]]

railroad tracks prior to making any determination on whether it is safe 
to transport LNG by rail.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA appreciates comments regarding potential limitation of 
maximum weight and length for trains containing LNG. PHMSA has 
determined that there should not be a maximum for either in this 
rulemaking. PHMSA notes that the HMR do not limit the number of 
shipments a shipper can offer into transportation, and do not restrict 
the number or type of hazardous materials rail cars a carrier can 
transport in a train. PHMSA and FRA believe that train length is best 
determined by individual railroads. The function of determining an 
individual railroad's appropriate train operating lengths is based on 
multiple factors. The railroads are best positioned to determine the 
appropriate train lengths and weight based on multiple factors 
including, but not limited to, the following: Route characteristics, 
train make-up, train dynamics, and crew training and experience. 
Furthermore, FRA notes that damage and degradation to railroad tracks 
due to the transport of DOT-113C120W9 tank cars is unlikely. All routes 
used to transport hazardous materials have rail infrastructure to 
handle trains with rail cars with a GRL of 286,000 pounds. Railroads 
execute a track and rail integrity inspection program that exceed the 
minimum Federal requirements. In addition, they are implementing 
technology that enables the inspection of more miles of track per day 
and identifies defects with greater reliability.
3. Speed Restrictions/AAR Circular OT-55
    PHMSA received several comments recommending stricter regulations 
regarding the transport of LNG by rail, including speed restrictions 
and other operational controls. Numerous commenters, such as NTSB, 
NASFM, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Congressman DeFazio, and the 
Attorneys General for various States, expressed concern that PHMSA did 
not propose additional safety regulations for the transport of LNG by 
rail in the NPRM. NASFM noted that, regardless of current industry 
practice, the AAR Circular OT-55 is ``recommended,'' rather than 
mandated by regulation. Earthjustice commented that OT-55 is 
insufficient to keep LNG safe, stating that there is a lack of 
transparency on its use. They further noted that without further 
analysis, PHMSA cannot confirm railroads are following OT-55. They also 
claimed that even if HHFT-style operational controls were put in place, 
the material is still too dangerous and liable to spill in the event of 
a derailment and potentially cause a BLEVE or vapor cloud explosion 
(VCE).
    Several commenters, including NTSB, recommended that PHMSA 
implement operational controls similar to the protections currently in 
place for HHFTs, as provided in Sec.  174.310.
    A few commenters, including AAR and RSI-CTC, noted that they agree 
with PHMSA's determination that AAR's Circular OT-55 provides a 
``detailed protocol establishing recommended railroad operational 
practices'' for transporting hazardous materials. One commenter further 
noted that they do not support incorporation of Circular OT-55 by 
reference because it would disincentivize the development of industry 
standards that are more rigorous than the Federal requirement. NYDOT, 
NYDEC, and NYDHSES commented that they would like to see the AAR 
Circular OT-55 incorporated into the HMR and the HHFT requirements 
applied to trains carrying LNG.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA notes that AAR's Circular OT-55 is a detailed protocol 
establishing railroad operating practices for the transportation of 
hazardous materials, including speed restrictions, which was developed 
by the rail industry through the AAR.\40\ The recommended practices 
were originally implemented by all Class I rail carriers operating in 
the United States, with short-line railroads following on as 
signatories. Also, since Circular OT-55 is an industry practice, new 
safety procedures can be adopted efficiently and implemented 
nationally. The industry voluntary approach allows for greater 
flexibility to stay abreast of fast-changing technology and changes in 
the market, and facilitates safety by leveraging industry incorporation 
of OT-55 into their operating rules and cooperation with regulators 
versus an adversarial enforcement relationship.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ Circular OT-55, ``Recommended Railroad Operating Practices 
for Transportation of Hazardous Materials,'' https://www.railinc.com/rportal/documents/18/260773/OT-55.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thus, PHMSA believes the operational control recommendations in AAR 
Circular OT-55 address safety concerns related to train movements of 
hazardous materials comprehensively, including train speed restrictions 
in Key Train configuration. OT-55 limits Key Train speed to 50 mph. 
PHMSA and FRA believe that this maximum speed limit is appropriate for 
the transportation of LNG based on its similarity to other Division 2.1 
flammables, including cryogenic materials, that are allowed to be 
transported at a maximum speed of 50 mph, and based on the DOT 
Specification 113 standards. Additionally, AAR's Manual of Standards 
and Recommended Practices (MSRP) establishes rail equipment standards, 
including equipment speed restrictions, that limits tank cars 
(including DOT-113 tank cars) to an operating speed of 50 MPH. This 
speed restriction is independent of whether they are aggregated into a 
Key Train configuration or not.
    Further, PHMSA and FRA have verified that railroads are 
implementing and following Circular OT-55 through their operating 
rules. PHMSA and FRA believe this industry standard reduces the risk of 
derailments and collisions and therefore decreases the risk involved in 
the transportation of all hazardous materials, including LNG. Please 
see Section III.C. ``Additional Operational Controls for LNG 
Transportation'' for a full discussion of the benefits of OT-55.
4. Separation Distance
    Commenters, including NTSB and the Brotherhood of Locomotive 
Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), noted that the transportation of LNG 
would also increase the safety risk for train crews. The NTSB 
referenced two safety recommendations issued to PHMSA in response to 
the December 30, 2013, collision of two Burlington Northern Santa Fe 
(BNSF) freight trains in Casselton, North Dakota (R-17-1 and -2) that 
resulted in the derailment of 20 tank cars loaded with crude oil and 
the release of 476,000 gallons. The safety recommendations reference 
risks posed to train crews and the separation distance and 
configuration of hazardous materials cars, locomotives, and occupied 
equipment to ensure the protection of train crews during both normal 
operations and accident conditions. In the comment to the NPRM, the 
NTSB urged PHMSA to implement appropriate train crew separation 
distance requirements, as recommended by Safety Recommendations R-17-1 
and -2, issued March 9, 2017. Specifically, the Safety Recommendations 
are:

    R-17-01
    Evaluate the risks posed to train crews by hazardous materials 
transported by rail, determine the adequate separation distance 
between hazardous materials cars and locomotives and occupied 
equipment that ensures the protection of train crews during both 
normal operations and accident

[[Page 45019]]

conditions, and collaborate with the Federal Railroad Administration 
to revise 49 Code of Federal Regulations 174.85 to reflect those 
findings.
    R-17-02
    Pending completion of the risk evaluation and action in 
accordance with its findings prescribed in Safety Recommendation R-
17-01, withdraw regulatory interpretation 06-0278 that pertains to 
49 Code of Federal Regulations 174.85 for positioning placarded rail 
cars in a train and require that all trains have a minimum of five 
nonplacarded cars between any locomotive or occupied equipment and 
the nearest placarded car transporting hazardous materials, 
regardless of train length and consist.\41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ ``Consist'' means the group of rail cars that make up the 
train.

    AAR commented that there should not be additional buffer car 
requirements for trains transporting LNG or any other hazardous 
material. They further noted that it is not justified from a safety and 
risk standpoint.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA has initiated a research project in coordination with the 
Volpe Center to address NTSB Safety Recommendations R-17-1 and -2. This 
effort will result in a report that identifies gaps in the existing 
studies, areas for further research, and what conclusions can be drawn 
collectively from the existing knowledge base, if any. PHMSA may 
consider changes to the separation distance requirements in Sec.  
174.85 of the HMR for placarded rail cars and tank cars in mixed 
commodity freight train and unit train configurations pending the 
outcome of the study. However, PHMSA is not amending the separation 
distance requirement in this final rule at this time. See Section 
III.C. ``Additional Operational Controls for LNG Transportation'' for 
further discussion of operational controls include consideration of 
separation distances.
    PHMSA and FRA collaborated under the scope of the Rail Safety 
Advisory Committee Hazardous Materials Issues Working Group Task No. 
15-04 to address the issue of separation distance. Ultimately, due to 
an absence of consensus of the Working Group participants, as well as a 
lack of established incident data, the members did not reach agreement 
on a change to the existing regulation governing hazardous materials in 
train separation distances. Moreover, PHMSA worked with the Volpe 
Center in its review of rail accidents occurring between 2006 and 2015 
where there was a release of hazardous materials near the head end of 
the train (occupied locomotive). The study found no reported crew 
injuries and therefore no injuries that were potentially preventable 
with additional buffer cars.
5. PHMSA Determination Regarding Operational Controls
    The existing structure of the HMR--to include requirements for 
operational controls--provides for the safe transportation of all 
hazardous materials. In the NPRM, PHMSA and FRA considered additional 
operational controls specific to LNG, such as mirroring the operational 
controls adopted for HHFTs,\42\ adopting OT-55 or ``Key Train'' 
requirements into the HMR, limiting train length, or requiring controls 
for train composition, speed, braking, and routing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ As defined in Sec.  171.8, a high-hazard flammable train 
means a single train transporting 20 or more loaded tank cars of a 
Class 3 flammable liquid in a continuous block or a single train 
carrying 35 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid 
throughout the train consist.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA acknowledges the concerns about relying on a widely adopted, 
voluntary industry standard, rather than imposing regulatory 
requirements. After internal review and in consideration of certain 
substantive comments, PHMSA is requiring a two-way EOT device or DP on 
the rear of any train consisting of 20 or more loaded tank cars of LNG 
in a continuous block or 35 or more loaded tank cars of LNG throughout 
the train. Further, PHMSA is requiring that each rail car of LNG must 
be remotely monitored for pressure and location. Finally, trains 
consisting of an LNG tank car are subject to route planning and routing 
analysis requirement. PHMSA believes these operational controls, in 
conjunction with what is already required under the HMR and the ``Key 
Train'' requirements in Circular OT-55, will ensure the safe 
transportation of LNG. PHMSA and FRA have verified that railroads are 
following and implementing Circular OT-55 through incorporation into 
their operating rules. PHMSA does not believe that explicit speed 
restrictions are necessary given the widespread adoption of Circular 
OT-55. PHMSA and FRA expect that Circular OT-55 will be evaluated by 
the rail industry regularly and that additional operational safety 
measures beyond the minimum requirements of the HMR will be included to 
address operational concerns, as appropriate. FRA actively works with 
AAR's Hazardous Materials Committee, which is responsible for reviewing 
and updating of OT-55. The Committee reviews OT-55 annually and 
determines if an update is warranted. If a change to OT-55 is needed, 
the Committee will update the document accordingly and will published 
it as an AAR Casualty Prevention Circular (CPC).

C. Environmental Impacts

    PHMSA received many comments recommending further analysis of the 
environmental impacts associated with this rulemaking. Please refer to 
the Final Environmental Assessment for discussion and response to 
comments.

D. Economic Analysis

    PHMSA received several comments related to the economic analysis of 
the rulemaking. Please refer to the Final Regulatory Impact Analysis 
(RIA) for discussion and response to comments.

E. Emergency Response

    Several commenters expressed concern about the perceived emergency 
response ramifications associated with the transportation of LNG by 
rail tank car. PHMSA has sorted these into the following subtopics: 
Training for Emergency Responders, Current Emergency Planning, 
Evacuation Distances, and Modeling Availability.
1. Training for Emergency Responders
    Several commenters are concerned that emergency responders lack the 
training and expertise to respond to an LNG tank car incident, 
especially in unit train configurations. They commented that the 
current emergency response requirements may be insufficient to address 
an incident involving LNG, including the potential for a BLEVE in 
accident conditions. The Center requested proper training and 
notification of local responders to the presence of LNG trains. NYDOT, 
NYDEC, NJDEP, and NYDHSES suggested that PHMSA provide specific 
training, resources, and support to emergency response personnel, 
including cooperation with State fire training agencies to ensure 
training is consistent, effective, and readily available as a 
requirement in the final rule, similar to the special permit. NFPA 
cited previous comments they have submitted to regulatory actions 
regarding emergency response resources. Specifically, NFPA stated that 
adding a flammable cryogenic material, like LNG, to the existing HHFT 
rail shipments posed further challenges to the capabilities and 
resources for local responders. IAFC recommended that PHMSA work with 
shippers and carriers to develop and deliver critical product, 
container and emergency response information, and related training 
materials for the emergency planning and response communities. 
Furthermore, the Governor of Washington State, on behalf of

[[Page 45020]]

Washington State, contended that the NPRM did not address crew training 
and emergency response.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA agrees that proper training and information sharing are 
necessary ingredients in promoting a safety transportation system and 
is committed to ensuring emergency responders have the information and 
tools they need to respond to hazardous materials incidents safely. 
First, PHMSA notes that Class I railroads typically provide and sponsor 
training for emergency responders along their routes. Additionally, 
while large-scale LNG incident response training is available through 
various organizations,\43\ the currently available training is not 
specific to rail transportation, and PHMSA and FRA are working jointly 
with relevant industry experts to ensure the availability of 
appropriate training resources for emergency responders that include 
rail-specific information. For example, FRA has already provided grant 
funding to TRANSCAER[supreg] to develop and refine LNG by rail 
emergency response training.\44\ Additionally, PHMSA is developing a 
Commodity Preparedness and Incident Management Reference Sheet similar 
to that which was created for crude oil transportation. This reference 
sheet will provide emergency response organizations with a standard 
incident management framework based on pre-incident planning, 
preparedness principles, and best practices. Furthermore, it will 
address transportation safety and precautions; hazard assessment and 
risk; rail safety procedures; logistics; and the tools, equipment, and 
resources necessary to prepare for and respond to incidents.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ For example, the following organizations provide LNG 
response training: Texas A&M Extension Service (https://teex.org/program/lng-emergency-response/) and Northeast Gas Association 
(https://www.northeastgas.org/tql-lng-safety.php).
    \44\ See https://www.transcaer.com/training/online-training-courses/seconds-count-are-you-prepared for additional information on 
TRANSCAER[supreg].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA required in DOT-SP 20534 that the grantee provide training, 
conforming to NFPA 472, to emergency response agencies that could be 
affected between the authorized origin and destination. However, due to 
the ongoing efforts to ensure adequate emergency response training 
described above, such a requirement is not necessary in this final 
rule.
    PHMSA is also engaged in outreach activities to educate and gain 
input from emergency responders directly. In October 2019, PHMSA and 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Fire Academy 
(NFA) held a Town Hall Meeting in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.\45\ 
The purpose of the Town Hall Meeting was to seek input from and note 
concerns of the emergency preparedness community and its stakeholders 
in the mid-Atlantic region--specifically, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 
related to LNG transportation. The meeting consisted of a series of 
technical presentations on LNG transportation risks and incident 
response protocols. Then, attendees participated in open discussions 
related to the topic of general rail transportation of LNG. While 
attendees provided general inputs on issues related to improving the 
overall effective response capability in the event of a rail incident 
of LNG, there was no heightened concern regarding the commodity or mode 
of transportation. PHMSA found that the emergency responders in 
attendance were well oriented to the challenges of LNG incident 
response, as they already have LNG transiting through their communities 
in other modes of transportation and have improved and adjusted their 
plans to include LNG.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ See the LNG by Rail Transport Town Hall Meeting Report, at: 
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=PHMSA-2019-0100-3005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA is committed to furthering engagement with emergency 
responders throughout the country regarding the transportation of LNG 
by rail through various forms of outreach, to include additional Town 
Hall Meetings, participation at the annual IAFC conference, trainings, 
and webinars.
2. Current Emergency Planning
    Numerous commenters, to include The Village of Barrington, 
Illinois, expressed concern for the safety of emergency responders. 
Several individuals stated their belief that current emergency response 
plans may be insufficient to address a rail incident involving LNG, 
further noting that an LNG train derailment could cause severe damage 
to the surrounding area and that first responders would be unable to 
control any type of fire or explosions. Additionally, some commenters 
expressed specific concern that there is no way to extinguish an LNG 
fire, with the only option to let the fire burn out.
    Additionally, the NJDEP requested that emergency response plans be 
in place to prepare local responders better. They also requested that 
the emergency response plans include the route and an alternative route 
analysis, developed with the State and local emergency responders 
impacted, identifying all sensitive receptors within the 1-mile buffer 
of the route and any alternative routes, with plans on how to protect 
public health and safety and the environment. They stated that this 
information should be shared with the States, providing an opportunity 
for States to comment on routes and planning.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA directs grant programs that are designed to improve hazardous 
materials safety. For example, the HMEP grants to States, Territories 
and Native American tribes enhance their emergency response 
capabilities when dealing with hazardous materials related 
transportation incidents. The grants, authorized under 49 U.S.C 5116, 
assists each recipient in performing their hazardous materials response 
duties and aid in the development, implementation, and improvement of 
emergency plans for local communities and training for emergency 
responders to help communities prepare for a potential hazardous 
materials transportation incident. The hazmat safety grant programs 
have helped to foster partnerships with State and local communities 
through ensuring emergency responders are prepared and trained to 
respond properly to hazmat transportation incidents nationwide. PHMSA 
believes that these efforts will prepare emergency responders for the 
risks regarding LNG transportation. PHMSA will continue to assess the 
effectiveness of these programs and the preparedness of emergency 
responders. As previously noted, FRA has provided grant funding to 
TRANSCAER[supreg] to develop and refine LNG emergency response 
training.
    Finally, as discussed in Section III of this final rule, PHMSA is 
revising Sec.  172.820(a) to add a condition requiring any rail carrier 
transporting a quantity of LNG in a rail tank car to comply with the 
additional safety and security planning requirements for transportation 
by rail, which means the rail carrier is subject to collecting 
commodity data, performing a route analysis, and determining 
alternative routes. We are further revising the additional planning 
requirements to add a new condition for rail carriers to factor in 
transport of LNG to a routing analysis prior to the onset of transport 
of any loaded tank car of LNG. Once transport of LNG begins for a 
carrier, it can revert to the standard requirement to compile commodity 
flow data no later than 90 days after the end of each calendar year and 
use that data in analyzing the safety and security risks for the 
transportation

[[Page 45021]]

route(s), and subsequently identifying alternative routes.
    These actions will strengthen the emergency response planning 
requirements and will assist in getting needed information to emergency 
responders.
3. Evacuation Distances
    Other commenters cited concerns over the feasibility of imposing 
evacuation distances in an LNG accident. The IAFF commented that an LNG 
tank car fire would require the evacuation of all people within a 1-
mile radius, stating that this would not be possible in most 
jurisdictions across the United States. They stated that any fire 
involving multiple LNG cars would place large numbers of the public at 
risk while depleting many communities of their emergency response 
resources. They further commented that consequences would be disastrous 
unless responders receive extensive training specific to an LNG-by-rail 
event. PSR commented that in the event of an LNG by rail fire and/or 
explosion, PHMSA would be unable to adequately define the hazard zone 
and the risk to nearby populations. PSR stated that first responders, 
health professionals, planners, and concerned citizens would not know 
the extent of the hazard zone or the nature and degree of risk it 
poses. PSR further expressed that the dangers clearly call for greater 
elaboration, including the response measures necessary to minimize harm 
and protect human life.
    Additionally, the City of Zion Fire and Rescue noted that the 
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) uses the same response guidance for 
LNG and LPG. They stated that a 1-mile evacuation radius would be 
inadequate for a large LNG fire and that it would not be feasible to 
implement a larger evacuation distance. Finally, Earthjustice expressed 
its belief that Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Lab testing 
noted that methane fires behave differently than other hydrocarbon 
fires, and that LNG has a potential for a ``wider than anticipated 
vapor cloud.''
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA disagrees that the 1-mile evacuation distance is not possible 
and further notes that LNG is currently authorized for transportation 
by cargo tank and that the recommended 1-mile evacuation distance for 
LNG tank car fires is consistent with response guidance for cargo tank 
fires involving LNG. Furthermore, ERG recommends a 1-mile evacuation 
distance for many hazardous materials; therefore, emergency responders 
are familiar with this recommended distance, having used this guidance 
for decades. Additionally, PHMSA updates the ERG regularly in 
consultation with the response community and other experts, and adjusts 
recommended protective action distances as part of this process.
    PHMSA and FRA are aware of, and have extensively reviewed, the 
available studies on LNG pool fires and evacuation distances. 
Specifically, PHMSA has reviewed studies conducted by Sandia National 
Laboratory \46\ for DOE, a study conducted by ABSG for FERC \47\ on the 
hazard characteristics of LNG released over water, and a study on LNG 
pool fires on land.\48\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0933/ML093350855.pdf.
    \47\ https://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/indus-act/lng/cons-model/cons-model.pdf.
    \48\ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327900878_Experimental_Study_of_LNG_Pool_Fire_on_Land_in_the_Field.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The purpose of the ERG and the evacuation distances contained 
therein is to assist responders in making initial decisions upon 
arriving at the scene of a hazardous materials transport incident. The 
ERG should not be considered as substitutes for emergency response 
training, knowledge, experience, or sound judgment. The ERG also cannot 
address all possible circumstances that may be associated with a 
hazardous material release incident. Additionally, each guide page 
within the ERG provides guidance for responding to incidents involving 
multiple different but related hazardous materials. In the current 2016 
edition of the ERG, LNG has been assigned to Guide 115, ``Gases--
Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids).'' Guide 115 provides 
generalized response recommendations for over 100 different hazardous 
materials. Therefore, this guide page should only be used until a 
specific incident can be assessed and more appropriate response 
measures implemented.
    Based on PHMSA's review of available literature on the properties 
of LNG releases, the current evacuation distances are appropriate. 
Therefore, PHMSA will make no change to the current evacuation 
distances for LNG.
4. Modeling Availability
    The Delaware Riverkeeper Network expressed concern that there are 
no publicly available modeling estimates by PHMSA or private 
consultants on the downwind distances for an LNG by rail release and 
how it can travel into trackside communities. They further commented 
that there is a need for candid emergency event training materials for 
rail workers and local emergency responders.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA notes that various software programs are available to model 
the dispersion of gases, including LNG. Moreover, PHMSA sponsored a 
study by the UK Health and Safety Laboratory to develop a Model 
Evaluation Protocol that can be used to evaluate the suitability of 
vapor dispersion models for predicting hazard ranges associated with 
large spills of LNG.\49\ Finally, the ERG provides an initial 
evacuation distance for flammable gases including LNG.\50\ Therefore, 
PHMSA believes that there are sufficient tools available to the 
emergency response community to ensure adequate modeling in the event 
of an incident.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ Evaluating vapor dispersion models for safety analysis of 
LNG facilities. M.J. Ivings, SE Grant, S.F. Jagger, C.J. Lea, J.R. 
Steward and D.M. Webber. (September 2016). https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Hazardous-materials/RFLNGDispersionModelMEP.ashx.
    \50\ See section ``III. E. 3, Evacuation Distances'' for further 
discussion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. PHMSA Determination Regarding Emergency Response
    The existing structure of the HMR--to include requirements for 
security plans, emergency response information, and training--provides 
for the safe transportation of all hazardous materials. Notably, 49 CFR 
part 172, subpart G sets forth the applicability and requirements for 
emergency response information which must be made immediately available 
to emergency responders. The HMR currently require the following 
information to accompany a shipment of LNG by rail:
    (1) Immediate hazards to health;
    (2) Risks of fire or explosion;
    (3) Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident 
or incident;
    (4) Immediate methods for handling fires;
    (5) Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of 
fire; and
    (6) Preliminary first aid measures.
    PHMSA believes that the current requirements for emergency response 
information are appropriate for future movement of LNG by rail. 
Additionally, PHMSA directs comprehensive grant programs that are 
designed to improve hazardous materials safety. The hazmat safety grant 
programs have helped to foster partnerships with local communities and 
universities to provide resources for emergency preparedness and the 
implementation of best

[[Page 45022]]

practices regarding hazardous materials safety nationwide.

F. Comments of General Opposition

    PHMSA received hundreds of comments expressing general opposition 
to the overall intent of the NPRM and the provisions proposed therein 
to authorize the transportation of LNG in rail tank cars. Many of these 
commenters voiced general concern about the public health, safety, and/
or environmental risks of trains carrying bulk quantities of LNG. There 
was also opposition to the overall timeline of the rule, and PHMSA's 
authority to issue it.
    Specifically, Theresa Pugh Consulting LLC opposed the 
transportation of LNG by rail in the lower 48 States, noting that 
Alaska may be an exception because of extreme circumstances that might 
require the need for LNG transportation by tank car. PSR and various 
others expressed concern that LNG by rail would pose risks to people 
living in proximity to rail lines, especially in densely populated 
urban and suburban areas. PSR specifically stated that it views issuing 
a national approval for LNG by rail as premature.
    The Guardians of Martin County, Inc. and the Alliance for Safe 
Trains both expressed concern over LNG trains sharing the same track as 
passenger trains in Florida. The Guardians of Martin County, Inc. noted 
the age of infrastructure and population density of the area these 
trains would pass through. The Alliance for Safe Trains noted that a 
high-speed rail project will be sharing tracks or riding on parallel 
tracks to trains carrying LNG. Various commenters, including the 
Surfrider Foundation, commented that the proposals in the NPRM are 
extremely dangerous. The Surfrider Foundation stated that LNG is a 
flammable, volatile, and hazardous material with numerous examples of 
accidents and safety issues. The Surfrider Foundation further stated 
that one government study put the hazard range for a vapor cloud at 
more than 1.5 miles.
    The Delaware Riverkeeper Network disagreed with the language in 
AAR's petition suggesting that DOT and Transport Canada maintain 
consistent requirements for LNG by rail. They stated that there is 
insufficient justification to change the HMR because no rail cars of 
LNG have been transported in Canada to date.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA notes that many of these comments did not contain sufficient 
information or supporting rationale that could be assessed to determine 
the provisions authorized in this rulemaking. PHMSA agrees with 
commenters that the risks related to the transportation of LNG by rail 
should be assessed and properly mitigated to ensure safety for the 
public and the environment. As outlined above, PHMSA has assessed the 
risks posed by the transportation of LNG by rail. PHMSA finds that the 
design elements of the DOT-113C120W9 rail tank car, the operational 
controls required in this final rule, combined with the existing HMR 
requirements that would apply and the voluntary industry standards in 
AAR Circular OT-55, will provide a safe transportation environment for 
LNG by rail.
    PHMSA acknowledges commenters' general opposition to the transport 
of LNG on routes that bring this material into close proximity to the 
public. To address this concern, PHMSA is applying the existing 
additional planning requirements to the transport of LNG in rail tank 
cars, which include routing analysis requirements, to factor the risk 
of LNG transport in route planning. In this final rule, there is no 
geographical limit to LNG train operations, making routing analysis 
beneficial. This amendment will require railroads to evaluate safety 
and security risk factors when assessing the potential routes to be 
used to transport LNG. The 27 safety and security risk factors required 
by the route risk assessment provide a robust framework for carrier 
evaluation of the routes considered for use in LNG transportation.
    Trains consisting of, and in some cases made up entirely of, rail 
cars carrying hazardous materials are moved on the same rail lines as 
passenger trains across the country. For densely-populated passenger 
train corridors (e.g., Northeast Corridor and Florida's east coast) 
railroads typically operate freight trains (with and without hazmat) at 
night to maximize efficiency and fluidity (i.e., freight trains will 
not slow down passenger trains, and freight trains will not be placed 
in sidings to make way for passenger trains). On cross country routes 
the passenger and freight trains meet with greater frequency. In both 
cases, the passenger and, more likely, freight trains will be operating 
under positive train control, which is specifically intended to prevent 
collisions, or incidents resulting from misaligned switches, incursions 
into work zones, and overspeed derailments.

G. Comments From the Puyallup Tribe

    PHMSA received comments from the Puyallup Tribe of Tacoma, 
Washington contending that the rulemaking would have potential direct 
and disparate impacts on the Tribe and its members. The Puyallup Tribe 
submitted that the rulemaking will result in rail transportation of LNG 
crossing its reservation (located within the metropolitan area of 
Tacoma, Washington) and adjacent areas when travelling to and from 
Puget Sound Energy's planned Tacoma LNG facility. The Puyallup Tribe 
asserted that rail traffic entails a number of hazards for the Tribe 
and its members, including the following: Safety risks associated with 
the release of LNG being transported by rail; degradation of air 
quality in the area due to more diesel trains operating in the vicinity 
of the reservation; an increase in rail traffic that would frustrate 
quiet enjoyment of Tribal lands; and increased exposure to rising sea 
levels from climate change.
    At the Puyallup Tribe's request, PHMSA personnel held a meeting 
with representatives of the Puyallup Tribe at PHMSA's headquarters in 
Washington, DC on February 12, 2020. Attendees at the meeting discussed 
the Puyallup Tribe's concerns regarding the Tacoma LNG facility, as 
well as the Puyallup Tribe's written comments submitted in the docket 
for this rulemaking. A summary of the February 12, 2020 meeting has 
been posted to the docket. PHMSA contacted representatives of the 
Puyallup Tribe and made itself available for additional meetings.
PHMSA Response
    PHMSA submits that those of the Puyallup Tribe's concerns 
predicated on potential rail transport of LNG to and from Puget Sound 
Energy's Tacoma LNG facility are inapposite. The Tacoma LNG facility is 
regulated by Washington State and not PHMSA. Further, it does not 
appear that rail transportation of LNG to the Tacoma LNG facility is 
currently permitted by the terms of that facility's State 
authorization; rather, Condition 41 of the Puget Sound Air Agency 
Authorizing Order specifies that the ``sole source of natural gas 
supply used in all operations'' at the Tacoma LNG Facility will be from 
Canada via pipeline.\51\ Nor does the Authorizing Order seem to 
contemplate rail transportation of LNG from that facility; rather, LNG 
transported from that facility will be transported by truck, or will be 
converted to natural gas for supply to customers via Puget Sound

[[Page 45023]]

Energy's natural gas pipeline distribution system.\52\ Indeed, 
schematics of the Tacoma LNG facility within the Puget Sound Air Agency 
docket suggest that rail infrastructure neither exists nor is 
contemplated at the site.\53\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ See Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Order of Approval No. 
11386 (Dec. 10, 2019) (Authorizing Order); Final Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement: Proposed Tacoma LNG Project at (Mar. 
2019) (Tacoma LNG FSEIS). These and other documents in the Puget 
Sound Clean Air Agency docket can be found at the following link: 
https://pscleanair.gov/460/Current-Permitting-Projects.
    \52\ See Tacoma LNG FSEIS at 1, 2-2, 2-4 to 2-5.
    \53\ See Tacoma LNG FSEIS at Figures 1-1 and 1-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

H. Comments Beyond the Scope of This Rulemaking

    PHMSA also received miscellaneous comments opposing the bulk 
transport of LNG by any mode of transportation (to include highway or 
pipeline), as well as numerous comments pertaining to the ethical 
ramifications of fossil fuel extraction and usage. Commenters 
questioned the ethics of, and requested an end to, fracking, use of 
fossil fuels, and the practice of transporting coal in open railcars 
near waterways. Commenters also expressed concerns with LNG trains 
sharing railways with high-speed trains, and high-speed trains having 
at grade crossings citing safety concerns. These comments either did 
not provide recommendations for regulatory action, exceeded the scope 
of PHMSA's authority, or were not within the scope of this rulemaking.

V. Section-by-Section Review

    The following is a section-by-section review of the amendments in 
this final rule.

A. Section 172.101

    Section 172.101 provides the HMT and instructions for its use. 
PHMSA is amending the entry for ``UN1972, Methane, refrigerated 
liquid'' in the HMT to add reference to the cryogenic liquids in (rail) 
tank cars packaging section--Sec.  173.319 in Column (8C). 
Additionally, PHMSA is amending the entry to add a special provision.

B. Section 172.102

    Section 172.102 provides the special provisions and instructions 
for their applications. PHMSA is amending paragraph (c)(1) to add 
special provision 440. Special provision 440 requires that each tank 
car used to transport LNG be remotely monitored for pressure and 
location. Additionally, the offeror must notify the carrier if the tank 
pressure rise exceeds 3 psig in a 24-hour period.

C. Section 172.820

    Section 172.820 prescribes additional safety and security planning 
requirements for transportation by rail, specifically, commodity data, 
a rail routing analysis, and identification of practicable 
alternative(s). Paragraph (a) of this section provides the 
applicability for when a rail carrier must comply with the requirements 
of this section. In this final rule, PHMSA is revising Sec.  172.820(a) 
to add a condition requiring any rail carrier transporting a quantity 
of UN1972 (``Methane, refrigerated liquid'' (cryogenic liquid) or 
``Natural gas, refrigerated liquid'' (cryogenic liquid)) to comply with 
the additional safety and security planning requirements for 
transportation by rail. Further, PHMSA is revising paragraph (b) to 
remove the initial compliance date applicable to HHFTs as these dates 
have since passed (i.e., rail carriers subject to the additional 
planning requirements because of transporting HHFTs had to complete the 
initial commodity flow data collection by March 31, 2016, using 2015 
data), and adding a new condition for rail carriers to factor in 
transport of LNG (UN1972) to a routing analysis prior to the onset of 
transport of any loaded tank car of LNG. Once transport of LNG begins 
for a carrier, it can revert to the standard requirement in paragraph 
(b) that requires it to compile commodity flow data no later than 90 
days after the end of each calendar year and use that data in analyzing 
the safety and security risks for the transportation route(s), and 
subsequently identifying alternative routes.

D. Section 173.319

    Section 173.319 prescribes requirements for cryogenic liquids 
transported in rail tank cars. Paragraph (d) provides which cryogenic 
liquids may be transported in a DOT-113 tank car when directed to this 
section by Column (8C) of the Sec.  172.101 HMT. PHMSA is amending 
paragraph (d)(2) to authorize the transport of ``Methane, refrigerated 
liquid'' (i.e., LNG). Additionally, PHMSA is amending the Pressure 
Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting Table in Sec.  
173.319(d)(2) to specify settings for methane in DOT-113C120W tank 
cars, specifically, a start-to-discharge pressure valve setting of 75 
psig; a design service temperature of -260 [deg]F; a maximum pressure 
when offered for transportation of 15 psig; and a filling density of 
37.3 percent by weight.

E. Section 174.200

    Section 174.200 prescribes the special handling requirements for 
Class 2 materials transported by rail. PHMSA is amending this section 
to include the operational requirements for trains containing tank cars 
of LNG. PHMSA is adding paragraph (d), which states that for a single 
train of 20 or more loaded tank cars of ``Methane, refrigerated 
liquid'' in a continuous block or a single train carrying 35 or more 
loaded tank cars of ``Methane, refrigerated liquid'' throughout the 
train, each carrier must ensure the train is equipped and operated with 
either an EOT device, as defined in 49 CFR 232.5, or a DP system, as 
defined in 49 CFR 229.5.

F. Section 179.400-5

    Section 179.400-5 prescribes the material requirements for the 
construction of DOT-113 tank cars. Paragraph (b) states that any steel 
casting, steel forging, steel structural shape or carbon steel plate 
used to fabricate the outer jacket or heads must be as specified in AAR 
Specifications for Tank Cars, appendix M. PHMSA is amending this 
paragraph to require that for tank cars transporting ``Methane, 
refrigerated liquid,'' the outer shell must be made of AAR TC 128, 
Grade B normalized steel plate as specified in Sec.  179.100-7(a).

G. Section 179.400-8

    Section 179.400-8 prescribes the requirements for plate thickness 
on the DOT-113 specification tank car. Paragraph (d) states that the 
minimum wall thickness for the outer jacket shell, after forming, must 
be no less than 7/16th inch and the outer jacket heads must be no less 
than \1/2\ inch thick. PHMSA is amending paragraph (d) to require DOT-
113 tank cars used in LNG service to have an outer shell and tank head 
thickness, after forming, of 9/16th inch. Additionally, the shell and 
heads must be made of AAR TC 128, Grade B normalized steel plate as 
specified in Sec.  179.100-7(a).

H. Section 179.400-26

    PHMSA is adding Sec.  179.400-26 to provide the authorization for a 
DOT-113 tank car to be loaded to a gross weight on rail of up to 
286,000 pounds (129,727 kg) upon approval by the Associate 
Administrator for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

I. Section 180.515

    Section 180.515 discusses requirements for marking tank cars as 
part of their continuing qualification for service. In this final rule, 
PHMSA is adding the new specification suffix ``9'' to the DOT-113C120W 
specification to indicate compliance with enhanced outer tank steel and 
thickness requirements beyond the standard DOT-113C120W specification. 
In conformance with this change, PHMSA is adding a new paragraph (d) to 
Sec.  180.515 to require that the ``9'' suffix always remain marked as 
part of the specification DOT-113C120W9 for these enhanced tank cars, 
to distinguish

[[Page 45024]]

standard DOT-113C120W tank cars (such as those currently used to 
transport ethylene) from enhanced DOT-113C120W9 cars authorized for 
LNG. PHMSA intends this new paragraph to reduce confusion for tank car 
users.

VI. Regulatory Analyses and Notices

A. Statutory/Legal Authority for This Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is published under the authority of the Federal 
hazmat law. Section 5103(b) of the Federal hazmat law authorizes the 
Secretary of Transportation to ``prescribe regulations for the safe 
transportation, including security, of hazardous materials in 
intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce.'' The Secretary's 
authority regarding hazardous materials safety is delegated to PHMSA at 
49 CFR 1.97. This rulemaking authorizes the transportation of LNG by 
rail in DOT-113C120W tank cars, with certain enhanced outer tank 
requirements, subject to all applicable requirements and certain 
additional operational controls.

B. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This rulemaking is considered a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review'' [58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993)], and was reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This rulemaking is also 
considered a significant rulemaking under the DOT regulations governing 
rulemaking procedures (49 CFR part 5). E.O. 12866 requires agencies to 
regulate in the ``most cost-effective manner,'' to make a ``reasoned 
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its 
costs,'' and to develop regulations that ``impose the least burden on 
society.'' Similarly, DOT regulations require that regulations issued 
by PHMSA and other DOT Operating Administrations ``should be designed 
to minimize burdens and reduce barriers to market entry whenever 
possible, consistent with the effective promotion of safety'' and 
should generally ``not be issued unless their benefits are expected to 
exceed their costs.'' Sec.  5.5(f)-(g).
    Additionally, E.O. 12866 and DOT regulations require agencies to 
provide a meaningful opportunity for public participation, which also 
reinforces requirements for notice and comment under the APA.\54\ 
Therefore, in the previously published NPRM, PHMSA sought public 
comment on revisions to the HMR authorizing the transportation of LNG 
by rail tank car. PHMSA also sought comment on the preliminary cost and 
cost savings analyses, as well as any information that could assist in 
quantifying the benefits of this rulemaking. Those comments are 
addressed, and additional discussion about the economic impacts of the 
final rule are provided, within the final RIA posted in the docket.\55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ 5 U.S.C. 553; 49 CFR 5.5(i).
    \55\ See Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0025 at www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This final rule adopts the proposal in the NPRM, with certain 
amendments, to allow the transportation of LNG by rail in an authorized 
tank car. Under current regulatory standards, LNG is not authorized for 
transportation by tank car. Therefore, this final rule is considered an 
enabling rule.
    In promulgating this final rule, PHMSA is providing a path for 
potential benefits that would not otherwise be gained in the absence of 
this rulemaking, such as increased transportation efficiency, increased 
modal safety, expanded fuel usage, improved accessibility to remote 
regions, and increased U.S. energy competitiveness. These benefits are 
described qualitatively in the Final RIA. The final rule essentially 
prescribes packaging for a flammable cryogenic material (i.e., LNG) for 
shippers and rail carriers who choose to transport LNG by rail. The 
discretionary and voluntary decision of a shipper and railroad company 
to transport LNG by rail, upon implementation of this final rule, 
requires full compliance with all existing regulations governing the 
transportation of flammable cryogenic materials, and the operation of 
freight and other non-passenger train services; as well as the 
additional requirements adopted under the final rule, namely, enhanced 
outer tank design and material standards and operational controls 
supplemental to the existing operational controls in the HMR.

C. Executive Order 13771

    This rulemaking is expected to be an Executive Order 13771 
deregulatory action. Details on the estimated cost savings of this 
final rule can be found in the final RIA posted in the docket.\56\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Executive Order 13132

    This rulemaking was analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism.'' This 
rulemaking may preempt State, local, and Tribal requirements but does 
not amend any regulation that has substantial direct effects on the 
States, the relationship between the Federal government and the States, 
or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government. Therefore, the consultation and funding 
requirements of E.O. 13132 do not apply.
    Federal hazmat law, 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, contains express 
preemption provisions relevant to this proceeding. As amended by 
Section 1711(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296, 
116 Stat. 2319), 49 U.S.C. 5125(a) provides that a requirement of a 
State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe is preempted--
unless the non-Federal requirement is authorized by another Federal law 
or DOT grants a waiver of preemption under section 5125(e)--if (1) 
complying with the non-Federal requirement and the Federal requirement 
is not possible (dual compliance test); or (2) the non-Federal 
requirement, as applied and enforced, is an obstacle to accomplishing 
and carrying out the Federal requirement (obstacle test).
    Additionally, 49 U.S.C. 5125(b)(1) provides that a non-Federal 
requirement concerning any of five subjects is preempted when the non-
Federal requirement is not ``substantively the same as'' a provision of 
Federal hazmat law, a regulation prescribed under that law, or a 
hazardous materials security regulation or directive issued by the 
Department of Homeland Security (covered subjects test).\57\ To be 
``substantively the same,'' the non-Federal requirement must conform 
``in every significant respect to the Federal requirement. Editorial 
and other similar de minimis changes are permitted.'' The subject areas 
covered under this authority are:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ Unless the non-Federal requirement is authorized by another 
Federal law or DOT grants a waiver of preemption under 49 CFR 
5125(e).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The designation, description, and classification of hazardous 
materials;
    (2) The packing, repacking, handling, labeling, marking, and 
placarding of hazardous materials;
    (3) The preparation, execution, and use of shipping documents 
related to hazardous materials and requirements related to the number, 
contents, and placement of those documents;
    (4) The written notification, recording, and reporting of the 
unintentional release in transportation of hazardous material; and
    (5) The design, manufacture, fabrication, marking, maintenance, 
recondition, repair, or testing of a packaging or container 
represented, marked, certified, or sold as qualified

[[Page 45025]]

for use in transporting hazardous material.
    This rule addresses subject items (2) and (5) above, which are 
covered subjects, and therefore, non-Federal requirements that fail to 
meet the ``substantively the same'' standard are vulnerable to 
preemption under the Federal hazmat law. Moreover, PHMSA will continue 
to make preemption determinations applicable to specific non-Federal 
requirements on a case-by-case basis, using the obstacle, dual 
compliance, and covered subjects tests provided in Federal hazmat law.
    Federal preemption also may exist pursuant to section 20106 of the 
former Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (FRSA), repealed, revised, 
reenacted, and recodified at 49 U.S.C. 20106, and the former Safety 
Appliance Acts (SAA), repealed revised, reenacted, and recodified at 49 
U.S.C. 20301-20304, 20306. Section 20106 of the former FRSA provides 
that States may not adopt or continue in effect any law, regulation, or 
order related to railroad safety or security that covers the subject 
matter of a regulation prescribed or order issued by the Secretary of 
Transportation (with respect to railroad safety matters) or the 
Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to railroad security 
matters), except when the State law, regulation, or order qualifies 
under the section's ``essentially local safety or security hazard.'' 
The former SAA has been interpreted by the Supreme Court as preempting 
the field ``of equipping cars with appliances intended for the 
protection of employees.'' Southern Ry. Co. v. R.R. Comm'n of Ind., 236 
U.S. 439, 446 (1915). The train's power braking system is considered a 
safety mechanism within the terms of the former SAA. 49 U.S.C. 
20302(a)(5).

E. Executive Order 13175

    This rulemaking was analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' and DOT Order 5301.1, 
``Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Procedures 
Affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Tribes.'' The 
Department assessed the impact of the rulemaking on Indian tribal 
governments and determined that it would not significantly or uniquely 
affect Tribal communities or Indian tribal governments because it 
neither sets national requirements for transporting LNG via rail, nor 
imposes substantial compliance costs on Indian tribal governments, nor 
mandates Tribal action.
    PHMSA is committed to satisfying its obligations under E.O. 13175 
and DOT Order 5301.1 related to Tribal outreach to ensure meaningful 
and timely engagement of Tribal governments in PHMSA rulemaking. As 
discussed above, PHMSA personnel have conducted a face-to-face meeting 
with representatives of the Puyallup Tribe to solicit their concerns 
during the development of this final rule. PHMSA has addressed those 
concerns, as well as the written comments submitted by the Puyallup 
Tribe, in the final rule and final EA. Further, since the February 2020 
meeting with the Puyallup Tribe, PHMSA has contacted representatives of 
the Puyallup Tribe and extended invitations for follow-up meetings with 
PHMSA leadership. The Puyallup Tribe has not accepted PHMSA's 
invitation to conduct further meetings.

F. Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Order 13272, and DOT Policies 
and Procedures

    This rulemaking complies with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.), which requires agencies to consider whether a 
rulemaking would have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities'' to include small businesses, not-for-profit 
organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not 
dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with 
populations under 50,000. This rulemaking has been developed in 
accordance with Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small 
Entities in Agency Rulemaking'', and DOT's procedures and policies to 
promote compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act to ensure that 
potential impacts of draft rules on small entities are properly 
considered.
    (1) a statement of the need for, and objectives of, the rule.
    The amendments to the HMR made in this final rule, which enable LNG 
to be transported by rail, are intended to provide relief by 
authorizing the transportation of LNG in tank cars with enhanced 
crashworthiness features and additional operational controls with no 
anticipated reduction in safety. This final rule creates options for 
transporting LNG, which otherwise would be limited to trucks, or 
maritime transportation modes; or, alternately, re-gasification and 
movement by pipeline in a gas state. This rule enables movement by 
rail, thereby giving shippers an alternate mode that may offer cost or 
other advantages over existing permitted modes to ship LNG. It lifts 
the blanket prohibition on movement of LNG by rail tank cars.
    (2) a statement of the significant issues raised by the public 
comments in response to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, a 
statement of the assessment of the agency of such issues, and a 
statement of any changes made in the proposed rule as a result of such 
comments.
    PHMSA addressed public comments filed under the NPRM, as well as 
the Special Permit. The comments were addressed by topic and addressed 
accordingly. Please refer to Section IV. ``Summary and Discussion of 
Comments to the Rulemaking Docket,'' of the preamble.
    (3) the response of the agency to any comments filed by the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration in response 
to the proposed rule, and a detailed statement of any change made to 
the proposed rule in the final rule as a result of the comments.
    PHMSA did not receive comments filed on behalf of the Chief Counsel 
for Advocacy at the Small Business Administration (SBA).
    (4) a description of and an estimate of the number of small 
entities to which the rule will apply or an explanation of why no such 
estimate is available.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 requires a review of 
proposed and final rules to assess their impact on small entities, 
unless the Secretary certifies that the rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
``Small entity'' is defined in 5 U.S.C. 601 as a small business concern 
that is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its 
field of operation. As far as the railroad industry, the SBA stipulates 
in its size standards that a ``small entity'' in the railroad industry 
is a for profit ``line-haul railroad'' that has fewer than 1,500 
employees, a ``short line railroad'' with fewer than 1,500 employees, a 
``commuter rail system'' with annual receipts of less than $16.5 
million, or a contractor that performs support activities for railroads 
with annual receipts of less than $16.5 million.\58\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ U. S. Small Business Administration, ``Table of Small 
Business Size Standards Matched to North American Industry 
Classification System Codes, August 19, 2019. https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2019-08/SBA%20Table%20of%20Size%20Standards_Effective%20Aug%2019,%202019.pdf.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Federal agencies may adopt their own size standards for small 
entities in consultation with SBA and in conjunction with public 
comment. Under that authority, FRA has published a final statement of 
agency policy that formally establishes ``small

[[Page 45026]]

entities'' or ``small businesses'' as railroads, contractors, and 
hazardous materials shippers that meet the revenue requirements of a 
Class III railroad as set forth in 49 CFR 1201.1-1, which is $20 
million or less in inflation-adjusted annual revenues,\59\ and commuter 
railroads or small governmental jurisdictions that serve populations of 
50,000 or less. See 68 FR 24891 (May 9, 2003) (codified at 49 CFR part 
209, appendix C). PHMSA is using this definition for the rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ The Class III railroad revenue threshold is $39,194,876 or 
less, for 2018. (The Class II railroad threshold is between 
$39,194,876 and $489,935,956; and the Class I railroad threshold is 
$489,935,956 or more.) See Surface Transportation Board (STB), 
available at https://www.stb.gov/econdata.nsf/d03c0c2161a050278525720a0044a825/1acf737531cf98ce8525841e0055e02e.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The final rule would be applicable to all railroads, although not 
all requirements would be relevant to all railroads. Railroads 
operating on the general system are required to use two-way EOT 
regardless of type of load unless exempted under 49 CFR 232.407(e). 
Two-way EOT devices cost approximately $4,000. As stated in the Final 
RIA, most Class III railroads, due to their type of train operation, 
are not required to have two-way EOT devices, except in certain 
situations. FRA regulations provide exceptions from the requirement to 
use two-way EOT device in 49 CFR 232.407(e). For Class III railroads 
that would be required to install two-way EOT devises, the monetary 
burden of the requirement to purchase and install those devices is less 
than 1% of the average annual revenue of small railroad entities. 
Therefore, the impact of this requirement is also minimal.
    As further stated in the Final RIA, there are two other types of 
entities that are subject to the rule in addition to railroad 
companies: shippers, and tank car manufacturers (to the extent of 
design specifications). There are three main types of shippers: oil and 
gas companies, chemical companies and oil and fuel logistics companies. 
PHMSA estimated the number of small entities that could potentially be 
impacted by this rule using its own registration data and the Dun and 
Bradstreet data.
    PHMSA first queried pipeline-related entities. The SBA definition 
of a small entity for those business categories is set at 1,000 
employees or, in the case of annual revenue thresholds, is set at $27.5 
million. PHMSA applied the following NAICS codes for this analysis: 
211130 Natural Gas Extraction, 213111 Drilling Oil and Gas Wells, 
213112 Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations, 325110 
Petrochemical Manufacturing, 325199 All Other Basic Organic Chemical 
Manufacturing, and 486210 Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas. 
PHMSA's queries identified a total of nine small entities: six under 
213112 Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations and three under 
486210 Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas.
    PHMSA also conducted a similar but broader query of companies that 
may potentially ship LNG by rail using PHMSA's PDM system in 
conjunction with the Dun and Bradstreet data. The query identified 
several potential subsets of SBA-size small entities; however, there is 
considerable overlapping in definitions and variation in operations 
among the codes to render a specific number(s). One possibly relevant 
NAICS code for this rule is industrial gas manufacturing (NAICS 32512). 
This industry is comprised of establishments primarily engaged in the 
manufacturing of organic and inorganic gasses in compressed, liquid or 
solid forms. The industry has a 529 entities earning a total of almost 
$10 billion in annual sales in the U.S. (2018). The companies are 
comprised mainly of large well-established entities. A small entity 
within that industry has an annual revenue of $28.23 billion (2019). 
The cost burden to shippers of this rule consist of the purchase and 
installation expense of remote monitoring devices and of a thicker 
outer tank for DOT-113 Tank Car in LNG Service. As stated in the Final 
RIA, the current estimated cost of remote monitoring devices is 
approximately $2,400-$4,000 per car depending upon the vendor plus 
additional costs for monitoring software. The estimated cost of the 
requirement to install 9/16-inch outer shell on all DOT-113 tank cars 
in LNG service is an additional $15,000 to $20,000 for the additional 
and higher-quality steel, plus $3,000-$5,000 for additional 
construction expenses. The base cost of an existing 7/16-inch outer 
tank DOT-113 is approximately $725,000. PHMSA concludes that the impact 
of this rule is less than 1% of average annual revenue for these 
entities.
    Therefore, PHMSA concludes that this rule does not impose a 
significant burden on small entities in this category.
    (5) a description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping and 
other compliance requirements of the rule, including an estimate of the 
classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement and 
the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report 
or record.
    PHMSA is revising 49 CFR 172.820 to require any rail carrier 
transporting a tank car quantity of UN1972 (Methane, refrigerated 
liquid (cryogenic liquid) or Natural gas, refrigerated liquid 
(cryogenic liquid)) to comply with the additional safety and security 
planning requirements for transportation by rail. PHMSA estimates that 
this rule does not impose a significant information collection and 
recordkeeping burdens on small entities. Please refer to Section VI.G., 
``Paperwork Reduction Act,'' of the preamble for additional information 
about the potential burdens associated with this requirement.
    (6) a description of the steps the agency has taken to minimize the 
significant economic impact on small entities consistent with the 
stated objectives of applicable statutes, including a statement of the 
factual, policy, and legal reasons for selecting the alternative 
adopted in the final rule and why each one of the other significant 
alternatives to the rule considered by the agency which affect the 
impact on small entities was rejected.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act directs agencies to establish 
exceptions and differing compliance standards for small entities, where 
it is possible to do so and still meet the objectives of applicable 
regulatory statutes. PHMSA considered three regulatory alternatives 
(including a ``no action'' alternative) when developing the NPRM. The 
alternatives (other than the `no action' alternative) were designed in 
accordance with necessary safety, engineering and operational 
specifications. These specifications, as such, do not provide leeway 
for variation of design or degrees of stringency. The chemical 
characteristics of LNG combined with the potential to be transported in 
blocks of 20 or more tank cars or unit trains require specific 
packaging (i.e. tank car) which costs approximately $750,000 per tank 
car according to PHMSA and FRA estimates. The operational control 
specifications, as mentioned above, do not impose a significant 
monetary burden on small entities.
    Other entities subject to this rule include rail tank car 
manufacturers. Although PHMSA does not regulate these entities, it does 
regulate the design specifications of rail tank cars. PHMSA estimates 
there are approximately seven rail tank car manufacturers in the U.S., 
none of which are considered small entities. The impact of the rule, in 
this case, is potentially positive, since it will generate new purchase 
order opportunities for those entities.

[[Page 45027]]

G. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations requires 
that PHMSA provide interested members of the public and affected 
agencies an opportunity to comment on information collection and 
recordkeeping requests. As detailed in Section V.C. ``Section172.820'', 
PHMSA is requiring any rail carrier transporting a tank car quantity of 
UN1972 (Methane, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) or Natural gas, 
refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)) to comply with the additional 
safety and security planning requirements for transportation by rail. 
PHMSA currently accounts for burden associated with safety and security 
planning requirements in OMB Control Number 2137-0612, ``Hazardous 
Materials Security Plans.'' PHMSA estimates that this revision will 
lead to the following increase in burden:
    Annual Increase in Number of Respondents: 0.
    Annual Increase in Number of Responses: 8.
    Annual Increase in Burden Hours: 677.
    Annual Increase in Salary Costs: $41,170.
    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 96-511), no 
person is required to respond to an information collection unless it 
has been approved by OMB and displays a valid OMB control number. As 
this revision was not proposed in the NPRM, PHMSA will publish a 
separate 60-day and 30-day notice to provide an opportunity for public 
comment on the proposed estimated increase in burden.
    Requests for a copy of this information collection should be 
directed to Steven Andrews or Shelby Geller, Office of Hazardous 
Materials Standards, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, 
Telephone (202) 366-8553.

H. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of 
this document can be used to cross-reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

I. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., 
requires agencies to assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions 
on State, local, and Tribal governments, and the private sector.\60\ 
For any NPRM or final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may 
result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in 
the aggregate of $100 million or more (or $169 million adjusted for 
inflation) in any given year, the agency must prepare, amongst other 
things, a written statement that qualitatively and quantitatively 
assesses the costs and benefits of the Federal mandate.\61\ A Federal 
mandate is defined, in part, as a regulation that imposes an 
enforceable duty upon State, local, or Tribal governments or would 
reduce or eliminate the amount of authorization of appropriation for 
Federal financial assistance that would be provided to State, local, or 
Tribal governments for the purpose of complying with a previous Federal 
mandate.\62\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \60\ 2 U.S.C. 1531.
    \61\ Id. at 1532.
    \62\ Id. at 658(5)(A), 1555.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The NPRM concluded that the rulemaking does not impose unfunded 
mandates because it does not result in costs of $169 million or more, 
adjusted for inflation, to either State, local, or Tribal governments, 
in the aggregate, or to the private sector and is the least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objective of the rulemaking.
    In response to the NPRM, Theresa Pugh Consulting, LLC argued that 
the UMRA requires that PHMSA analyze the costs that State, local, or 
Tribal governments might incur as a result of responding to potential 
emergencies caused by the transportation of LNG in rail tank cars.
    The final rule, as revised based on comments received, does not 
include a Federal mandate that may result in an aggregate expenditure 
by State, local, and Tribal governments of $169 million or more. 
Additionally, the final rule does not impose a requirement on State, 
local, or Tribal governments, much less a requirement that the DOT can 
enforce. In the event State, local, or Tribal governments need 
additional resources to plan for a potential LNG-related accident, they 
may request grants from PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Emergency 
Preparedness funds, established under 49 U.S.C. 5116(h), to support 
development, improve, and carry out emergency plans.
    In conclusion, this final rule does not impose unfunded mandates 
under the UMRA of 1995. It does not result in costs of $169 million or 
more to either State, local, or Tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or to the private sector, and it is the least burdensome alternative 
that achieves the objective of the rulemaking.

J. Environmental Assessment

    The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq., requires Federal agencies to consider the consequences of 
major Federal actions and prepare a detailed statement on actions 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The 
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) implementing regulations (40 CFR 
part 1500-1508) require Federal agencies to conduct an environmental 
review considering (1) the need for the action, (2) alternatives to the 
action, (3) probable environmental impacts of the action and 
alternatives, and (4) the agencies and persons consulted during the 
consideration process (see 40 CFR 1508.9(b)). DOT Order 5610.1C, 
``Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,'' establishes 
departmental procedures for evaluation of environmental impacts under 
NEPA and its implementing regulations.
    PHMSA has completed its NEPA analysis. Based on the environmental 
assessment, PHMSA determined that an environmental impact statement is 
not required for this rulemaking because it does not constitute an 
action meeting the criteria that normally requires the preparation of 
an environmental impact statement. As explained in the final EA, PHMSA 
has found that the selected action will not have a significant impact 
on the human environment in accordance with Section 102(2) of NEPA.
    PHMSA issued and solicited comments on a draft EA posted to the 
docket along with the NPRM. The final EA and Finding of No Significant 
Impact has been placed into the docket addressing the comments 
received.

K. Privacy Act

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the 
public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these 
comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
http://www.dot.gov/privacy.

L. Executive Order 13609 and International Trade Analysis

    Under Executive Order 13609 (``Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation''), agencies must consider whether the impacts associated 
with significant variations between domestic and international 
regulatory approaches

[[Page 45028]]

are unnecessary or may impair the ability of American business to 
export and compete internationally. See 77 FR 26413 (May 4, 2012). In 
meeting shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security, 
environmental, and other issues, international regulatory cooperation 
can identify approaches that are at least as protective as those that 
are or would be adopted in the absence of such cooperation. 
International regulatory cooperation can also reduce, eliminate, or 
prevent unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements.
    Similarly, the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as 
amended by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), 
prohibits Federal agencies from establishing any standards or engaging 
in related activities that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign 
commerce of the United States. For purposes of these requirements, 
Federal agencies may participate in the establishment of international 
standards, so long as the standards have a legitimate domestic 
objective, such as providing for safety, and do not operate to exclude 
imports that meet this objective. The statute also requires 
consideration of international standards and, where appropriate, that 
they be the basis for U.S. standards.
    PHMSA participates in the establishment of international standards 
to protect the safety of the American public. PHMSA has assessed the 
effects of the rulemaking to ensure that it does not cause unnecessary 
obstacles to foreign trade. Insofar as the final rule authorizes rail 
transportation of LNG to domestic U.S. and other North American 
markets, it would promote foreign trade. Further, the final rule's 
authorization of rail transportation of LNG aligns U.S. practice with 
Transport Canada regulations permitting rail transportation of LNG. 
Accordingly, this rulemaking is consistent with Executive Order 13609 
and PHMSA's obligations under the Trade Agreement Act, as amended.

M. Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211 (``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'') [66 FR 
28355; May 18, 2001] requires Federal agencies to prepare a Statement 
of Energy Effects for any ``significant energy action.'' Under the 
executive order, a ``significant energy action'' is defined as any 
action by an agency (normally published in the Federal Register) that 
promulgates, or is expected to lead to the promulgation of, a final 
rule or regulation (including a notice of inquiry, Advance NPRM, and 
NPRM) that (1)(i) is a significant regulatory action under Executive 
Order 12866 or any successor order and (ii) is likely to have a 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy (including a shortfall in supply, price increases, and increased 
use of foreign supplies); or (2) is designated by the Administrator of 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) as a 
significant energy action.
    This final rule is a significant action under E.O. 12866 because 
OIRA believes it raises novel, legal, and policy issues arising out of 
legal mandates; however, it is expected to have an annual effect on the 
economy of less than $100 million. Further, this action is not likely 
to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution or use 
of energy in the United States. The Administrator of OIRA has not 
designated the final rule as a significant energy action. For 
additional discussion of the anticipated economic impact of this 
rulemaking, please review the final RIA.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 172

    Education, Hazardous materials transportation, Hazardous waste, 
Incorporation by reference, Labeling, Packaging and containers, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

49 CFR Part 173

    Hazardous materials transportation, Incorporation by reference, 
Packaging and containers, Radioactive materials, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Uranium.

49 CFR Part 174

    Hazardous materials transportation, Incorporation by reference, 
Radioactive materials, Railroad safety.

49 CFR Part 179

    Hazardous materials transportation, Railroad safety, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

49 CFR Part 180

    Hazardous materials transportation, Incorporation by reference, 
Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety, Packaging and containers, 
Railroad safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    In consideration of the foregoing, PHMSA amends 49 CFR chapter I as 
follows:

PART 172--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TABLE, SPECIAL PROVISIONS, HAZARDOUS 
MATERIALS COMMUNICATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION, TRAINING 
REQUIREMENTS, AND SECURITY PLANS

0
1. The authority citation for part 172 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.81, 1.96 and 
1.97.


0
2. In Sec.  172.101, revise the table entry for ``Methane, refrigerated 
liquid (cryogenic liquid) or Natural gas, refrigerated liquid 
(cryogenic liquid), with high methane content)'' (UN1972) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  172.101   Purpose and use of the hazardous materials table.

* * * * *

[[Page 45029]]



                                                                            Sec.   172.101--Hazardous Materials Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          (8)                              (9)                      (10)
                                                                                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Hazardous                                                                          Packaging (Sec.   173.***)       Quantity limitations (see      Vessel stowage
                            materials        Hazard                                           Special    -------------------------------------   Sec.  Sec.   173.27 and  ----------------------
       Symbols          descriptions and    class or    Identification     PG     Label      provisions                                                  175.75)
                         proper shipping    division         No.                  codes        (Sec.                                          ----------------------------
                              names                                                           172.102)      Exceptions      Non-bulk     Bulk    Passenger       Cargo       Location     Other
                                                                                                                                                 aircraft/     aircraft
                                                                                                                                                   rail          only
(1)                    (2)...............        (3)  (4)..............    (5)        (6)  (7)..........  (8A).........  (8B).........   (8C)  (9A)........  (9B)........  (10A).......    (10B)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                                          * * * * * * *
                       Methane,                  2.1  UN1972...........  .....        2.1  T75, TP5, 440  None.........  None.........   318,  Forbidden...  Forbidden...  D...........       40
                        refrigerated                                                                                                      319
                        liquid (cryogenic
                        liquid) or
                        Natural gas,
                        refrigerated
                        liquid (cryogenic
                        liquid), with
                        high methane
                        content).
 
                                                                                          * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. In Sec.  172.102, amend paragraph (c)(1) by adding special provision 
440 under ``Code/Special Provisions'' to read as follows:


Sec.  172.102   Special provisions.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *

Code/Special Provisions

* * * * *
    440 When this material is transported by tank car, the offeror must 
ensure each tank car is remotely monitored for pressure and location. 
Additionally, the offeror must notify the carrier if the tank pressure 
rise exceeds 3 psig over any 24-hour period.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  172.820, revise paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  172.820   Additional planning requirements for transportation by 
rail.

    (a) General. Each rail carrier transporting in commerce one or more 
of the following materials is subject to the additional safety and 
security planning requirements of this section:
    (1) More than 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs.) in a single carload of a 
Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosive;
    (2) A quantity of a material poisonous by inhalation in a single 
bulk packaging;
    (3) A highway route-controlled quantity of a Class 7 (radioactive) 
material, as defined in Sec.  173.403 of this subchapter;
    (4) A high-hazard flammable train (HHFT) as defined in Sec.  171.8 
of this subchapter; or
    (5) A quantity of UN1972 (Methane, refrigerated liquid or Natural 
gas, refrigerated liquid) when transported in a rail tank car.
    (b) * * *
    (1) Commodity data must be collected by route, a line segment or 
series of line segments as aggregated by the rail carrier. Within the 
rail carrier selected route, the commodity data must identify the 
geographic location of the route and the total number of shipments by 
UN identification number for the materials specified in paragraph (a) 
of this section.
    (i) A rail carrier subject to additional planning requirements of 
this section based on paragraph (a)(5) of this section that has yet to 
transport UN 1972, must factor in planned shipments of UN 1972 to the 
commodity data for use in the paragraph (c) route analysis prior to 
initial transport of the material.
    (ii) [Reserved]
* * * * *

PART 173--SHIPPERS--GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND 
PACKAGINGS

0
5. The authority citation for part 173 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.81, 1.96 and 
1.97.


0
6. In Sec.  173.319, revise paragraph (d)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  173.319   Cryogenic liquids in tank cars.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) Ethylene, hydrogen (minimum 95 percent parahydrogen), and 
methane, cryogenic liquids must be loaded and shipped in accordance 
with the following table:

                                  Table 1 to Sec.   173.319(d)--Pressure Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Maximum permitted filling density  (percent by weight)
  Maximum start-to-discharge   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       pressure  (psig)                   Ethylene                 Ethylene              Ethylene                 Hydrogen                 Methane
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17............................  ...........................  ....................  ...................  6.60                         ...................
45............................  52.8.......................  ....................  ...................  ...........................  ...................
75............................  ...........................  51.1................  51.1...............  ...........................  37.3.
Maximum pressure when offered   10 psig....................  20 psig.............  20 psig............  ...........................  15 psig.
 for transportation.
Design service temperature....  Minus 260 [deg]F...........  Minus 260 [deg]F....  Minus 155 [deg]F...  Minus 423 [deg]F...........  Minus 260 [deg]F.
Specification (see Sec.         113D60W, 113C60W...........  113C120W............  113D120W...........  113A175W, 113A60W..........  113C120W9.
 180.507(b)(3) of this
 subchapter).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: For DOT 113 cryogenic tank cars, delimiters indicate the following:
A--authorized for minus 423 [deg]F loading;
C--authorized for minus 260 [deg]F loading;
D--authorized for minus 155 [deg]F loading.
The specification suffix ``9'' indicates the tank car is equipped with (minimum) 9/16 inch TC 128B normalized steel outer jacket and tank heads.


[[Page 45030]]

* * * * *

PART 174--CARRIAGE BY RAIL

0
7. The authority citation for part 174 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 33 U.S.C. 1321; 49 CFR 1.81 and 
1.97.


0
8. In Sec.  174.200, add paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  174.200   Special handling requirements.

* * * * *
    (d) For a single train of 20 or more loaded tank cars of Methane, 
refrigerated liquid in a continuous block or a single train carrying 35 
or more loaded tank cars of Methane, refrigerated liquid throughout the 
train consist, each carrier must ensure the train is equipped and 
operated with either a two-way end-of-train (EOT) device, as defined in 
49 CFR 232.5, or a distributed power (DP) system, as defined in 49 CFR 
229.5.

PART 179--SPECIFICATIONS FOR TANK CARS

0
9. The authority citation for part 179 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97.


0
10. In Sec.  179.400-5, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  179.400-5   Materials.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) Any steel casting, steel forging, steel structural shape or 
carbon steel plate used to fabricate the outer jacket or heads must be 
as specified in AAR Specifications for Tank Cars, appendix M.
    (2) For DOT-113C120W9 tank cars, the outer jacket shell and outer 
jacket heads must be made of AAR TC-128, Grade B normalized steel plate 
as specified in Sec.  179.100-7(a).
* * * * *

0
11. In Sec.  179.400-8, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  179.400-8  Thickness of plates.

* * * * *
    (d)(1) The minimum wall thickness, after forming, of the outer 
jacket shell may not be less than \7/16\ inch. The minimum wall 
thickness, after forming, of the outer jacket heads may not be less 
than \1/2\ inch and they must be made from steel specified in Sec.  
179.16(c).
    (2) For DOT 113C120W9 tank cars, the minimum wall thickness of the 
outer jacket shell and the outer jacket heads must be no less than \9/
16\ inch after forming, and must be made of AAR TC-128, Grade B 
normalized steel plate.
    (3) The annular space is to be evacuated, and the cylindrical 
portion of the outer jacket between heads, or between stiffening rings 
if used, must be designed to withstand an external pressure of 37.5 
psig (critical collapsing pressure), as determined by the following 
formula:

Pc = [2.6E(t/D)\2.5\]/[(L/D) - 0.45(t/D)\0.5\]

Where:

Pc = Critical collapsing pressure (37.5 psig minimum) in 
psig;
E = modulus of elasticity of jacket material, in psi;
t = minimum thickness of jacket material, after forming, in inches;
D = outside diameter of jacket, in inches;
L = distance between stiffening ring centers in inches. (The heads 
may be considered as stiffening rings located \1/3\ of the head 
depth from the head tangent line.)
* * * * *

0
12. Add Sec.  179.400-26 to read as follows:


Sec.  179.400-26  Approval to operate at 286,000 gross rail load (GRL).

    A tank car may be loaded to a gross weight on rail of up to 286,000 
pounds (129,727 kg) upon approval by the Associate Administrator for 
Safety, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). See Sec.  179.13.

PART 180--CONTINUING QUALIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PACKAGINGS

0
13. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97.


0
14. In Sec.  180.515, add paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  180.515   Markings.

* * * * *
    (d) The specification marking for DOT 113 tank cars built in 
accordance with the DOT 113C120W9 specification must display the last 
numeral of the specification number (i.e., ``DOT 113C120W9'').

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 19, 2020, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Howard R. Elliott,
Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
[FR Doc. 2020-13604 Filed 7-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P


