PHMSA Responds to HM-251 Appeals to Final Rule: Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains

摘要

Upon reviewing the appeals that had been submitted a couple of months ago, I thought that a number of appellants had made strong arguments supporting a need for changes to the final rule. In turn, in responding to these appeals, PHMSA and FRA have put forth strong arguments for staying the course and implementing the safety enhancements embodied in the HM-251 final rule as expeditiously as possible. It remains to be seen if appellants whose appeals have been denied will accept DOT's determinations or seek further review, such as through petitions for rulemaking or the courts.