Final LNG-by-Rail Rule Elicits Praise, Alarm

摘要

Federal regulators have finalized a controversial rule allowing LNG to be transported in bulk on specialized rail cars, eliciting praise from the gas industry and condemnation from some politicians and activists worried about safety. The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rule will allow transport of LNG in cars with outer tanks enhanced with thicker carbon steel. It also requires remote monitoring of pressure and location and orders railroads to conduct "routine risk assessments to evaluate safety and security." "The rule carefully lays out key operational safeguards to provide for the safe transportation of LNG by rail to more parts of the country where this energy source is needed," said US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.