Liquefied natural gas, commonly known as LNG, is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for easier storage and transportation. Once liquefied, the volume of natural gas shrinks significantly, making it more practical to move long distances. LNG is a major source of energy and is used for heating, electricity generation, and fueling certain vehicles.
Transporting LNG by rail has been a topic of discussion in recent years, especially as demand for energy continues to grow. While pipelines are the primary method of moving natural gas, rail transportation can offer flexibility in areas not connected to pipeline networks. However, the transportation of such a highly flammable substance comes with significant safety concerns.
A Brief History of the Rail Rule
In 2020, a rule was finalized that allowed the bulk transport of LNG by rail across the United States. This decision was made during the Trump administration and was justified as a move to increase energy transportation options. Prior to this rule, LNG transportation by rail was very limited and only allowed under special conditions with approval from federal regulators.
The new rule permitted LNG to be carried in specialized rail tank cars known as DOT-113. These tank cars are designed to hold cryogenic materials, but many safety advocates argued they were not designed with the unique risks of LNG in mind. Critics feared that allowing large-scale LNG shipments by rail could lead to dangerous accidents, especially in populated areas.
Safety Concerns Raised by Experts and Communities
Many safety experts, environmental groups, and local communities voiced serious concerns about transporting LNG by rail. Their worries centered around the potential for catastrophic accidents. A derailment involving LNG could cause explosions, fires, and widespread destruction.
LNG is not explosive in its liquid form, but when it leaks and evaporates into a gas, it becomes highly flammable. If an accident occurs and a tank car is breached, the gas could spread over a wide area and ignite if it meets a spark or flame. In such a case, entire neighborhoods could be at risk.
Emergency response teams in many parts of the country are not equipped to deal with such accidents. Smaller towns along rail routes may lack the resources to handle a large LNG spill or fire. This raised further alarm, especially in regions where rail lines pass through residential or environmentally sensitive areas.
The Biden Administration’s Response
In response to these concerns, the Biden administration began taking steps to pause and review the rule. The Department of Transportation, through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), initiated a new rulemaking process to reconsider the 2020 decision.
On May 20, 2024, the Biden administration officially blocked the rule that allowed large-scale transportation of LNG by rail. This action reversed the Trump-era policy and placed a hold on future LNG rail shipments until further safety assessments are completed. The administration stated that more research and data were needed to ensure public safety before allowing such transports to proceed.
Legal and Political Reactions
The decision to block the rule drew mixed reactions. Environmental groups and public safety advocates praised the move as a step in the right direction. They argued that public health and safety should come before energy industry convenience. Several legal experts noted that federal agencies are allowed to revisit and revise past rules if new evidence or public concerns justify it.
On the other hand, some industry representatives and political figures criticized the decision. They argued that rail transport of LNG could help reduce dependence on foreign energy and improve supply chain efficiency. They also pointed to potential economic benefits, including job creation and expanded infrastructure investment.
Supporters of LNG rail transport claimed that proper safety measures and modern tank cars could make the practice safe. However, the government maintained that current technologies do not fully address the risks involved.
The Role of Technology in LNG Transport
Modern tank cars such as the DOT-113 are built with thick steel walls and insulation to keep LNG cold and contained. Despite this, real-world tests and accident simulations have shown that these tank cars could fail under certain conditions, such as high-impact crashes or prolonged fires.
Research into improved rail safety technologies is ongoing. Some of the proposed advancements include stronger materials, better insulation systems, and automatic emergency release valves. Until these technologies are fully tested and proven to be effective, regulators are likely to remain cautious.
The Impact on Local Communities
Communities near rail lines were some of the most vocal opponents of the 2020 rule. Residents worried about what would happen if an LNG train derailed in their town. Many communities already deal with the noise and traffic caused by freight trains. Adding the risk of a hazardous materials disaster heightened their concerns.
Local leaders from small towns and large cities alike requested that federal agencies conduct detailed safety studies before allowing LNG rail shipments. Their calls for action were a major reason why the Biden administration decided to revisit the rule.
Some local governments also expressed concern about the lack of communication between federal regulators and municipalities. In many cases, towns were not informed about proposed LNG routes until after plans were made. This lack of transparency led to distrust and frustration.
International Comparisons and Practices
Other countries have also faced challenges when it comes to LNG transport. In Canada and Europe, rail transport of LNG is tightly regulated and allowed only under very specific conditions. These countries often require additional safety features, routing restrictions, and emergency preparedness plans.
The United States has generally relied more on pipelines, ships, and trucks for LNG transportation. Introducing widespread rail transport would represent a major shift in logistics and safety protocols. Learning from other countries’ experiences could help the U.S. develop a safer approach if rail transport is reconsidered in the future.
What Happens Next?
Now that the LNG rail rule has been blocked, the Department of Transportation and PHMSA will continue to study the issue. They are working with scientists, safety engineers, and public interest groups to collect data and develop updated safety regulations. These new rules could take months or even years to finalize.
In the meantime, LNG transportation by rail will remain limited and closely monitored. Any companies wishing to ship LNG by train will need to apply for special permits and undergo strict safety reviews.
Policymakers are also considering other ways to improve energy transportation. These include modernizing pipeline infrastructure, investing in clean energy alternatives, and encouraging energy efficiency at the community level.
Conclusion
Blocking the LNG rail transportation safety rule was a significant move by the federal government. While some saw it as a step backward for energy innovation, many others viewed it as a necessary action to protect public safety. The risks associated with transporting large amounts of liquefied natural gas by rail are serious, and rushing the process could have dangerous consequences.
By pausing the rule, the government is allowing time for more research, stronger safety standards, and a better understanding of the long-term impacts. This decision reflects a careful approach to balancing energy needs with public well-being. As the debate continues, it will be important for all voices—from industry experts to local residents—to be heard and considered in shaping future policy.
