(PartiallyPolitics.com) – On Friday the Biden administration with a federal filing reversed the Trump-era regulations that had allowed the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the rail system.
The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has suspended the usage of rail tank cars for LNG transportation. The previous authorization had been established in 2020. The new rule is going to stay in effect until a new permanent rule is finalized and put in place, which could require several months. Alternatively, the rule is going to stay in place until June 30, 2025.
Sierra Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels Campaign director Patrick Grenter stated that the eco group had been encouraged by the administration’s decision which would put an end to the dangerous practice of highly flammable LNG being transported via rail which passes through many communities. As he pointed out they have previously seen how accidents in the railway route can cause pollution in communities near the accident, and they support any move and action that would stop something like this from occurring again.
He proceeded to urge the department to make the decision permanent, blocking the transportation of LNG through the rail forever.
Many other environmental organizations, including the Food & Water Watch, Earthjustice, and Natural Resources Defense Council have argued against the transportation of LNG pointing out the devastation it can cause. As they have noted the highly flammable material could potentially cause explosions that could completely destroy communities that the railway passes through.
Copyright 2023, PartiallyPolitics.com
