The Trump administration has decided to allow rail shipments of liquified natural gas, as court and regulatory battles over pipeline projects have slowed the movement of natural gas to markets, according to the Star Tribune.
The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration published the rule last week, permitting rail shipments of the flammable and odorless liquid known as LNG.
“The department’s new 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,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement.
The rule will take effect 30 days from its publish date. It will require some enhancements to the approved tank car design that has been approved for shipments of other flammable cryogenic materials, such as a thicker outer tank made of steel with greater puncture resistance.
Learn more: Star Tribune > LNG shipments by rail approved in US amid pipeline battles
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