"DC Circuit Questions LNG By Rail’s ‘Unprecedented’ Hazards"

"A judge warned of a “cascading risk of consequences” if trains carrying liquefied natural gas derail."

"A federal appeals court on Friday appeared highly skeptical that the Trump administration had adequately weighed the safety and environmental risks of a rule authorizing rail transport of liquefied natural gas — even as judges questioned whether they should issue a decision yet on the suspended regulation.

During oral arguments Friday, two judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit expressed dismay about the potential danger of transporting the supercooled gas and questioned why the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration had opted not to complete a more rigorous National Environmental Policy Act review.

The PHMSA rule is temporarily blocked by the Biden administration, as it considers amending the Trump-era standards. The regulation is set to go into effect for the first time next summer, after a new president takes office."

Niina H. Farah reports for E&E News September 16, 2024.

Source: E&E News, 09/18/2024