Federal Agencies to Review Hazmat Rail Rules

Press Release

Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree met with Cynthia Quarterman, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). In addition to PHMSA, Michaud and Pingree have also met with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) following their request for a safety review earlier this month in the wake of the Lac-Megantic rail accident.

After hearing the serious safety concerns raised by the NTSB over DOT-111 tanker cars, which were among the ruptured cars in the Quebec tragedy, Michaud and Pingree encouraged PHMSA to issue a new rule enhancing the design of these cars as soon as possible.

"After the accident in Quebec, there have been a number of safety concerns raised--both specifically in response to it and others that are longstanding. While it is still too early in the investigation to determine exactly how this tragedy could have been prevented, the design flaws of DOT-111 tank cars are well documented. We appreciate the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's efforts to advance a rule to update the design of these cars, but progress is frustratingly slow given the initial delay. The federal rulemaking process is a cumbersome one, but we need to avoid any further delays, especially given the exponential growth of hazardous material shipments. Whether its oil, ethanol, or some other hazardous material travelling on our nation's tracks, the American people deserve to know that these shipments are being carried in tanker cars that are designed to the highest safety standards," said Michaud and Pingree.

Last night, the FRA joined PHMSA in announcing a public meeting to review federal regulations that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials by rail. According to the agencies, in an effort to continually improve hazardous materials safety, they are seeking input from stakeholders and interested parties. They point out that this review is also part of the Department of Transportation's (DOT) ongoing Retrospective Regulatory Review Initiative pursuant to Executive Order 13563.

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