Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News Digest DOT 96-16

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

PHMSA Seeks Comment on Insurance for Railroad Carriers Transporting Hazardous Materials.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) today issued a notice and request for comment on the levels and structure of insurance for railroad carriers transporting hazardous materials. PHMSA is partnering with the Office of Research and Technology and the Volpe Center to conduct a study to better understand the financial risks involved with transporting hazardous materials by rail. The study will examine whether the market currently offers sufficient levels of insurance to insure against potential damages arising from an accident or incident involving a train transporting hazardous materials, both for the well-being of the public and the viability of rail transportation. Section 7310 of the FAST Act requires the Secretary of Transportation to initiate such a study and submit a report and recommendations to address these issues to Congress. PHMSA is requesting public comment and input from industry and other stakeholders to inform the study, including any available insurance and liability literature and data that may be relevant.  For more information, go to: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/07/26/2016-17615/hazardous-materials-fast-act-insurance-and-liability-study-request-for-comments.  Comments to the notice must be submitted by 45 days from the publication date in the Federal Register.  Contact for media: Artelia Gilliard - (202) 366- 4831.

PHMSA Proposed Rule Would Amend Hazardous Materials Regulations Regarding Compressed Gas Cylinders.The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to revise certain requirements applicable to the manufacture, use, and requalification of DOT-specification cylinders.  PHMSA is taking this action in response to petitions for rulemaking submitted by stakeholders and to agency review of the compressed gas cylinders regulations.  Specifically, PHMSA is proposing to incorporate by reference or update the references to several Compressed Gas Association publications, amend the filling requirements for compressed and liquefied gases, expand the use of salvage cylinders, and revise and clarify the manufacture and requalification requirements for cylinders.  For more information, go to: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/07/26/2016-16689/hazardous-materials-miscellaneous-amendments-pertaining-to-dot-specification-cylinders-rrr. Comments to the rule must be submitted by 60 days from the publication date in the Federal Register.  Contact for media: Joe Delcambre (202) 493-0730.

# # #