summary
Introduced
09/12/2019
09/12/2019
In Committee
09/13/2019
09/13/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
To require the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct an evaluation of the safety, security, and environmental risks of transporting liquefied natural gas by rail, and for other purposes. This bill directs the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct an evaluation of the safety, security, and environmental risks of transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail. Among other things, the FRA must perform physical testing of rail tank cars, including ensuring such rail tank cars are able to withstand the effects of an accident or impact and prevent or mitigate the release of LNG; analyze multiple release scenarios, including derailments, front-end collisions, and rear-end collisions; and examine the effects of exposure to climate conditions across rail networks, including temperature, humidity, and other factors that may influence performance of the inner or outer walls of rail tank cars. The Government Accountability Office must conduct an independent evaluation to ensure all review requirements under this bill have been satisfactorily met.
AI Summary
This bill directs the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct an evaluation of the safety, security, and environmental risks of transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail. The FRA must perform physical testing of rail tank cars, analyze multiple release scenarios, and examine the effects of exposure to climate conditions on the performance of the tank cars. The bill also requires the FRA to consider various factors, such as the impact of an LNG discharge, the benefits of route and consist restrictions, and the preparedness of first responders. The Secretary of Transportation must submit a report to Congress on the evaluation and testing, as well as a list of related research. After the evaluation is complete, the Government Accountability Office must conduct an independent evaluation to ensure the FRA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration have complied with the requirements of the bill. The Secretary of Transportation is prohibited from issuing any regulation or authorization for the transportation of LNG by rail until the review period, which lasts up to 4 years, has concluded.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. (on 09/13/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4306/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr4306/BILLS-116hr4306ih.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr4306/BILLS-116hr4306ih.pdf.pdf |
Loading...