Attorneys General skittish about moving LNG by rail

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
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The project will provide a direct link for oil from Utah to the Gulf Coast.
David C. Lester

WJZ 13 CBS Baltimore is reporting that fifteen states are opposed to the proposed shipment of LNG (liquified natural gas, or methane) by rail, and are making their position known through their respective attorneys general. Washington, D.C. and Maryland are included in these states. RT&S filed two reports on this issue in December. You can read the first one here and the second one here.

The group of attorneys general prepared a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation yesterday, saying that the movement of LNG by rail is “alarming,” and that the danger of moving this commodity by rail is being underestimated by private and public safety officials.

The attorneys general also said “Proceeding with the Proposed Rule would put the States’ residents, first responders and environmental resources at greater risk of catastrophic accidents, a dynamic which (the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration) has failed to adequately analyze just as it has failed to consider the environmental and climate impacts of allowing LNG to be shipped in rail tank cars.”

While those in favor of shipping LNG by rail say that the commodity movements via highway have proven to be safe, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said “Here in Maryland, we need only remember the Howard Street Tunnel Fire of 2001 to know that sending hazardous materials along our rail lines can have catastrophic consequences. LNG is dangerous, and the Trump administration has failed to provide for the safety of our people and our environment.”

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