May 20, 2020      Department of Transportation

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 

FR  85   30673-30680

49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173, 174, 177, 178, 179, 180  

Vapor Pressure of Unrefined Petroleum Products and Class 3 Materials 

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM); withdrawal.

SUMMARY: PHMSA is withdrawing the January 18, 2017, ANPRM concerning vapor pressure for crude oil transported by rail. PHMSA’s decision is based on comments received to the ANPRM, as well as an extensive study conducted by the Sandia National Laboratories which found that the vapor pressure of crude oil is not a significant factor in the severity of pool fire or fireball scenarios, and concluded that results of the study do not support creating a regulatory distinction for crude oils based on vapor pressure. In withdrawing the ANPRM, PHMSA is providing notice of its determination that the establishment of vapor pressure limits would not improve the safety of rail transportation of crude oil. Therefore, PHMSA is no longer considering vapor pressure limits for the transportation of crude oil by rail or any other mode. Furthermore, PHMSA is also providing notice that, after considering comments received to the ANPRM, it is no longer considering imposing vapor pressure standards for other unrefined petroleum-based products and Class 3 flammable liquid hazardous materials by any mode. 

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/FR-2020-05-20/2020-10377

DATES: As of May 20, 2020, the ANPRM published on January 18, 2017 (82 FR 5499), is withdrawn.