This summer, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on modernizing regulation to improve safety and efficiency (HM-265A). The agency is soliciting stakeholder feedback on initiatives that may modernize the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to improve hazmat transportation efficiency, improve transparency and stakeholder engagement, and better accommodate technological innovations – all while maintaining or improving public safety and environmental impacts.
In late September, PHMSA extended the comment period for comments to Dec. 4, 2023 (from the original Oct. 2 deadline). The agency is seeking comments related to 46 distinct topics under consideration; comments, data, and information received will be used to evaluate and potentially draft proposed amendments to the HMR.
Notable topics under consideration include (among others):
- Aerosol classification alignment (see section III.D.)
- Residue intermediate bulk container (IBC) exceptions (see section III.E.)
- Limited quantity training exception (see section III.L.)
- Creation of basic description & shipping description definitions (see section III.O.)
- Removal of the 60-day renewal requirement for approvals and special permits (see section III.P.)
- Limited quantity shipping paper exception by vessel (see section III.T.)
- Identification of freight containers in rail transport (see section III.V.)
- Placard displays on IBCs (see section III.SS.)
- Emerging technologies (see section III.TT.)
ACA will coordinate any comments on the proposal through its Transport Committee.
Contact ACA’s Rhett Cash for more information.
