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Report on DOT Significant Rulemakings

Table of Contents

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

78. Gas Gathering Line Definition and Safety Rules

79. Hazardous Materials: Transportation of Oxygen Cylinders and Oxygen Generators Aboard Aircraft

80. Hazardous Materials: Safety Requirements for External Product Piping on Cargo Tanks Transporting Flammable Liquids

81. Hazardous Materials; Transportation of Lithium Batteries

82. Hazardous Materials: Infectious Substances; Harmonization with the United Nations

83. Hazardous Materials: Enhancing Rail Transportation Safety and Security for Hazardous Materials Shipments

84. Prohibition on the Transportation of Primary Lithium Batteries Aboard Passenger Aircraft

85. Hazardous Materials: Requirements for Storage of Explosives During Transportation

86. Hazardous Materials: Enforcement Regulations



Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
78. 
Gas Gathering Line Definition and Safety Rules Red
Popular Title: Gas Gathering Line
RIN 2137-AB15
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 09/25/1991; End of Comment Period 11/25/1991. SNPRM: Publication Date 10/03/2005;End of Comment Period 01/03/2006.
Abstract: The rulemaking would define "onshore gas gathering line" to eliminate confusion in distinguishing these pipelines from production facilities and transmission lines. Also, it would establish tiered safety rules for higher-risk onshore gas gathering lines in rural areas, and relax current rules on low-risk onshore gas gathering lines. There would be a net cost savings since the definition would be based on industry practices and the overall regulatory burden would be less.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Statute
Legal Deadline:  Final Rule : 10/24/1994
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 07/15/1986
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 02/24/2006     
To OMB 03/24/2006     
OMB Clearance 06/23/2006     
Publication Date 06/30/2006     
Explanation for any delay: Additional coordination necessary
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
79. 
Hazardous Materials: Transportation of Oxygen Cylinders and Oxygen Generators Aboard Aircraft Green
Popular Title: Oxygen Cylinders and Generators
RIN 2137-AD33
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 05/06/2004; End of Comment Period 08/13/2004; End of Extended Comment Period 12/31/2004.
Abstract: This rulemaking would require oxygen cylinders and oxygen generators, when transported aboard aircraft, to be packed in an outer packaging that meets prescribed thermal and heat resistance requirements. These requirements would increase the level of safety associated with transportation of oxidizing gases by air. This rule has no impact on the use of passenger-owned oxygen cylinders. This rule is significant due to public interest.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 03/01/2000
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 03/06/2006     
To OMB 04/07/2006     
OMB Clearance 07/06/2006     
Publication Date 07/13/2006     
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
80. 
Hazardous Materials: Safety Requirements for External Product Piping on Cargo Tanks Transporting Flammable Liquids Green
Popular Title: Wetlines Rule
RIN 2137-AD36
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: ANPRM: Publication Date 02/10/2003; End of Comment Period 06/10/2003. NPRM: Publication Date 12/30/2004; End of Comment Period 03/01/2005; Extension of Comment Period 02/10/2005; End of Extended Comment Period 04/28/2005.
Abstract: This rulemaking would address requirements to reduce the risks associated with the retention of flammable liquid in unprotected product piping on a cargo tank motor vehicle during transportation (wetlines). It responds to an NTSB recommendation. It is significant because of industry concerns about its cost implications.
Effects:
  EIS
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 01/19/2000
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 10/01/2006     
To OMB 11/03/2006     
OMB Clearance 02/01/2007     
Publication Date 02/08/2007     
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
81. 
Hazardous Materials; Transportation of Lithium Batteries Red
Popular Title: Lithium Batteries
RIN 2137-AD48
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 4/02/2002; End of Comment Period 6/02/2002.
Abstract: This rulemaking would revise requirements applicable to lithium batteries for consistency with international requirements. This rulemaking also responds to NTSB recommendations. After reviewing comments received, PHMSA prepared and published for public comment an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IFRA) in order to determine the impact of its proposal on small entities.
Effects:
  Regulatory Flexibility Act
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 04/02/2002
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 03/05/2003  03/05/2003  03/05/2003 
To OMB 04/09/2003  06/09/2003  06/06/2003 
Returned by OMB     08/22/2003 
Resubmitted to OST   03/31/2006   
Resubmitted to OMB/2   05/12/2006   
OMB Clearance 07/09/2003  08/10/2006   
Publication Date 07/16/2003  08/17/2006   
Explanation for any delay: Additional coordination necessary
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
82. 
Hazardous Materials: Infectious Substances; Harmonization with the United Nations Red
Popular Title: Infectious Substance; Harmonization
RIN 2137-AD93
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 05/19/2005; End of Comment Period 07/18/2005.
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to harmonize the current requirements for the Transport of Dangerous Goods with UN standards which revised the classification criteria for infectious substances, based on risk evaluations conductd by the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It would also relax transportation requirements for certain infectious substances based on the level of risk associated with their transportation.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 03/01/2003
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 01/16/2006  02/16/2006   
To OMB 02/17/2006  03/22/2006   
OMB Clearance 05/18/2006  06/20/2006   
Publication Date 05/25/2006  06/27/2006   
Explanation for any delay: Additional coordination necessary
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
83. 
Hazardous Materials: Enhancing Rail Transportation Safety and Security for Hazardous Materials Shipments Green
Popular Title: Rail routing rule
RIN 2137-AE02
Stage: NPRM
Previous Stage: Request for Comments: Publication Date 08/16/04; End of Comment Period 10/18/04.
Abstract: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) would revise the current requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials transported in commerce by rail. Specifically, we would require rail carriers to compile annual data on certain shipments of hazardous materials, use the data to analyze safety and security risks along rail transportation routes where those materials are transported, assess alternative routing options, and make routing decisions based on those assessments. We would also clarify the current security plan requirements to address en route storage and delays in transit.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Secretarial/Head of Operating Administration Decision
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 05/01/2004
Dates for NPRM:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 02/03/2006    01/19/2006 
To OMB 03/08/2006  02/22/2006   
OMB Clearance 05/08/2006  05/23/2006   
Publication Date 05/16/2006  05/30/2006   
End of Comment Period 07/24/2006  07/24/2006   
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
84. 
Prohibition on the Transportation of Primary Lithium Batteries Aboard Passenger Aircraft Green
Popular Title: Primary Lithium Battery Ban
RIN 2137-AE05
Stage: Final Rule
Previous Stage: Interim Final Rule: Publication Date 12/15/2004; End of Comment Period 02/15/2005.
Abstract: This rulemaking would prohibit the offering for transportation and transportation of primary lithium batteries and cells as cargo aboard passenger-carrying aircraft. The rule would apply to both foreign and domestic passenger-carrying aircraft entering, leaving, or operating in the United States. In addition, the rule would amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to require that, when offered for transport in other modes, shipments of primary lithium batteries and cells must be marked to indicate that they are forbidden from transport aboard passenger-carrying aircraft.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Secretarial/Head of Operating Administration Decision
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 10/01/2004
Dates for Final Rule:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 03/06/2006     
To OMB 04/07/2006     
OMB Clearance 07/06/2006     
Publication Date 07/13/2006     
Explanation for any delay: N/A
Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
85. 
Hazardous Materials: Requirements for Storage of Explosives During Transportation Red
Popular Title: Storage of Explosives
RIN 2137-AE06
Stage: ANPRM
Previous Stage:None
Abstract: This rulemaking would address the current safety and security risks associated with the storage of explosives during transportation.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: None
Legal Deadline:  None
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 01/01/2005
Dates for ANPRM:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 05/23/2005    05/24/2005 
Returned to Mode     05/24/2005 
Resubmitted to OST     05/26/2005 
Returned to Mode/2     06/14/2005 
Resubmitted to OST/2   06/30/2005  06/22/2005 
To OMB 06/24/2005  10/11/2005  10/17/2005 
OMB Clearance 09/22/2005  01/17/2006  11/09/2005 
Publication Date 09/29/2005  01/24/2006  11/16/2005 
End of Comment Period 11/28/2005  02/14/2006  02/14/2006 
Explanation for any delay: Additional coordination necessary
Federal Register Citation for ANPRM: 70 FR 69493


Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
86. 
Hazardous Materials: Enforcement Regulations Red
Popular Title: Package Inspection Authority
RIN 2137-AE13
Stage: NPRM
Previous Stage:None
Abstract: Pursuant to a mandate in SAFETEA-LU (section 7118 of P.L. 109-59), this rulemaking would establish procedural regulations to implement authority provided to DOT to open packages believed to contain hazardous materials, remove such packages from transportation, gather information, order the package transported to a facility for examination and analysis, obtain assistance from qualified persons, and issue emergency restrictions, prohibitions, recalls, or out-of-service orders to abate an imminent hazard.
Effects:
  None
Prompting action: Statute
Legal Deadline:  Temporary Rule : 10/11/2005
Final Rule : 08/10/2006
Rulemaking Project Initiated: 08/10/2005
Dates for NPRM:
Milestone Originally
Scheduled
Date		 New
Projected
Date		 Actual
Date
To OST 06/06/2006     
To OMB 07/11/2006     
OMB Clearance 10/11/2006     
Publication Date 10/18/2006     
End of Comment Period 12/19/2006     
Explanation for any delay: Additional coordination necessary
Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None