Transportation & Infrastructure Ranking Member Co-Sponsors Rep. Nehls’ LNG by Rail Bill

I recently announced that Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure Sam Graves (R-MO) has co-sponsored my bill, H.R. 2100, which expands current modes of American energy shipment by codifying the Trump Administration’s rule to allow for bulk transportation of liquified natural gas (LNG) by rail.

“I am thrilled to have Ranking Member Graves’ support on this crucial measure that will strengthen American energy independence,” I said. “Biden’s energy crisis has shown us that we cannot rely on hostile countries to power our homes, schools, and businesses. His anti-energy policies have emboldened Putin and put the world in jeopardy. We must reverse course by both fully excluding Russia from the North American energy market and expanding our current modes of energy transportation to ensure all Americans have access to safe and affordable energy. American gas should power American homes, but we must allow it to get there. We can do that by permitting the bulk transportation of liquified natural gas on our railroads.”

“American families are getting hammered by rising gas prices and skyrocketing home heating costs,” said Ranking Member Graves. “The only way we can turn this around is by making American energy independent again. To do that, we have to end all the ridiculous Green New Deal regulations started by the Biden Administration and unlock our energy producing potential. That’s exactly what this legislation will do, and I commend Congressman Nehls for his leadership in this effort.”

Background on the bill:

On June 19, 2020, the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a final rule permitting the bulk transportation of refrigerated liquid methane, commonly known as liquified natural gas (LNG), in rail tank cars. While common in Europe and Canada, LNG was previously only transportable by truck or in small portable tanks on rail. The 2020 rule permitted the exportation of LNG in specific Deportation of Transportation’s (DOT) rail tanks cars engineered to safely transport flammable cryogenic materials with additional operational controls. These rail tank cars ensured the safety and sophistication of LNG shipment.

Unfortunately, the Biden Administration canceled the LNG by rail rule, making it once again impossible to move LNG in the quantities needed to power America. Without certainty provided by statute, the rail industry is unable to invest in the infrastructure needed to move LNG by rail. My bill will codify the PHMSA final rule, preserve the ability to improve the regulations to accommodate technological improvements, and permit DOT to issue emergency orders related to refrigerated liquid methane.