The Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT/PHMSA) issued a notice in the Federal Register to set forth a formal determination (for purposes of 49 U.S.C. 60101(a)(4)(B)) that the transportation of unblended biofuels by pipeline is subject to the agency’s jurisdiction. DOT is prepared to facilitate pipeline options by sponsoring research and development, resolving technical issues, and clarifying safety standards.
Most biofuels used in the U.S. today are transported exclusively by marine vessel, rail, and/or highway. PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Regulations govern the transportation of ethanol and other biofuels and blends by rail, air, motor carrier, and barge. PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety Regulations cover the transportation by pipeline of all petroleum products, including gasoline blended with biofuel.
DOT/PHMSA is seeking comments on technical issues, adequacy of standards, and research and development needs associated with the transportation of biofuels by pipeline. All submissions should reference Docket No. PHMSA–2007–28136 and may be submitted in the following ways:
- DOT Web Site: http://dms.dot.gov.
- Fax: 1–202–493–2251
- Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
- E-Gov Web Site: http:// www.regulations.gov
Comments should be submitted by September 10, 2007.
For further information contact one of the following:
- Joy Kadnar
Office of Pipeline Safety
Ph: 202-366-4595
email: joy.kadnar@dot.gov - Larry White
Office of Chief Counsel
Ph: 202-366-4400
email: lawrence.white@dot.gov - Bob Richard
Office of Hazardous Materials Safety
Ph: 202-366-0565
email: bob.richard@dot.gov
For a copy of the Federal Register Notice, contact Jessica Roger.