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PHMSA preempts Washington State limits on tank car crude shipments

June 10, 2020
Hazardous materials administration cites discrepancies in classification schemes, handling requirements among reasons for ruling

At the request of the states of North Dakota and Montana, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has ruled that the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) preempts Washington state’s vapor pressure limit for crude oil loaded or unloaded from rail tank cars for three reasons.

First, the vapor pressure requirement constitutes a scheme for classifying a hazardous material that is not substantively the same as the hazardous materials regulations (HMRs).

Second, the vapor pressure requirement imposes requirements on the handling of a hazardous material that are not substantively the same as the requirements of the HMR.

Third, PHMSA has determined that the vapor pressure requirement is an obstacle to accomplishing and carrying out the HMTA.

In addition, PHMSA finds that the administrative record regarding Washington state’s Advance Notice of Transfer (ANT) requirement is insufficient to make a determination whether the requirement is preempted under the HMTA.

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