PHMSA has withdrawn the ANPRM regarding vapor pressure for crude oil transported by rail. The proposed rulemaking was issued on January 18, 2017. The decision comes after the agency reviewed the comments received on the proposed rulemaking and an extensive study was competed that determined the vapor pressure of crude oil is not a significant factor in the severity of pool fire or fireball scenarios.
PHMSA has determined that establishing vapor pressure limits would not improve the safety of crude oil being transported by rail.
Additionally, PHMSA is no longer considering imposing vapor pressure standards for other unrefined petroleum-based products and Class 3 flammable liquid hazardous materials by any mode.
