Pipeline Safety: Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities; Clarifying and Updating Safety Standards

Summary: In the Federal Register of March 10, 2004, RSPA published a final rule concerning liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. The final rule clarified that regulations governing the fire protection of LNG facilities apply to facilities in existence or under construction as of March 31, 2000. The final rule also updated a reference to fire protection provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard, NFPA 59A, from the 1996 edition to the 2001 edition of that standard. The American Gas Association submitted a petition for reconsideration of the final rule, requesting changes in the fire protection requirements. The present action responds to that petition and clarifies requirements that involve provisions of NFPA 59A.