DOT releases final rule on phase-out of crude oil and ethanol railcars, favoring ethanol

In Washington, the Department of Transportation released a final rule that requires a phase-out or retrofit of all DOT-111 railcars transporting crude oil and ethanol by May, 2023. Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association applauded the DOT for recognizing the difference between ethanol and oil and prioritizing oil train retrofits: “Secretary Foxx appears to have struck a fair balance in setting comprehensive standards while at the same time being sensitive to the limitation of retrofit capacity by giving less hazardous flammables — like ethanol — additional time to retrofit railcars.”

Specifically, the rule requires a phase out or retrofit of all unjacketed CPC-1232 railcars used to ship ethanol by July 2023. Additionally, a new tank car standard has been put in place that establishes the DOT-117 as the new railcar to ship oil and ethanol.

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