Rolling into February, today’s edition coincides with Groundhog Day. Hopefully the furry little critter doesn’t see his shadow and our winter will be a little shorter—assuming you believe the story! Meanwhile, Groundhog Day or not, PHMSA had a busy week last week, with several published actions. Here’s the latest:
PHMSA
The agency published a coordinated series of seven ICR’s all related to the design qualifications, test processes, and recordkeeping requirements for both portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s). See the ICR sequence here:
PHMSA published an ANPRM to solicit feedback on streamlining and modernizing the Agency’s regulations as they relate to the transportation of hazardous materials integral to spacecraft payloads or components. The goal of such a new rule appears to be to reduce the burden of repeated Special Permit (SP) requests made to PHMSA in reference to such transport. Comments must be received by April 29, 2026. See the ANPRM here:
The agency also seeks public input on the safety risks, operational challenges, and regulatory considerations associated with transporting hazardous materials (hazmat) using heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) motor carriers (i.e., gas or diesel). PHMSA aims to understand what impact the transition from ICE to EV motor carriers may have on hazmat packaging integrity, transportation safety, emergency response protocols, regulatory compliance, and overall vehicle risk. PHMSA may use the information gathered to develop a statement of work for further research into the safety of transporting hazardous materials in EVs. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on or before May 4, 2026. See all the details here:
PHMSA also published its latest tranche of Special Permit (SP) actions. Find the announcements in the links below:
FMCSA
The agency is planning an ICR related to querying state DMV’s in reference to the issuance of non-domiciled CMV licenses. Non-domiciled licenses are typically issued to non-citizens. See the ICR here:
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