Two "Rules of the Future" Unveiled
Looking ahead, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is planning two groundbreaking hazmat rulemakings for 2025, both designed to address advancements in transportation technology:
Hazmat by Autonomous Systems: PHMSA is developing a rule that will revise the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to accommodate the challenges posed by autonomous systems, such as drones. This rule will cover multimodal transportation of hazmat, with PHMSA coordinating with FAA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Space-Related Hazmat Transport: As space exploration becomes more commercialized, PHMSA is also working on a rule to streamline the transport of hazardous materials involved in U.S. space operations. This rule will involve coordination with NASA, the Department of Defense, and other key agencies.
The Road to Rulemaking
PHMSA’s rulemaking process is methodical, often taking years from proposal to finalization. Both the hazmat-by-drone and space-related hazmat rules are in the early stages, with planned Advanced Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) expected in 2025. These rules will undergo several rounds of public review and comment before finalization.
Hazmat by Drone: What We Know
Currently, transporting hazmat by UAS is only permitted when the operator is certified as an air carrier under FAA regulations. The same requirements apply to both manned and unmanned aircraft. However, not all drones are eligible—FAA rules prohibit small unmanned aircraft (under 55 pounds) from carrying hazardous materials.
Space: The Final Frontier for Hazmat
The upcoming space-related hazmat rule will address the specialized needs of transporting hazardous materials for space missions. These materials include explosive propellants, fuels, and other chemicals essential for space operations. By modernizing the HMR, PHMSA aims to reduce regulatory burdens and better align with the needs of the space industry.
Looking Ahead
With the rapid advancement of technology, the future of hazmat transportation is filled with possibilities. As innovations like autonomous vehicles, drones, and commercial space travel become more commonplace, the key question isn’t if hazmat will be transported by these means, but when.
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