Proposed Rules. Notice

Agency: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA); Department of Transportation (DOT)
Action: Notice
Citation: FR Doc. 2026-09235 · Docket No. PHMSA-2026-0959

Summary

PHMSA is publishing this notice to solicit public comments on a request for a special permit for the proposed Argent LNG Project (Project) submitted by Argent LNG, LLC (Argent LNG). Argent LNG is seeking relief from compliance with certain requirements in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. PHMSA has proposed conditions to ensure that the special permit is consistent with pipeline safety. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, PHMSA will review the comments received from this notice as part of its evaluation to grant or deny the special permit request.

Dates

Submit any comments regarding this special permit request by June 10, 2026.

Supplementary Information

PHMSA received a special permit request from Argent LNG on March 9, 2026, seeking to waive certain requirements in the Federal pipeline safety regulations that would otherwise apply to the design, construction, and testing of proposed LNG storage tanks in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. Argent LNG is proposing to construct and operate gas treatment, liquefaction, LNG storage, and marine facilities (collectively known as the Argent LNG Project or the Project) for the purpose of liquefying domestic natural gas for export to foreign markets. The proposed membrane tanks, to be used for LNG storage, will have a nominal working volume of 220,000 cubic meters or 1,383,756 barrels. Argent LNG seeks to waive the requirements of 49 CFR 193.2101(a), 193.2301, and 193.2303, which incorporate by reference the 2001 edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 59A, “Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG),” for the design, construction, and testing of LNG facilities, including the design of LNG storage tanks. Argent LNG is applying for a special permit to authorize the design, construction, and testing of membrane containment tank systems (membrane tanks) in accordance with the 2026 edition of NFPA 59A, which is not incorporated by reference in 49 CFR part 193. The special permit request and the proposed special permit conditions for Argent LNG's request are available for review and public comment in Docket No. PHMSA-2026-0959. PHMSA invites interested persons to review and submit comments in the docket on the special permit request and the proposed special permit conditions. Please submit comments on any potential safety, environmental, or other relevant considerations implicated by the special permit request. Comments may include relevant data. Before issuing a decision on the special permit request, PHMSA will evaluate all comments received on or before the closing date. PHMSA will consider each relevant comment it receives in making its decision to grant or deny this special permit request. Issued in Washington, DC, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.97. Linda Daugherty, Acting Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 2026-09235 Filed 5-8-26; 8:45 am]