A task force examining the safety of moving liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail across the United States said the super-chilled fuel has been transported safely by sea and road for decades, as well as by rail in other countries, but the group noted more research is needed.

The task force was convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at the request of Congress. Early research found no reports of major safety incidents in countries actively transporting LNG by rail. However, the researchers noted that the U.S. rail network is far more expansive and hosts heavier, larger cars carried on longer trains. 

“In general, it appears that LNG has been moving without major incidents in the handful of countries where there is demand for its transportation by...