The proposal would affect more than two million miles of gas distribution lines in the U.S. It was spurred by a fatal 2018 gas explosion in Massachusetts.
The carrier said it is working with private rail developer Texas Central Partners to seek federal funds to further determine viability of reviving the stalled project.
States say Federal Energy Regulatory Commission did not consider New Jersey's claims that added capacity was not needed and would violate its climate change law.
The firms will plan the replacement or rehabilitation of nearly 100 bridges and other structures along a 6-mile stretch of Chicago's south side where more than 100 trans from six rail lines meet daily.
A new Interior Dept. rule largely echoes changes made in the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster that were later walked back under the Trump administration.