80_FR_8783 80 FR 8751 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

80 FR 8751 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 32 (February 18, 2015)

Page Range8751-8753
FR Document2015-03241

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 17 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8751-8753]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03241]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-2008-0340; FMCSA-
2010-0327; FMCSA-2010-0385; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2012-0337; FMCSA-
2012-0339]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the 
vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 
17 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals 
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not 
compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these 
exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to 
or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions 
for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

DATES: This decision is effective March 1, 2015. Comments must be 
received on or before March 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) numbers: Docket No. [Docket No. FMCSA-2006-
25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-2008-0340; FMCSA-2010-0327; FMCSA-2010-
0385; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2012-0337; FMCSA-2012-0339], using any of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,

[[Page 8752]]

Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments 
received without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act 
heading below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12-140 
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) is 
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want 
acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a self-
addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement 
page that appears after submitting comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles A. Horan, III, Director, 
Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards, 202-366-4001, 
[email protected], FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office 
hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption 
from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to 
drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it 
finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent 
such exemption.'' The procedures for requesting an exemption (including 
renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381.

II. Exemption Decision

    This notice addresses 17 individuals who have requested renewal of 
their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 17 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

Kreis C. Baldridge (TN)
Steven J. Clark (GA)
Thomas A. Crowell (NC)
Michael A. Fouch (NJ)
Wilfred J. Gagnon (VT)
Ricky G. Jacks (AL)
Scott A. Lambertson (MN)
Carl A. Lohrbach (OH)
Jay C. Naccarato (WA)
Jeffrey L. Olson (MN)
Gary J. Peterson (IL)
Donnie R. Riggs (AL)
James E. Savage (NV)
Randall S. Surber (WV)
Ernest W. Waff (VA)
Curtis E. Way (TX)
John E. Westbrook (LA)

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) That each individual has a physical examination every year (a) by 
an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), 
and (b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is 
otherwise physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each 
individual provides a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's 
report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical 
examination; and (3) that each individual provide a copy of the annual 
medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver's 
qualification file and retains a copy of the certification on his/her 
person while driving for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, 
State, or local enforcement official. Each exemption will be valid for 
two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be 
rescinded if: (1) the person fails to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower 
level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) 
continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals 
and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application for additional two year periods. In accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 17 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (71 FR 63379; 71 FR 63380; 72 FR 180; 72 FR 1050; 72 FR 
9397; 73 FR 75803; 73 FR 78422; 74 FR 980; 74 FR 6209; 74 FR 6211; 75 
FR 65057; 75 FR 77492; 75 FR 79081; 75 FR 79083; 76 FR 4413; 76 FR 
4414; 76 FR 5425; 76 FR 8809; 76 FR 9865; 77 FR 64839; 77 FR 70534; 77 
FR 75494; 78 FR 800; 78 FR 1919; 78 FR 9772; 78 FR 11731; 78 FR 12813; 
78 FR 12817). Each of these 17 applicants has requested renewal of the 
exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the requirement specified at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a 
review of each record of safety while driving with the respective 
vision deficiencies over the past two years indicates each applicant 
continues to meet the vision exemption requirements.
    These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each 
driver's ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce. 
Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each 
renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a 
level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.

IV. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and 
related materials.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-2008-0340; FMCSA-
2010-0327; FMCSA-2010-0385; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2012-0337; FMCSA-
2012-0339), indicate the specific section of this document to which 
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online or by 
fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. 
FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an 
email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so the 
Agency can contact you if it has questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, got to http://www.regulations.gov 
and put the docket number, ``FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-
2008-0340; FMCSA-2010-0327; FMCSA-2010-0385; FMCSA-2012-

[[Page 8753]]

0280; FMCSA-2012-0337; FMCSA-2012-0339'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and 
click ``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on ``Comment 
Now!'' button and type your comment into the text box in the following 
screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual 
or on behalf of a third party and then submit. If you submit your 
comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no 
larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic 
filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they 
reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard 
or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received 
during the comment period and may change this notice based on your 
comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this 
preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number, 
``FMCSA-2006-25246; FMCSA-2006-26066; FMCSA-2008-0340; FMCSA-2010-0327; 
FMCSA-2010-0385; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2012-0337; FMCSA-2012-0339'' in 
the ``Keyword'' box and click ``Search.'' Next, click ``Open Docket 
Folder'' button choose the document listed to review. If you do not 
have access to the Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting 
the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of 
the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 
20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

    Issued On: February 6, 2015.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2015-03241 Filed 2-17-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P



                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Notices                                                  8751

                                                request in the Federal Register (49 CFR                 windshield wiper sweep, and out of the                persons should continue to examine the
                                                381.315(a)). The Agency must provide                    driver’s sightlines to the road and                   public docket for new material.
                                                the public with an opportunity to                       highway signs and signals, to the extent                Issued on: February 9, 2015.
                                                inspect the information relevant to the                 practicable.                                          Larry W. Minor,
                                                application, including any safety
                                                                                                        FMCSA Grant of Waiver to VTTI                         Associate Administrator for Policy.
                                                analyses that have been conducted. The
                                                Agency must also provide an                                                                                   [FR Doc. 2015–03239 Filed 2–17–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                          Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 31315(a) and 49
                                                opportunity for public comment on the                   CFR part 381, subpart B, the FMCSA                    BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P

                                                request.                                                granted VTTI a 90-day waiver on
                                                   The Agency reviews the safety                        January 26, 2015 to allow the placement
                                                analyses and the public comments and                    of the DASs at the bottom of                          DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                determines whether granting the                         windshields on CMVs, outside of the                   Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                exemption would likely achieve a level                  area permitted by section 393.60 of the               Administration
                                                of safety equivalent to or greater than                 FMCSRs. This waiver is effective from
                                                the level that would be achieved by the                 January 26, 2015, through April 25,                   [Docket No. FMCSA–2006–25246; FMCSA–
                                                current regulation (49 CFR 381.305).                    2015. Up to 150 DASs will be installed                2006–26066; FMCSA–2008–0340; FMCSA–
                                                The decision of the Agency must be                      and the affected motor carriers are listed            2010–0327; FMCSA–2010–0385; FMCSA–
                                                published in the Federal Register (49                                                                         2012–0280; FMCSA–2012–0337; FMCSA–
                                                                                                        as below:                                             2012–0339]
                                                CFR 381.315(b)). If the Agency denies
                                                the request, it must state the reason for                                                                     Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
                                                doing so. If the decision is to grant the                                                                     Applications; Vision
                                                exemption, the notice must specify the                  1. USDOT #          Crosby Trucking Service Inc.
                                                person or class of persons receiving the                  32052.              in Mount Sydney VA.             AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                exemption and the regulatory provision                  2. USDOT #          Rush Trucking Corporation         Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
                                                                                                          369138.             in Wayne Michigan.
                                                or provisions from which an exemption                                                                         ACTION: Notice of renewal of
                                                                                                        3. USDOT #          Kuperus Trucking Inc. in
                                                is granted. The notice must specify the                   1977980.            Jenison MI.                     exemptions; request for comments.
                                                effective period of the exemption (up to                4. USDOT #          Stagecoach Cartage and
                                                2 years) and explain the terms and                        282628.             Distribution, LP in El Paso     SUMMARY:   FMCSA announces its
                                                conditions of the exemption. The                                              TX.                             decision to renew the exemptions from
                                                exemption may be renewed (49 CFR                        5. USDOT #          J & M Tank Lines Inc. in Bir-     the vision requirement in the Federal
                                                381.315(c) and 49 CFR 381.300(b)).                        184405.             mingham AL.                     Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 17
                                                                                                        6. USDOT #          P&S Transportation LLC in         individuals. FMCSA has statutory
                                                VTTI’s Application for Exemption                          1243338.            Ensley AL.                      authority to exempt individuals from
                                                   VTTI has applied for an exemption                    7. USDOT #          Modular Transport Company         the vision requirement if the
                                                from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) to allow the                     75827.              in Wyoming MI.
                                                                                                                                                              exemptions granted will not
                                                installation of DASs at the bottom of the                                                                     compromise safety. The Agency has
                                                windshield on CMVs. A copy of the                         During the waiver period, these motor               concluded that granting these
                                                application is included in the docket                   carriers participating in the NHTSA                   exemption renewals will provide a level
                                                referenced at the beginning of this                     research program must ensure that the                 of safety that is equivalent to or greater
                                                notice.                                                 DASs are mounted within three inches                  than the level of safety maintained
                                                   Section 393.60(e)(1) of the FMCSRs                   of the bottom of the driver side                      without the exemptions for these
                                                prohibits the obstruction of the driver’s               windshield wiper sweep, and out of the                commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
                                                field of view by devices mounted at the                 driver’s sightlines to the road and                   drivers.
                                                top of the windshield. Antennas,                        highway signs and signals as much as
                                                transponders and similar devices                        practicable. Vehicles participating in the            DATES: This decision is effective March
                                                (devices) must not be mounted more                      study must carry a copy of this waiver                1, 2015. Comments must be received on
                                                than 152 mm (6 inches) below the upper                  in the vehicle.                                       or before March 20, 2015.
                                                edge of the windshield. These devices                                                                         ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                                                                                        Request for Comments
                                                must be located outside the area swept                                                                        bearing the Federal Docket Management
                                                by the windshield wipers and outside                       In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315                 System (FDMS) numbers: Docket No.
                                                the driver’s sight lines to the road and                and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public                   [Docket No. FMCSA–2006–25246;
                                                highway signs and signals.                              comment from all interested persons on                FMCSA–2006–26066; FMCSA–2008–
                                                   VTTI has applied for the exemption                   VTTI’s application for an exemption                   0340; FMCSA–2010–0327; FMCSA–
                                                because it wants to install DASs in up                  from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1). All comments                2010–0385; FMCSA–2012–0280;
                                                to 150 CMVs operating throughout the                    received before the close of business on              FMCSA–2012–0337; FMCSA–2012–
                                                United States in support of research                    the comment closing date indicated at                 0339], using any of the following
                                                being conducted on behalf of NHTSA.                     the beginning of this notice will be                  methods:
                                                VTTI contends that it must be able to                   considered and will be available for                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                mount the DASs lower than allowed                       examination in the docket at the                      http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                under 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) ‘‘because the                 location listed under the ADDRESSES                   on-line instructions for submitting
                                                safety equipment must have a clear                      section of this notice. Comments                      comments.
                                                                                                                                                                 • Mail: Docket Management Facility;
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                forward facing view of the road, and low                received after the comment closing date
                                                enough to accurately scan facial features               will be filed in the public docket and                U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
                                                for detection of impaired driving.’’                    will be considered to the extent                      New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building
                                                VTTI’s mounting preference for the                      practicable. In addition to late                      Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                DASs and necessary mounting brackets                    comments, FMCSA will also continue to                 Washington, DC 20590–0001.
                                                is at the bottom of the windshield, and                 file, in the public docket, relevant                     • Hand Delivery or Courier: West
                                                is best suited for mounting within and/                 information that becomes available after              Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                or below 3 inches of the bottom of the                  the comment closing date. Interested                  1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,


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                                                8752                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Notices

                                                Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5                    II. Exemption Decision                                31315, each of the 17 applicants has
                                                p.m., Monday through Friday, except                        This notice addresses 17 individuals               satisfied the entry conditions for
                                                Federal Holidays.                                       who have requested renewal of their                   obtaining an exemption from the vision
                                                  • Fax: 1–202–493–2251.                                exemptions in accordance with FMCSA                   requirements (71 FR 63379; 71 FR
                                                   Instructions: Each submission must                   procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these                 63380; 72 FR 180; 72 FR 1050; 72 FR
                                                include the Agency name and the                         17 applications for renewal on their                  9397; 73 FR 75803; 73 FR 78422; 74 FR
                                                docket number for this notice. Note that                merits and decided to extend each                     980; 74 FR 6209; 74 FR 6211; 75 FR
                                                DOT posts all comments received                         exemption for a renewable two-year                    65057; 75 FR 77492; 75 FR 79081; 75 FR
                                                without change to http://                                                                                     79083; 76 FR 4413; 76 FR 4414; 76 FR
                                                                                                        period. They are:
                                                www.regulations.gov, including any                                                                            5425; 76 FR 8809; 76 FR 9865; 77 FR
                                                                                                        Kreis C. Baldridge (TN)                               64839; 77 FR 70534; 77 FR 75494; 78 FR
                                                personal information included in a                      Steven J. Clark (GA)
                                                comment. Please see the Privacy Act                                                                           800; 78 FR 1919; 78 FR 9772; 78 FR
                                                                                                        Thomas A. Crowell (NC)                                11731; 78 FR 12813; 78 FR 12817). Each
                                                heading below.                                          Michael A. Fouch (NJ)                                 of these 17 applicants has requested
                                                   Docket: For access to the docket to                  Wilfred J. Gagnon (VT)                                renewal of the exemption and has
                                                read background documents or                            Ricky G. Jacks (AL)
                                                                                                                                                              submitted evidence showing that the
                                                comments, go to http://                                 Scott A. Lambertson (MN)
                                                                                                                                                              vision in the better eye continues to
                                                www.regulations.gov at any time or                      Carl A. Lohrbach (OH)
                                                                                                                                                              meet the requirement specified at 49
                                                Room W12–140 on the ground level of                     Jay C. Naccarato (WA)
                                                                                                                                                              CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision
                                                the West Building, 1200 New Jersey                      Jeffrey L. Olson (MN)
                                                                                                                                                              impairment is stable. In addition, a
                                                Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                   Gary J. Peterson (IL)
                                                                                                        Donnie R. Riggs (AL)                                  review of each record of safety while
                                                a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                                                                               driving with the respective vision
                                                Friday, except Federal holidays. The                    James E. Savage (NV)
                                                                                                        Randall S. Surber (WV)                                deficiencies over the past two years
                                                Federal Docket Management System                                                                              indicates each applicant continues to
                                                (FDMS) is available 24 hours each day,                  Ernest W. Waff (VA)
                                                                                                        Curtis E. Way (TX)                                    meet the vision exemption
                                                365 days each year. If you want                                                                               requirements.
                                                acknowledgment that we received your                    John E. Westbrook (LA)
                                                                                                                                                                These factors provide an adequate
                                                comments, please include a self-                           The exemptions are extended subject                basis for predicting each driver’s ability
                                                addressed, stamped envelope or                          to the following conditions: (1) That                 to continue to drive safely in interstate
                                                postcard or print the acknowledgement                   each individual has a physical                        commerce. Therefore, FMCSA
                                                page that appears after submitting                      examination every year (a) by an                      concludes that extending the exemption
                                                comments on-line.                                       ophthalmologist or optometrist who                    for each renewal applicant for a period
                                                   Privacy Act: In accordance with 5                    attests that the vision in the better eye             of two years is likely to achieve a level
                                                U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments                    continues to meet the requirements in                 of safety equal to that existing without
                                                from the public to better inform its                    49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), and (b) by a                    the exemption.
                                                rulemaking process. DOT posts these                     medical examiner who attests that the
                                                comments, without edit, including any                   individual is otherwise physically                    IV. Public Participation and Request for
                                                personal information the commenter                      qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that               Comments
                                                provides, to www.regulations.gov, as                    each individual provides a copy of the                  FMCSA encourages you to participate
                                                described in the system of records                      ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s                    by submitting comments and related
                                                notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can                     report to the medical examiner at the                 materials.
                                                be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy.                     time of the annual medical examination;
                                                                                                        and (3) that each individual provide a                Submitting Comments
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                        copy of the annual medical certification                If you submit a comment, please
                                                Charles A. Horan, III, Director, Carrier,                                                                     include the docket number for this
                                                                                                        to the employer for retention in the
                                                Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards,                                                                          notice (FMCSA–2006–25246; FMCSA–
                                                                                                        driver’s qualification file and retains a
                                                202–366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov,                                                                           2006–26066; FMCSA–2008–0340;
                                                                                                        copy of the certification on his/her
                                                FMCSA, Department of Transportation,                                                                          FMCSA–2010–0327; FMCSA–2010–
                                                                                                        person while driving for presentation to
                                                1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room                                                                              0385; FMCSA–2012–0280; FMCSA–
                                                                                                        a duly authorized Federal, State, or local
                                                W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001.                                                                           2012–0337; FMCSA–2012–0339),
                                                                                                        enforcement official. Each exemption
                                                Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                                                     indicate the specific section of this
                                                                                                        will be valid for two years unless
                                                Monday through Friday, except Federal                                                                         document to which each comment
                                                                                                        rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The
                                                holidays.                                                                                                     applies, and provide a reason for each
                                                                                                        exemption will be rescinded if: (1) the
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              person fails to comply with the terms                 suggestion or recommendation. You
                                                I. Background                                           and conditions of the exemption; (2) the              may submit your comments and
                                                                                                        exemption has resulted in a lower level               material online or by fax, mail, or hand
                                                   Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,                  of safety than was maintained before it               delivery, but please use only one of
                                                FMCSA may renew an exemption from                       was granted; or (3) continuation of the               these means. FMCSA recommends that
                                                the vision requirements in 49 CFR                       exemption would not be consistent with                you include your name and a mailing
                                                391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers                 the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C.                 address, an email address, or a phone
                                                of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a                   31136(e) and 31315.                                   number in the body of your document
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                two-year period if it finds ‘‘such                                                                            so the Agency can contact you if it has
                                                exemption would likely achieve a level                  III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions
                                                                                                                                                              questions regarding your submission.
                                                of safety that is equivalent to or greater                Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an                       To submit your comment online, got
                                                than the level that would be achieved                   exemption may be granted for no longer                to http://www.regulations.gov and put
                                                absent such exemption.’’ The                            than two years from its approval date                 the docket number, ‘‘FMCSA–2006–
                                                procedures for requesting an exemption                  and may be renewed upon application                   25246; FMCSA–2006–26066; FMCSA–
                                                (including renewals) are set out in 49                  for additional two year periods. In                   2008–0340; FMCSA–2010–0327;
                                                CFR part 381.                                           accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and                FMCSA–2010–0385; FMCSA–2012–


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 18, 2015 / Notices                                            8753

                                                0280; FMCSA–2012–0337; FMCSA–                           track turnout components, the Federal                 If, however, FTA determines that ‘‘the
                                                2012–0339’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box, and                 Transit Administration (FTA) hereby                   steel, iron, and goods produced in the
                                                click ‘‘Search.’’ When the new screen                   waives its Buy America requirements                   United States are not produced in a
                                                appears, click on ‘‘Comment Now!’’                      for LIRR’s procurement of the following               sufficient and reasonably available
                                                button and type your comment into the                   track turnout components: Schwihag                    amount or are not of a satisfactory
                                                text box in the following screen. Choose                roller assemblies, Schwihag plates,                   quality,’’ then FTA may issue a waiver
                                                whether you are submitting your                         ZU1–60 steel switch point rail sections,              (non-availability waiver). 49 U.S.C.
                                                comment as an individual or on behalf                   and movable point frogs. This waiver is               5323(j)(2)(B); 49 CFR 661.7(c).
                                                of a third party and then submit. If you                limited to LIRR’s procurement of these                   On July 31, 2014, LIRR requested a
                                                submit your comments by mail or hand                    track turnout components for the nine                 non-availability Buy America waiver for
                                                delivery, submit them in an unbound                     (9) turnouts that LIRR needs for VHL03                the procurement of four specific track
                                                format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches,               LIRR Stage 3 of the East Side Access                  turnout components—i.e., Schwihag
                                                suitable for copying and electronic                     Project and the one (1) turnout that LIRR             roller assemblies, Schwihag plates,
                                                filing. If you submit comments by mail                  needs for VHL04 LIRR Stage 4 of the                   ZU1–60 steel switch point rail sections,
                                                and would like to know that they                        East Side Access Project. The turnouts                and MPFs—that are needed for the ESA
                                                reached the facility, please enclose a                  themselves, however, are subject to                   Project. MTA entered into an FTA Full
                                                stamped, self-addressed postcard or                     FTA’s Buy America requirements and,                   Funding Grant Agreement in 2006 to
                                                envelope. FMCSA will consider all                       accordingly, the turnouts must be                     build the ESA Project. As described by
                                                comments and material received during                   manufactured in the United States.                    LIRR, the ESA Project will extend LIRR
                                                the comment period and may change                          This Buy America waiver does not                   commuter rail service from Queens to
                                                this notice based on your comments.                     apply to the track turnout components                 the east side of Midtown Manhattan and
                                                                                                        for Phase I of LIRR’s Jamaica Capacity                will construct a new LIRR Terminal at
                                                Viewing Comments and Documents                          Improvements Project, and FTA will                    Grand Central Terminal.
                                                   To view comments, as well as any                     address that waiver request separately.                  On February 4, 2015, LIRR submitted
                                                documents mentioned in this preamble                    Moreover, this Buy America waiver                     a letter to FTA indicating that it has
                                                as being available in the docket, go to                 does not apply to the track turnout                   become aware of alternate turnout
                                                http://www.regulations.gov and in the                   components for the Northeast Corridor                 designs that may be compatible with
                                                search box insert the docket number,                    Congestion Relief Project at Harold                   LIRR’s infrastructure, with some
                                                ‘‘FMCSA–2006–25246; FMCSA–2006–                         Interlocking, which is being addressed                modifications, for the ESA Project and
                                                26066; FMCSA–2008–0340; FMCSA–                          in a separate waiver decision published               that may be available from a domestic
                                                2010–0327; FMCSA–2010–0385;                             by the Federal Railroad Administration                source in the future. Accordingly, in its
                                                FMCSA–2012–0280; FMCSA–2012–                            (FRA), as FRA funds are being used for                February 4, 2015 letter, LIRR narrowed
                                                0337; FMCSA–2012–0339’’ in the                          that project.                                         its waiver request to apply only to
                                                ‘‘Keyword’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’                   DATES: This waiver is effective                       VHL03 LIRR Stage 3 and VHL04 LIRR
                                                Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’                      immediately.                                          Stage 4 of the ESA Project. Specifically,
                                                button choose the document listed to                                                                          LIRR explained that it critically needs
                                                review. If you do not have access to the                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      the Buy America waiver for nine (9)
                                                Internet, you may view the docket                       Richard L. Wong, FTA Attorney-                        turnouts that are necessary for VHL03
                                                online by visiting the Docket                           Advisor, at (202) 366–4011 or                         LIRR Stage 3 of the ESA Project in order
                                                Management Facility in Room W12–140                     Richard.Wong@dot.gov.                                 for LIRR to meet its 2016 installation
                                                on the ground floor of the DOT West                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The                        schedule and to thereby avoid delays to
                                                Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                   purpose of this notice is to announce                 the overall ESA project schedule.
                                                Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.                    that FTA is granting a non-availability               Additionally, LIRR specified that it
                                                and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday,                waiver for LIRR’s procurement of track                needs the track turnout components
                                                except Federal holidays.                                turnout components—i.e., Schwihag                     waiver so that it may procure one (1)
                                                                                                        roller assemblies, Schwihag plates,                   unique turnout—No. 32.75—for VHL04
                                                  Issued On: February 6, 2015.
                                                                                                        ZU1–60 steel switch point rail sections,              LIRR Stage 4 of the ESA Project.
                                                Larry W. Minor,
                                                                                                        and movable point frogs (MPFs)—that                      LIRR has stated that the foreign-
                                                Associate Administrator for Policy.                     are needed for VHL03 LIRR Stage 3 and                 sourced MPFs are essential components
                                                [FR Doc. 2015–03241 Filed 2–17–15; 8:45 am]             VHL04 LIRR Stage 4 of the East Side                   of track turnouts for the following
                                                BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P                                  Access (ESA) Project.                                 operational reasons: (1) turnouts with
                                                                                                           With certain exceptions, FTA’s Buy                 MPFs are necessary to withstand the
                                                                                                        America requirements prevent FTA                      frequent and heavy use by passenger
                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            from obligating an amount that may be                 and freight trains traveling along LIRR’s
                                                                                                        appropriated to carry out its program for             right of way; (2) turnouts with MPFs
                                                Federal Transit Administration
                                                                                                        a project unless ‘‘the steel, iron, and               allow trains to travel through the
                                                [Docket No. FTA–2014–0025]                              manufactured goods used in the project                turnouts at higher speeds, ultimately
                                                                                                        are produced in the United States.’’ 49               providing more throughput during rush
                                                Notice of Buy America Waiver for                        U.S.C. 5323(j)(1). A manufactured                     hour; (3) turnouts with MPFs reduce
                                                Track Turnout Components                                product is considered produced in the                 impact loading to the turnouts; and (4)
                                                AGENCY:    Federal Transit Administration,              United States if: (1) All of the                      turnouts with MPFs provide for less
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                DOT.                                                    manufacturing processes for the product               wear and tear, thereby requiring less
                                                ACTION:   Notice of Buy America Waiver.                 must take place in the United States;                 overall maintenance, extending the
                                                                                                        and (2) All of the components of the                  useful lives of the turnouts, and
                                                SUMMARY:   In response to a request from                product must be of U.S. origin. 49 CFR                resulting in fewer outages and negative
                                                the Long Island Rail Road Company                       661.5(d). A component is considered of                impacts on LIRR’s operations.
                                                (LIRR), a subsidiary of the New York                    U.S. origin if it is manufactured in the                 Based on previous solicitations,
                                                Metropolitan Transportation Authority                   United States, regardless of the origin of            market research, and manufacturer
                                                (MTA), for a Buy America waiver for                     its subcomponents. 49 CFR 661.5(d)(2).                outreach, as set forth below, LIRR


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Document Created: 2018-02-16 11:10:35
Document Modified: 2018-02-16 11:10:35
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.
DatesThis decision is effective March 1, 2015. Comments must be received on or before March 20, 2015.
ContactCharles A. Horan, III, Director, Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards, 202-366-4001, [email protected], FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FR Citation80 FR 8751 

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