32308 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 115 / Thursday, June 17, 2021 / Notices 

TABLE 2—CALIFORNIA/IOWA—DESIGNATED NRHM ROUTES—Continued 

Designation 

date Route order Route description Designation(s) (A,B, I,P) 

FMCSA QA 

comment 

07/18/88 ......... A3A–1.0 ......... Interstate 880 from Interstate 80 to Interstate 29 [Used in lieu of I–29 in the 

Council Bluffs area per 49 CFR 397.103(b)].

P 

07/18/88 ......... A3B–2.0 ......... Interstate 35 from Minnesota to Missouri [Stay on I–35/I–80 in lieu of I–235 

in the Des Moines area per 49 CFR 397.103(b)].

P 

07/18/88 ......... A3B–3.0 ......... Interstate 280 from Interstate 80 to Illinois [Use I–280 or I–80 in the Quad 

Cities area.].

P 

07/18/88 ......... A4B–1.0 ......... Interstate 29 from Nebraska to Interstate 880 [I–80 and I–880 are used in 

lieu of I–29 in the Council Bluffs area when heading North/South per 49 

CFR 397.103(b)].

P 

End of Revisions to the National Hazardous Materials Route Registry.

Meera Joshi, 

Deputy Administrator. 

[FR Doc. 2021–12805 Filed 6–16–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration 

[Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0123; 

FMCSA–2013–0124; FMCSA–2013–0125; 

FMCSA–2014–0102; FMCSA–2014–0104; 

FMCSA–2014–0106; FMCSA–2014–0107; 

FMCSA–2014–0383; FMCSA–2015–0326; 

FMCSA–2017–0058; FMCSA–2018–0137; 

FMCSA–2018–0138] 

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption 

Applications; Hearing 

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA), Department 

of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice of renewal of 

exemptions; request for comments. 

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its 

decision to renew exemptions for 28 

individuals from the hearing 

requirement in the Federal Motor 

Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for 

interstate commercial motor vehicle 

(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable 

these hard of hearing and deaf 

individuals to continue to operate CMVs 

in interstate commerce. 

DATES: The exemptions were applicable 

on June 17, 2021. The exemptions 

expire on June 17, 2023. Comments 

must be received on or before July 19, 

2021. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 

identified by the Federal Docket 

Management System (FDMS) Docket No. 

FMCSA–2013–0123, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2013–0124, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2013–0125, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0102, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0104, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0106, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0107, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0383, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2015–0326, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2017–0058, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2018–0137, or Docket No. 

FMCSA–2018–0138 using any of the 

following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket 

number, FMCSA–2013–0123, FMCSA– 

2013–0124, FMCSA–2013–0125, 

FMCSA–2014–0102, FMCSA–2014– 

0104, FMCSA–2014–0106, FMCSA– 

2014–0107, FMCSA–2014–0383, 

FMCSA–2015–0326, FMCSA–2017– 

0058, FMCSA–2018–0137, or FMCSA– 

2018–0138 in the keyword box, and 

click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by 

‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ choose the first 

notice listed, and click on the 

‘‘Comment’’ button. Follow the online 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• Mail: Dockets Operations; U.S. 

Department of Transportation, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 

Washington, DC 20590–0001. 

• Hand Delivery: West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, 

DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

Holidays. 

• Fax: (202) 493–2251. 

To avoid duplication, please use only 

one of these four methods. See the 

‘‘Public Participation’’ portion of the 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for 

instructions on submitting comments. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical 

Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, 

fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, DOT, 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room 

W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. 

Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 

p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, 

except Federal holidays. If you have 

questions regarding viewing or 

submitting material to the docket, 

contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366– 

9826. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation 

A. Submitting Comments 

If you submit a comment, please 

include the docket number for this 

notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0123, 

Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0124, Docket 

No. FMCSA–2013–0125, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0102, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0104, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0106, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0107, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0383, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2015–0326, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2017–0058, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2018–0137, or Docket No. 

FMCSA–2018–0138), 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 that FMCSA can 

contact you if there are questions 

regarding your submission. 

To submit your comment online, go to 

www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket 

number, FMCSA–2013–0123, FMCSA– 

2013–0124, FMCSA–2013–0125, 

FMCSA–2014–0102, FMCSA–2014– 

0104, FMCSA–2014–0106, FMCSA– 

2014–0107, FMCSA–2014–0383, 

FMCSA–2015–0326, FMCSA–2017– 

0058, FMCSA–2018–0137, or FMCSA– 

2018–0138 in the keyword box, and 

click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by 

‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ choose the first 

notice listed, click the ‘‘Comment’’ 

button, and type your comment into the 

text box on 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 81⁄2 by 

11 inches, suitable for copying and 

electronic filing. If you submit 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 115 / Thursday, June 17, 2021 / Notices 32309 

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. 

B. Viewing Comments 

To view comments go to 

www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket 

number, FMCSA–2013–0123, FMCSA– 

2013–0124, FMCSA–2013–0125, 

FMCSA–2014–0102, FMCSA–2014– 

0104, FMCSA–2014–0106, FMCSA– 

2014–0107, FMCSA–2014–0383, 

FMCSA–2015–0326, FMCSA–2017– 

0058, FMCSA–2018–0137, or FMCSA– 

2018–0138 in the keyword box, and 

click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by 

‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ choose the first 

notice listed, and click ‘‘Browse 

Comments.’’ If you do not have access 

to the internet, you may view the docket 

online by visiting Dockets Operations in 

Room W12–140 on the ground floor of 

the DOT West Building, 1200 New 

Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 

20590–0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 

ET, Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. To be sure someone is 

there to help you, please call (202) 366– 

9317 or (202) 366–9826 before visiting 

Dockets Operations. 

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.transportation.gov/privacy. 

II. Background 

Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 

31315(b), FMCSA may grant an 

exemption from the FMCSRs for no 

longer than a 5-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 

statute also allows the Agency to renew 

exemptions at the end of the 5-year 

period. FMCSA grants medical 

exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2- 

year period to align with the maximum 

duration of a driver’s medical 

certification. 

The physical qualification standard 

for drivers regarding hearing found in 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a 

person is physically qualified to drive a 

CMV if that person first perceives a 

forced whispered voice in the better ear 

at not less than 5 feet with or without 

the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by 

use of an audiometric device, does not 

have an average hearing loss in the 

better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 

Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or 

without a hearing aid when the 

audiometric device is calibrated to 

American National Standard (formerly 

ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951. 

This standard was adopted in 1970 

and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers 

to be qualified under this standard 

while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 

6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 

12857 (July 3, 1971). 

The 28 individuals listed in this 

notice have requested renewal of their 

exemptions from the hearing standard 

in § 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with 

FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, 

FMCSA has evaluated these 

applications for renewal on their merits 

and decided to extend each exemption 

for a renewable 2-year period. 

III. Request for Comments 

Interested parties or organizations 

possessing information that would 

otherwise show that any, or all, of these 

drivers are not currently achieving the 

statutory level of safety should 

immediately notify FMCSA. The 

Agency will evaluate any adverse 

evidence submitted and, if safety is 

being compromised or if continuation of 

the exemption would not be consistent 

with the goals and objectives of 49 

U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA 

will take immediate steps to revoke the 

exemption of a driver. 

IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 

and 31315(b), each of the 28 applicants 

has satisfied the renewal conditions for 

obtaining an exemption from the 

hearing requirement. The 28 drivers in 

this notice remain in good standing with 

the Agency. In addition, for Commercial 

Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the 

Commercial Driver’s License 

Information System and the Motor 

Carrier Management Information System 

are searched for crash and violation 

data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency 

reviews the driving records from the 

State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These 

factors provide an adequate basis for 

predicting each driver’s ability to 

continue to safely operate a CMV in 

interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA 

concludes that extending the exemption 

for each of these drivers for a period of 

2 years is likely to achieve a level of 

safety equal to that existing without the 

exemption. 

As of June 17, 2021, and in 

accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 

31315(b), the following 28 individuals 

have satisfied the renewal conditions for 

obtaining an exemption from the 

hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for 

interstate CMV drivers: 

Selwyn Abrahamson (MN) 

Kevin Ballard (TX) 

Robert M. Benner (OH) 

Courtney Bertling (OR) 

Tonya Bland (PA) 

Conley Bowling (KY) 

Shawn Carico (TN) 

Thomas M. Carr (PA) 

Jason M. Clark (MO) 

Herbert Crowe (MO) 

Byron Davis (TX) 

Mark Dickson (TX) 

Jacob Gadreault (MA) 

Timothy Gallagher (PA) 

David Garland (ME) 

Lane Grover (IN) 

Gregory Hill (MS) 

Thomas Lipyanic (FL) 

Billie Jo Martinez (TX) 

Jonathan A. Muhm (CA) 

Charles Pitt (AL) 

David Shores (NC) 

Sandy Sloat (TX) 

Kirk Soneson (OH) 

James Thomason (MO) 

Ramarr Wadley (PA) 

Jeffrey Webber (OK) 

Richard Whittaker (FL) 

The drivers were included in docket 

number FMCSA–2013–0123, FMCSA– 

2013–0124, FMCSA–2013–0125, 

FMCSA–2014–0102, FMCSA–2014– 

0104, FMCSA–2014–0106, FMCSA– 

2014–0107, FMCSA–2014–0383, 

FMCSA–2015–0326, FMCSA–2017– 

0058, FMCSA–2018–0137, or FMCSA– 

2018–0138. Their exemptions are 

applicable as of June 17, 2021 and will 

expire on June 17, 2023. 

V. Conditions and Requirements 

The exemptions are extended subject 

to the following conditions: (1) Each 

driver must report any crashes or 

accidents as defined in § 390.5; and (2) 

report all citations and convictions for 

disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR 383 

and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA; and (3) each 

driver prohibited from operating a 

motorcoach or bus with passengers in 

interstate commerce. The driver must 

also have a copy of the exemption when 

driving, for presentation to a duly 

authorized Federal, State, or local 

enforcement official. In addition, the 

exemption does not exempt the 

individual from meeting the applicable 

CDL testing requirements. Each 

exemption will be valid for 2 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 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
32310 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 115 / Thursday, June 17, 2021 / Notices 

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(b). 

VI. Preemption 

During the period the exemption is in 

effect, no State shall enforce any law or 

regulation that conflicts with this 

exemption with respect to a person 

operating under the exemption. 

VII. Conclusion 

Based upon its evaluation of the 28 

exemption applications, FMCSA renews 

the exemptions of the aforementioned 

drivers from the hearing requirement in 

§ 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 

U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each 

exemption will be valid for 2 years 

unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. 

Larry W. Minor, 

Associate Administrator for Policy. 

[FR Doc. 2021–12809 Filed 6–16–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Maritime Administration 

[Docket No. MARAD–2021–0114] 

Coastwise Endorsement Eligibility 

Determination for a Foreign-Built 

Vessel: REEL BLUE (Motor Vessel); 

Invitation for Public Comments 

AGENCY: Maritime Administration, 

Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice. 

SUMMARY: The Secretary of 

Transportation, as represented by the 

Maritime Administration (MARAD), is 

authorized to issue coastwise 

endorsement eligibility determinations 

for foreign-built vessels which will carry 

no more than twelve passengers for hire. 

A request for such a determination has 

been received by MARAD. By this 

notice, MARAD seeks comments from 

interested parties as to any effect this 

action may have on U.S. vessel builders 

or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.- 

flag vessels. Information about the 

requestor’s vessel, including a brief 

description of the proposed service, is 

listed below. 

DATES: Submit comments on or before 

July 19, 2021. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 

identified by DOT Docket Number 

MARAD–2021–0114 by any one of the 

following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov. Search 

MARAD–2021–0114 and follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket 

Management Facility is in the West 

Building, Ground Floor of the U.S. 

Department of Transportation. The 

Docket Management Facility location 

address is: U.S. Department of 

Transportation, MARAD–2021–0114, 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West 

Building, Room W12–140, Washington, 

DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except on 

Federal holidays. 

Note: If you mail or hand-deliver your 

comments, we recommend that you 

include your name and a mailing 

address, an email address, or a 

telephone number in the body of your 

document so that we can contact you if 

we have questions regarding your 

submission. 

Instructions: All submissions received 

must include the agency name and 

specific docket number. All comments 

received will be posted without change 

to the docket at www.regulations.gov, 

including any personal information 

provided. For detailed instructions on 

submitting comments, see the section 

entitled Public Participation. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

James Mead, U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Maritime 

Administration, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE, Room W23–459, 

Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202– 

366–5723, Email James.Mead@dot.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As 

described in the application, the 

intended service of the vessel REEL 

BLUE is: 

—Intended Commercial Use of Vessel: 

‘‘Sightseeing tours, wedding party 

transport, local fishing charters, not 

for resale’’ 

—Geographic Region Including Base of 

Operations: ‘‘South Carolina).’’ (Base 

of Operations: Charleston, SC) 

—Vessel Length and Type: 30′ Motor 

Vessel 

The complete application is available 

for review identified in the DOT docket 

as MARAD 2021–0114 at http://

www.regulations.gov. Interested parties 

may comment on the effect this action 

may have on U.S. vessel builders or 

businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag 

vessels. If MARAD determines, in 

accordance with 46 U.S.C. 12121 and 

MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 

388, that the employment of the vessel 

in the coastwise trade to carry no more 

than 12 passengers will have an unduly 

adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or 

a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in 

that business, MARAD will not issue an 

approval of the vessel’s coastwise 

endorsement eligibility. Comments 

should refer to the vessel name, state the 

commenter’s interest in the application, 

and address the eligibility criteria given 

in section 388.4 of MARAD’s 

regulations at 46 CFR part 388. 

Public Participation 

How do I submit comments? 

Please submit your comments, 

including the attachments, following the 

instructions provided under the above 

heading entitled ADDRESSES. Be advised 

that it may take a few hours or even 

days for your comment to be reflected 

on the docket. In addition, your 

comments must be written in English. 

We encourage you to provide concise 

comments and you may attach 

additional documents as necessary. 

There is no limit on the length of the 

attachments. 

Where do I go to read public comments, 

and find supporting information? 

Go to the docket online at http://

www.regulations.gov, keyword search 

MARAD–2021–0114 or visit the Docket 

Management Facility (see ADDRESSES for 

hours of operation). We recommend that 

you periodically check the Docket for 

new submissions and supporting 

material. 

Will my comments be made available to 

the public? 

Yes. Be aware that your entire 

comment, including your personal 

identifying information, will be made 

publicly available. 

May I submit comments confidentially? 

If you wish to submit comments 

under a claim of confidentiality, you 

should submit three copies of your 

complete submission, including the 

information you claim to be confidential 

business information, to the Department 

of Transportation, Maritime 

Administration, Office of Legislation 

and Regulations, MAR–225, W24–220, 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 

Washington, DC 20590. Include a cover 

letter setting forth with specificity the 

basis for any such claim and, if possible, 

a summary of your submission that can 

be made available to the public. 

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, to www.regulations.gov, as 

described in the system of records 

notice, DOT/ALL–14 FDMS, accessible 

through www.dot.gov/privacy. To 

facilitate comment tracking and 

response, we encourage commenters to 


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