Document ID: PHMSA-2016-0079-0001
Agency: phmsa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Hazardous Materials: Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act Requirements for Identification Numbers on Cargo Tanks Containing Petroleum Based Fuel
Posted Date: 2016-11-21T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 224 (Monday, November 21, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 83190-83195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27911]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 172

[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0079 (HM-213E)]
RIN 2137-AF25

Hazardous Materials: PIPES Act Requirements for Identification 
Numbers on Cargo Tanks Containing Petroleum Based Fuel

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM).

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SUMMARY: PHMSA is publishing this advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
(ANPRM) in response to the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines 
and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2016, which reauthorizes the 
pipeline safety program and requires a number of reports and mandates. 
The PIPES Act requires PHMSA to take regulatory actions to establish 
minimum safety standards for underground natural gas storage 
facilities; to update the minimum safety standards for permanent, small 
scale liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities; and to publish an 
ANPRM to address a petition for rulemaking proposing hazardous 
materials regulations related to the marking of identification numbers 
on cargo tanks. This ANPRM specifically addresses the PIPES Act 
requirement applicable to the petition for rulemaking related to the 
marking of identification numbers on cargo tanks. PHMSA will consider 
the comments, data, and information received in any future action 
related to the petition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 21, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Docket Number 
PHMSA-2016-0079 (HM-213E) through any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management System, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Dockets Operations, M-30, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, Ground Floor, Room W12-140 in the West Building, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590,

[[Page 83191]]

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
Holidays.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and 
Docket Number (PHMSA-2016-0079) or RIN (2137-AF25) for this notice at 
the beginning of the comment. Note that all comments received will be 
posted without change to the docket management system, including any 
personal information provided. If sent by mail, comments must be 
submitted in duplicate. Persons wishing to receive confirmation of 
receipt of their comments must include a self-addressed stamped 
postcard.
    Docket: For access to the dockets to read background documents or 
comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov or DOT's Docket 
Operations Office (see ADDRESSES).
    Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any 
written communications and comments received into any of our dockets by 
the name of the individual submitting the document (or signing the 
document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in 
the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 [45 FR 19477] or you 
may visit http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Andrews, (202) 366-8553, Office 
of Hazardous Materials Standards, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary
II. Objective of This ANPRM
III. Petitions Being Addressed (P-1667 and P-1668)
IV. Background Information
    A. Rulemakings
    B. Letters of Interpretation
V. Comments and Questions
    A. General Questions
    B. Safety Questions
    C. Policy Analysis Questions
VI. Regulatory Analysis
    A. Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures
    B. Executive Order 13132
    C. Executive Order 13175
    D. Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Order 13272, and DOT 
Policies and Procedures
    E. Paperwork Reduction Act
    F. National Environmental Policy Act
    G. Privacy Act
    H. Executive Order 13609 and International Trade Analysis
    I. Statutory/Legal Authority for This Rulemaking
    J. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

I. Executive Summary

    On November 12, 2015, PHMSA received a petition for rulemaking from 
the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) proposing amendments to 
the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180) 
applicable to the marking of cargo tanks transporting petroleum 
distillates. In an acknowledgment letter dated November 10, 2015, PHMSA 
assigned the CVSA petition to Petition Number P-1667 \1\ (P-1667 or the 
petition; Docket No: PHMSA-2015-0219). Subsequently, on November 24, 
2015, PHMSA received another petition for rulemaking from the American 
Trucking Association (ATA) proposing amendments to the HMR; this 
petition is also applicable to the marking of cargo tanks transporting 
petroleum distillates. In an acknowledgement letter dated November 25, 
2015, PHMSA assigned the ATA petition to Petition Number P-1668 \2\ (P-
1668 or the petition; Docket No: PHMSA-2015-0251).
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    \1\ See P-1667 docket at the following URL: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=PHMSA-2015-0219.
    \2\ See P-1668 docket at the following URL: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=PHMSA-2015-0251.
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    In this ANPRM, PHMSA outlines issues raised by these two petitions 
and discusses the background relevant to the marking of cargo tanks 
containing petroleum distillates. PHMSA further poses a series of 
questions and solicits public comment to determine the best practice 
for addressing the issues outlined in these two petitions.

II. Objective of This ANPRM

    Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5101 et 
seq.) authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to ``prescribe 
regulations for the safe transportation, including security, of 
hazardous materials in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce.'' 
See 49 U.S.C. 5103(b)(1). The Secretary has delegated this authority to 
PHMSA in 49 CFR 1.97(b). The HMR are designed to achieve three primary 
goals:
    (1) To help ensure that hazardous materials are packaged and 
handled safely and securely during transportation;
    (2) to provide effective communication to transportation workers 
and emergency responders of the hazards of the materials being 
transported; and
    (3) to minimize the consequences of an incident should one occur.
    The hazardous material regulatory system is a risk management 
system that is prevention-oriented and focused on identifying a safety 
or security hazard and reducing the probability and quantity of a 
hazardous material release.
    Under the HMR, hazardous materials are categorized into hazard 
classes and packing groups based on analysis of and experience with the 
risks they present during transportation. The HMR do the following:
    (1) Specify appropriate packaging and handling requirements for 
hazardous materials based on this classification, and require a shipper 
to communicate the material's hazards through the use of shipping 
papers, package marking and labeling, and vehicle placarding;
    (2) require shippers to provide emergency response information 
applicable to the specific hazard or hazards of the material being 
transported; and
    (3) mandate training requirements for persons who prepare hazardous 
materials for shipment or transport hazardous materials in commerce.
    The HMR also include operational requirements applicable to each 
mode of transportation.
    The Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq., 
requires Federal agencies to give interested persons the right to 
petition an agency to issue, amend, or repeal a rule. See 5 U.S.C. 
553(e). In accordance with PHMSA's rulemaking procedure regulations in 
49 CFR part 106, interested persons may ask PHMSA to add, amend, or 
repeal a regulation by filing a petition for rulemaking along with 
information and arguments that support the requested action. See 49 CFR 
106.95. The issues being considered under this ANPRM are derived 
specifically from petitions submitted to PHMSA by CVSA and ATA 
regarding the marking of cargo tanks transporting distillate fuels.
    On June 22, 2016, President Barack Obama signed the Protecting our 
Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act, which in 
part requires PHMSA to publish an ANPRM to address P-1667 related to 
the marking of identification numbers on cargo tanks. See Public Law 
114-183. Section 15 of the PIPES Act reads as follows:

    EC. 15. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS.
    Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Transportation shall issue an advanced notice of 
proposed rulemaking to take public comment on the petition for 
rulemaking dated October 28, 2015, titled ``Corrections to Title 49 
CFR 172.336 Identification numbers; special provisions'' (P-1667).

[[Page 83192]]

    As mandated by section 15 of the PIPES Act, the objective of this 
ANPRM is to solicit comments on P-1667. It further solicits comments on 
the related petition for rulemaking, P-1668.

III. Petitions Being Addressed (P-1667 and P-1668)

    Through P-1667 and P-1668, the CVSA and ATA, respectively, asked 
PHMSA to revise Sec.  172.336(c) of the HMR. In P-1667, CVSA proposed 
that PHMSA reinstate language that existed in Sec.  172.336(c)(4) and 
(5) prior to the publication of the HM-219 final rule [78 FR 14702] on 
March 7, 2013. Prior to HM-219, the paragraphs in Sec.  172.336(c)(4) 
and (5) read as follows:

    (4) For each of the different liquid petroleum distillate fuels, 
including gasoline, in a compartmented cargo tank or tank car, if 
the identification number is displayed for the distillate fuel 
having the lowest flash point. After October 1, 2000, if a 
compartmented cargo tank or tank car contains such fuels together 
with a gasoline and alcohol fuel blend containing more than ten 
percent ethanol, the identification number ``3475'' or ``1987'' must 
also be displayed as appropriate in addition to the identification 
number for the liquid petroleum distillate fuel having the lowest 
flash point.
    (5) For each of the different liquid petroleum distillate fuels, 
including gasoline transported in a cargo tank, if the 
identification number is displayed for the liquid petroleum 
distillate fuel having the lowest flash point.

    CVSA indicated in its petition that the current regulations, as 
revised by the HM-219 final rule, are inconsistent with the previous 
requirements. CVSA further noted that the table in Sec.  172.336 has 
created confusion and lack of uniformity for industry, enforcement, and 
first responders in regard to the display of identification numbers on 
multi-compartmented cargo tanks containing different petroleum 
distillate fuels.
    In P-1668, ATA proposed removing the requirement to display the 
identification number of the petroleum distillate with the lowest 
flashpoint, in addition to the identification number for the fuel blend 
as ``3475'' or ``1987,'' on a multi-compartmented cargo tank carrying 
an alcohol fuel blend with more than 10 percent ethanol. ATA further 
noted that its comments to the HM-218D final rule [73 FR 4699] that was 
published on January 28, 2008, suggested a uniform marking for all 
gasoline and gasoline/alcohol fuel blends, as well as an update to the 
Emergency Response Guide (ERG) requiring alcohol-resistant foam for all 
releases. ATA noted that PHMSA disagreed with this statement at the 
time because ``the new shipping description for gasoline/ethanol fuel 
blends would enhance emergency responders'' ability to respond 
effectively to incidents involving these materials.
    ATA identified several variations between Guide 127 and 128 in the 
ERG, used in the event of an unintentional release by emergency 
responders. The fuel blend identification numbers UN 1987 and 3475 are 
attributed to Guide 127 and Guide 128 as appropriate for several liquid 
petroleum distillates including UN 1203, 1270, and 1993. As noted by 
ATA, Guides 127 and 128 differ in the use of ``alcohol-resistant foam'' 
versus ``regular foam'' in the event of small and large fires. PHMSA 
has indicated that alcohol-resistant foam is necessary for emergency 
response involving polar/water-miscible flammable liquids, such as 
ethanol and gasoline fuel blends. In its petition, ATA reiterated the 
National Tank Truck Carriers' (NTTC) comments to HM-218D, suggesting 
that rather than displaying the identification number of the petroleum 
distillate and the alcohol/ethanol fuel blend, PHMSA should instead 
require the use of alcohol-resistant foam for both fuels in emergency 
response situations. Furthermore, ATA cited that emergency responders 
currently use alcohol-resistant foam to treat both types of fuel in the 
event of an unintentional release, recognizing that the identification 
number marking for fuel blends with greater than 10 percent ethanol is 
not needed for emergency response purposes.

IV. Background

A. Rulemakings

    The rulemaking history pertaining to the marking of cargo tanks 
containing fuel oil and petroleum distillates, as applicable to P-1667, 
is complex. On June 6, 1979, the Research and Special Programs 
Administration (RSPA), PHMSA's predecessor agency, published a notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (HM-126A) associated with the use of 
identification numbers on packages. See 44 FR 32972. In the NPRM, RSPA 
proposed to require that an identification number be displayed on 
orange panels affixed to portable tanks, cargo tanks, and tank cars. 
RSPA proposed a set of standards in Sec.  172.328 that would require 
cargo tanks to be marked on each side with the identification numbers 
specified for the material in the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT), 
which is found in Sec.  172.101. RSPA further proposed to add Sec.  
172.328(e) stating that a cargo tank marked with the identification 
number or name of a specific hazardous material may not be used to 
transport any other material unless the marking is removed or changed 
to identify the hazardous material the cargo tank contains.
    RSPA received numerous comments to the HM-126A NPRM expressing 
concern that the identification number requirements for cargo tanks 
proposed and codified in Sec.  172.328(e) would limit a carrier's 
ability to transport fuel oils and distillate fuels in multi-
compartmented cargo tanks and tank cars. As a result, in May 22, 1980, 
RSPA published a final rule titled, ``Identification Numbers, Hazardous 
Substances, International Descriptions, Improved Descriptions, 
Forbidden Materials, and Organic Peroxides,'' which amended the HMR and 
codified language in Sec.  172.336(c)(3) stating that identification 
markings are not required for different distillate fuels in the same 
cargo tank or tank car, if the identification number is displayed for 
the distillate fuel having the lowest flash point. See 45 FR 34560.
    The May 22, 1980 final rule generated a number of appeals. On 
November 10, 1980 [45 FR 74640], RSPA published a response to appeals 
to the May 22, 1980 final rule. In the response, RSPA noted that the 
provisions for allowing cargo tanks and multi-compartment cargo tanks 
to only display the identification number of the distillate fuel with 
lowest flash point were intended to eliminate the need for continuous 
changes in identification numbers for operations where gasoline and 
fuel oil are transported in the same cargo tank for different trips 
that occur on the same day. However, in response to these appeals, RSPA 
revised the HMR. To address compartmented cargo tanks, RSPA moved 
regulatory text initially found in Sec.  172.336 from paragraph (c)(3) 
to (c)(4); and to address cargo tanks and tank cars, RSPA moved 
regulatory text initially found in Sec.  172.336(c)(3) to (c)(5). These 
two provisions allowed for the display of the identification number of 
the liquid distillate fuel having the lowest flash point carried in a 
cargo tank; however, as noted above, RSPA intended for this exception 
to be allowed for different trips that occurred on the same day.
    In an April 20, 1987 final rule (HM-166) [52 FR 13034], RSPA 
revised the HMR and added the term ``Gasohol'' to Sec.  172.336(c)(4) 
and (5). This term accounted for new formulations of gasoline mixed 
with ethyl alcohol (i.e., ethanol) shipped under Sec.  172.336 of the 
HMR.
    In a January 28, 2008 final rule (HM-218D) [73 FR 4699], PHMSA 
revised the HMR and added ``UN 3475, Ethanol and

[[Page 83193]]

gasoline mixture or Ethanol and motor spirit or Ethanol and petrol 
mixture, with more than 10% ethanol'' to the HMT to address gasoline 
and ethanol mixtures such as E85.\3\ PHMSA further identified that 
emergency response techniques between petroleum distillates and 
gasoline and ethanol fuel blends differ. Specifically, gasoline and 
ethanol fuel blends with more than 10 percent ethanol are polar/water-
miscible flammable liquids and decrease the effectiveness of alcohol-
resistant fire-fighting foam. Due to these differences in fire-fighting 
methods, PHMSA revised the HMR and adopted language in Sec.  
172.336(c)(4) and (5) to clarify that when a petroleum distillate fuel 
and a gasoline/ethanol fuel blend with more than 10 percent ethanol are 
both carried on a multi-compartment cargo tank or tank car, the UN 
identification number ``3475'' or ``1987'' must be displayed in 
addition to the identification number of the petroleum distillate fuel 
with the lowest flash point. PHMSA notes that both NTTC and the 
Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa (PMCI) suggested in 
their comments to the HM-218D NPRM that revising the Emergency Response 
Guidebook (ERG) to require alcohol-resistant foam for all flammable 
liquids (Class 3), rather than adopting a new shipping description for 
gasoline and ethanol fuel blends, would have made the requirement to 
display the identification number for the alcohol fuel blend 
unnecessary.
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    \3\ E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of 85% 
denatured ethanol fuel and 15% gasoline or other hydrocarbon by 
volume.
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    In a March 7, 2013 final rule (HM-219) [78 FR 14702], based on a 
petition for rulemaking (P-1522) from Shell Chemicals,\4\ PHMSA removed 
all references to ``gasohol'' and codified a table to more clearly 
indicate hazard communication requirements for compartmented cargo 
tanks, tank cars, or cargo tanks containing these fuels. The revised 
text indicates that when a cargo tank contains more than one petroleum 
distillate fuel, it may be marked with the identification number for 
the liquid petroleum distillate fuel having the lowest flash point.
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    \4\ See P-1522 docket at the following URL: https://www.regulations.gov/searchResults?rpp=10&po=0&s=PHMSA-2008-0171.
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B. Letters of Interpretation

    On October 16, 2000, RSPA issued an interpretation letter (Ref. No. 
00-0208 \5\) to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
concerning the identification number markings on cargo tanks containing 
diesel fuel and gasoline. In this interpretation letter, RSPA stated 
that if a cargo tank containing gasoline is marked with the 
identification number for gasoline, ``1203,'' it may remain so marked 
on a subsequent trip when the cargo tank contains diesel fuel; however, 
the letter did not further clarify that this exception only applies to 
transportation occurring on the same day. Thus, it appears that 
industry uses this interpretation letter as standard practice to leave 
the ``1203'' identification number marking for gasoline on cargo tanks 
even if the cargo tank is not used for gasoline on any particular day 
or on a subsequent trip.
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    \5\ See Reference Number 00-0208 letter of interpretation at: 
http://docketsinfo.dot.gov/reports/rspa/2000-10/000208.pdf.
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    On June 26, 2015, PHMSA issued an interpretation letter (Ref. No. 
14-0178 \6\) to the South Carolina State Police concerning the 
placement of identification numbers on multi-compartmented cargo tanks 
containing petroleum distillates. In the example provided in the 
interpretation letter, all of the compartments in the multi-
compartmented cargo tank were loaded with only diesel fuel, but 
displayed ``1203,'' the identification number for gasoline. PHMSA's 
response determined that if a multi-compartmented cargo tank contains 
the same petroleum distillate fuel (other than gasoline) in each 
compartment, then it must be marked with the correct identification 
number for that material--not with ``1203.''
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    \6\ See Reference Number 14-0178 letter of interpretation at: 
http://phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PHMSA/menuitem.6f23687cf7b00b0f22e4c6962d9c8789/?vgnextoid=2bd1d740bd03e410VgnVCM100000d2c97898RCRD&vgnextfmt=default
.
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V. Comments and Questions

    The PIPES Act specifically requires PHMSA to issue an ANPRM to 
solicit public comment on P-1667. In addition, PHMSA is considering the 
regulatory changes proposed in P-1668. We invite comment on the 
following key issues and request that commenters provide data sources 
to support their positions. If commenters suggest modification to the 
existing regulatory requirements, PHMSA requests that comments provided 
be as specific as possible.

A. General Questions

    1. Are carriers currently marking cargo tanks with the 
identification number of a petroleum distillate fuel, including 
gasoline and gasohol, when that material is not present in that cargo 
tank? If so, why are carriers undertaking this practice? When and where 
does this practice occur? How prevalent is this practice?
    2. If the answer to question 1 above is yes, how is this being done 
without violating the prohibitive marking requirements in Sec.  172.303 
of the HMR?

B. Safety Questions

    1. Would marking a cargo tank with the identification number for 
the liquid petroleum distillate fuel having the lowest flash point, 
rather than with the identification numbers representing each of the 
different liquid petroleum distillate fuels including gasoline and 
gasohol, create concerns for emergency responders?
    2. Does responding to an incident involving diesel fuel differ from 
responding to an incident involving gasoline--if so, how?

C. Policy Analysis Questions

    1. How many entities and shipments would be affected by modifying 
the existing regulatory requirements related to the hazard 
communication standards for cargo tanks transporting petroleum 
distillate fuels? In addition, how many of the effected entities would 
be considered small businesses?
    2. What are the potential costs of modifying the existing 
regulatory requirements related to hazardous materials communication on 
cargo tanks pursuant to the petitioners' suggestions? If no specific 
quantitative data is available, what types of costs would be reasonable 
to anticipate (e.g., training cost, equipment replacement, etc.)?
    3. What consequences would be mitigated or prevented by modifying 
the hazard communication requirements for cargo tanks transporting 
petroleum distillate fuels? Have there been instances in the U.S. 
safety record when the current requirements and industry practices 
related to the identification number markings have resulted in 
emergency response complications, injury, or death?
    4. What are the potential quantifiable safety and societal benefits 
of modifying the existing regulatory requirements related to hazardous 
materials communication for cargo tanks?
    5. What are the potential environmental impacts and human health 
effects of modifying the existing regulatory requirements?

VI. Regulatory Analysis

A. Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures

    This ANPRM has not been designated a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory 
Planning and Review.'' 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly,

[[Page 83194]]

this ANPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) and is not considered to be a significant regulatory action under 
the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures of February 26, 1979. See 44 
FR 11034.
    Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory 
Review,'' 76 FR 3821 (Jan. 21, 2011), supplements and reaffirms the 
principles, structures, and definitions governing regulatory review 
that were established in Executive Order 12866. Together, Executive 
Orders 12866 and 13563 require agencies to regulate in the ``most cost-
effective manner,'' to make a ``reasoned determination that the 
benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs,'' and to develop 
regulations that ``impose the least burden on society.''
    Additionally, Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 require agencies to 
provide a meaningful opportunity for public participation. Therefore, 
PHMSA solicits comment on the key issues addressed in this ANPRM.

B. Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999), 
requires agencies to assure meaningful and timely input by State and 
local officials in the development of regulatory policies that may have 
``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' We 
invite State and local governments with an interest in this rulemaking 
to comment on any effect that revisions to the HMR relative to 
identification numbers displayed on cargo tanks may cause.

C. Executive Order 13175

    Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination and Indian 
Tribal Governments,'' 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 9, 2000), requires agencies to 
assure meaningful and timely input from Indian tribal government 
representatives in the development of rules that ``significantly or 
uniquely affect'' Indian communities and impose ``substantial and 
direct compliance costs'' on such communities. We invite Indian tribal 
governments to provide comments on the costs and effects that this or a 
future rulemaking could potentially have on them.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Order 13272, and DOT Policies 
and Procedures

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires 
agencies to consider whether a rulemaking would have a ``significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.'' Small 
entities include small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that 
are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations under 50,000.
    As such, PHMSA solicits input from small entities on the issues 
presented in this ANPRM. If you believe that revisions to the HMR 
relative to identification numbers on cargo tanks would have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
please submit a comment to PHMSA. In your comment, please explain how 
and to what extent your business or organization could be affected, and 
whether there are alternative approaches to this regulation the agency 
should consider that would minimize any significant impact on small 
business while still meeting the agency's statutory objectives
    Any future proposed rule would be developed in accordance with 
Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in 
Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), as well as DOT's 
procedures and policies, so as to promote compliance with the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act to ensure that potential impacts on small 
entities of a regulatory action are properly considered.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Section 1320.8(d), title 5, Code of Federal Regulations requires 
that PHMSA provide interested members of the public and affected 
agencies an opportunity to comment on information collection and 
recordkeeping requests. It is possible that new or revised information 
collection requirements could occur as a result of any future 
rulemaking action. We invite comment on the need for any collection of 
information and paperwork burdens that may apply as result of a future 
rulemaking.

F. National Environmental Policy Act

    The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4375, 
requires Federal agencies to consider the consequences of major Federal 
actions and prepare a detailed statement on actions significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. The Council on 
Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations require Federal agencies to 
conduct an environmental review considering (1) the need for the 
proposed action, (2) alternatives to the proposed action, (3) probable 
environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives, and (4) 
the agencies and persons consulted during the consideration process. 
See 40 CFR 1508.9(b). PHMSA welcomes any data or information related to 
environmental impacts that may result from this ANPRM.

G. Privacy Act

    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any written 
communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the 
name of the individual submitting the document (or signing the 
document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in 
the Federal Register at 65 FR 19477 (April 11, 2000), or you may visit 
http://www.dot.gov/privacy.html.

H. Executive Order 13609 and International Trade Analysis

    Under Executive Order 13609, ``Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation,'' 77 FR 26413 (May 4, 2012), agencies must consider 
whether the impacts associated with significant variations between 
domestic and international regulatory approaches are unnecessary, or 
may impair the ability of American business to export and compete 
internationally. In meeting shared challenges involving health, safety, 
labor, security, environmental, and other issues, international 
regulatory cooperation can identify approaches that are at least as 
protective as those that are, or would be, adopted in the absence of 
such cooperation. International regulatory cooperation can also reduce, 
eliminate, or prevent unnecessary differences in regulatory 
requirements.
    Similarly, the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, Public Law 96-39, as 
amended by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, Public Law 103-465, 
prohibits Federal agencies from establishing any standards or engaging 
in related activities that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign 
commerce of the United States. For purposes of these requirements, 
Federal agencies may participate in the establishment of international 
standards, so long as the standards have a legitimate domestic 
objective, such as providing for safety, and do not operate to exclude 
imports that meet this objective. The statute also requires 
consideration of international standards and, where appropriate, that 
they be the basis for U.S. standards.
    PHMSA participates in the establishment of international standards 
in order to protect the safety of the American public, and we have 
assessed the effects of this ANPRM to ensure that

[[Page 83195]]

it does not cause unnecessary obstacles to foreign trade. Accordingly, 
this rulemaking is consistent with Executive Order 13609 and PHMSA's 
obligations under the Trade Agreement Act, as amended.

I. Statutory/Legal Authority for This Rulemaking

    Federal hazardous materials transportation law, 49 U.S.C. 5101 et 
seq., authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe 
regulations for the safe transportation, including security, of 
hazardous materials in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. 
The Secretary has delegated this authorization to the Administrator for 
PHMSA. See 49 CFR 1.97. PHMSA is issuing this ANPRM to gather the 
necessary information to determine a course of action for clarifying 
issues pertaining to the display of identification numbers related to 
the transportation of fuel oils and petroleum distillates.

J. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of 
this document can be used to cross-reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 15, 2016, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
William Schoonover,
Acting Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, Pipeline 
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-27911 Filed 11-18-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-60-P