        DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
        Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
        49 CFR Part 350
        [Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0470]
        State Inspection Programs for Passenger-Carrying Vehicles; Listening Sessions

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

          ACTION:
          Notice of public listening sessions.

          SUMMARY:
          FMCSA announces that it will hold two public listening sessions on January 13 and 18, 2015, to solicit information concerning section 32710 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Pub. L. 112-141, MAP-21). This provision requires FMCSA to complete a rulemaking proceeding to consider requiring States to establish a program for annual inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) designed or used to transport passengers. Additionally, under MAP-21, FMCSA must assess the risks associated with improperly maintained or inspected CMVs designed or used to transport passengers; the effectiveness of existing Federal standards for the inspection of such vehicles in mitigating the risks associated with improperly maintained vehicles and ensuring the safe and proper operation condition of such vehicles; and the costs and benefits of a mandatory inspection program. Any data regarding this topic would be appreciated.

          The January 13, 2015, session will be held at the American Bus Association's (ABA) Marketplace conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The January 18, 2015, session will be held at the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo 2015 conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. All comments will be transcribed and placed in the docket referenced above for FMCSA's consideration. The entire proceedings for both days will be webcast.

          DATES:
          The listening sessions will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Local Time, and on Sunday, January 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Local Time.

          ADDRESSES:
          The January 13 listening session will be held at the America's Center, 701 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63101, in Room 123. The January 18 session will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130, in Room 235-236. In addition to attending the session in person, the Agency offers several ways to provide comments, as enumerated below.

            Internet Address for Live Webcast. FMCSA will post specific information on how to participate via the Internet on the FMCSA Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov in advance of the listening sessions.
          You may submit comments identified by Docket Number FMCSA-2014-0470 using any of the following methods:
          • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 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., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
          • Fax: 202-493-2251.

          Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received, without change, to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments.
          • Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The online Federal document management system is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you would like acknowledgment that the Agency received your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgment page that appears after submitting comments on-line.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Shannon L. Watson, Senior Policy Advisor, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001 or by telephone at 202-366-2551. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.
          If you need sign language interpretation or any other accessibility accommodation, please contact Ms. Watson by Monday, January 5, 2015, to allow us to arrange for such services. FMCSA cannot guarantee that interpreter services requested on short notice will be provided.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        Submitting Comments
        If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (FMCSA-2014-0470), 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 http://www.regulations.gov, put the docket number, FMCSA-2014-0470, in the keyword box, and click “Search.” When the new screen appears, click on the “Comment Now!” 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 comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
        We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may draft a request for further comment to support consideration of further regulatory action.
        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. Insert the docket number, FMCSA-2014-0470, in the keyword box, and click “Search.” Next, click the “Open Docket Folder” button and choose the document 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.
        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.

        Background

        On July 6, 2012, the President signed MAP-21 into law. The new law included certain requirements concerning State inspection programs for passenger-carrying vehicles (e.g., motorcoaches). Specifically, Section 32710 requires the Secretary of Transportation to complete a rulemaking proceeding to consider requiring States to establish a program for annual inspections of CMVs designed or used to transport passengers. FMCSA must also include an assessment of the following: (1) The risks associated with improperly maintained or inspected CMVs designed or used to transport passengers; (2) the effectiveness of existing Federal standards for the inspection of such vehicles in—(a) mitigating the risks associated with improperly maintained vehicles; and (b) ensuring the safe and proper operation condition of such vehicles; and (3) the costs and benefits of a mandatory inspection program. Any data with regard to the topic would be appreciated.

        To help inform consideration of the MAP-21 requirements, the Agency believes it would be helpful to conduct a series of public listening sessions to provide all interested parties the opportunity to share their views on the subject.
        The Agency requests information on the following questions:
        • Does your State or the States in which you domicile buses conduct mandatory bus inspections? Are these inspections conducted annually and by State employees or 3rd party inspectors? If conducted by 3rd party inspectors, what oversight is or should be required? What is the cost of these inspections?
        • If your State imposes mandatory inspection of buses, how do you assess the effectiveness of such inspections? For example, have you measured the occurrence of bus-involved crashes, injuries and/or fatalities before and after the imposition of a mandatory inspection requirement?
        • Which vehicle defects are most prevalent at these inspections? What conclusions do you draw from the results of these inspections?

        • Where should these inspections be performed? At a “brick and mortar” facility or at the carrier's place of business? If at the carrier's place of business, what accommodations must be made to ensure appropriate access (e.g. pits, lifts, etc.) to conduct full inspections of motorcoaches and other large vehicles? What should the fees be for the various types of inspections?
        • How much does it cost to establish and run inspection programs on an annual basis? Would self-inspection or 3rd party inspections be an option to a State inspection? How would the costs differ? Do you envision other more preferable options?
        • Should States allow fleets to self-inspect? How many fleets use their own mechanics, as opposed to 3rd party inspectors, to conduct bus inspections?
        • Has your State or organization collected data related to crashes, injuries and/or fatalities attributable to improperly maintained or inspected buses? If so, what conclusions have you drawn from that data?
        II. Meeting Participation and Information FMCSA Seeks From the Public
        The listening sessions are open to the public. Speakers should try to limit their remarks to 3-5 minutes. No preregistration is required. Attendees may submit material to the FMCSA staff at the session for inclusion in the pubic docket referenced at the beginning of this notice.
        FMCSA will docket the transcripts of the webcast and a separate transcription of the listening session will be prepared by an official court reporter.

          Issued on: December 15, 2014.
          Larry W. Minor,
          Associate Administrator for Policy.

      [FR Doc. 2014-29853 Filed 12-19-14; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


        DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
        Coast Guard
        33 CFR Part 165
        [Docket Number USCG-2020-0011]
        RIN 1625-AA87
        Security Zone; Limetree Bay Terminals, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

          AGENCY:
          Coast Guard, DHS.

          ACTION:
          Notice of proposed rulemaking.

          SUMMARY:
          The Coast Guard is proposing to modify the name and location of an existing security zone in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. This proposed rule would adjust the coordinates of the security zone and update the facility name from HOVENSA Refinery to Limetree Bay Terminals. The proposed rule would continue to prohibit persons and vessels from entering the security zone, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated representative. This action is necessary to better meet the safety and security needs of Limetree Bay Terminals in St. Croix, USVI. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

          DATES:
          Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before February 26, 2020.

          ADDRESSES:

          You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2020-0011 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

          If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email Lieutenant Commander Pedro Mendoza, Sector San Juan Prevention Department, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 787-729-2374, email Pedro.L.Mendoza@uscg.mil.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        I. Table of Abbreviations

          COTP Captain of the Port
          CFR Code of Federal Regulations
          DHS Department of Homeland Security
          FR Federal Register
          NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
          § Section
          U.S.C. United States Code
          USVI U.S. Virgin Islands

        II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis
        The existing regulation in 33 CFR 165.770, contains a fixed security zone around the HOVENSA Refinery on the south coast of St. Croix, USVI. On November 21, 2019, the Coast Guard received a request to extend the regulated area of the security zone and update the facility name to Limetree Bay Terminals. Limetree Bay Terminals recently installed a Single Point Mooring system to enable deep draft vessel traffic to transfer to and from the facility. The location of the Single Point Mooring systems falls outside of the existing security zone. The proposed rule would increase the security zone by approximately 880 yards (.5 mile) to encompass their new mooring system.
        The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of vessels and the navigable waters surrounding Limetree Bay Terminals. The Coast Guard is proposing this rulemaking under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231).]
        III. Discussion of Proposed Rule
        The proposed rule would amend the existing fixed security zone in 33 CFR 165.770 to expand the regulated area and to update the facility name. We are proposing to increase the regulated area by approximately 880 yards (.5 mile) to encompass the new mooring system location installed by the facility. We are proposing to update the facility name to Limetree Bay Terminals to reflect its current ownership. Vessels may seek permission from the COTP to transit through the security zone.
        IV. Regulatory Analyses
        We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.
        A. Regulatory Planning and Review
        Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This NPRM has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.
        This regulatory action determination is based on size and location of the security zone. Vessel traffic would be able to continue to safely transit around the security which would impact a small designated area of southern St. Croix, USVI. The rule will allow vessels to seek permission to transit through the security zone.
        B. Impact on Small Entities
        The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
        While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the security zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section IV.A above, this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.

        If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it.

        Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.
        C. Collection of Information
        This proposed rule would not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
        D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
        A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 (Federalism), if it has a substantial direct effect 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 have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132.

        Also, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments) because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
        E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
        The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.
        F. Environment

        We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This proposed rule involves expanding an existing security zone and updating the facility name. Normally such actions are categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A preliminary Record of Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket. For instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.
        G. Protest Activities

        The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places, or vessels.
        V. Public Participation and Request for Comments
        We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking, and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation.

        We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using https://www.regulations.gov, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions.

        We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions in response to this document, see DHS's Correspondence System of Records notice (84 FR 48645, September 26, 2018).

        Documents mentioned in this NPRM as being available in the docket, and all public comments, will be in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website's instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a final rule is published.

          List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
          Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

        For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is proposing to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

          PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

        1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

          Authority:
          46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

        2. Revise § 165.770 to read as follows:

          § 165.770
          Security Zone; Limetree Bay Terminals, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
          (a) Regulated area. The Coast Guard is establishing a security zone in and around Limetree Bay Terminals on the south coast of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. This security zone includes all waters from surface to bottom, encompassed by an imaginary line connecting the following points: Point 1 in position 17°41′48″ N, 064°44′26″ W; Point 2 in position 17°40′00″ N, 064°43′36″ W; Point 3 in position 17°39′36″ N, 064°44′48″ W; Point 4 in position 17°41′33″ N, 064°45′08″ W; then tracing the shoreline along the water's edge to the point of origin. These coordinates are based upon North American Datum 1983 (NAD 1983).
          (b) Regulations. (1) Under § 165.33, entry into or remaining within the regulated area in paragraph (a) of this section is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan or vessels have a scheduled arrival at Limetree Bay Terminals, St. Croix, in accordance with the Notice of Arrival requirements of 33 CFR part 160, subpart C.
          (2) Persons desiring to transit the area of the security zone may contact the COTP San Juan or designated representative at telephone number 787-289-2041 or on VHF-FM Channel 16. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the COTP or designated representative.

          Dated: January 21, 2020.
          E.P. King,
          Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port San Juan.

      [FR Doc. 2020-01225 Filed 1-24-20; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 9110-04-P