revising filing requirements for petitions to the Locomotive Engineer Review Board. Hours of Service Recordkeeping; Electronic Recordkeeping Amendments (RRR) This rulemaking would propose to provide simplified recordkeeping requirements to allow Class III and commuter railroads to utilize electronic recordkeeping. It would propose to permit railroads without electronic recordkeeping systems to manage reports of excess service internally without submitting them to the FRA, as currently required. The rule would not require the use of electronic recordkeeping, would be better tailored to small operations, and is expected to decrease the burden hours spent recordkeeping. 2 Safety Glazing Standards; Miscellaneous Revisions (RRR) This rulemaking would propose to eliminate the requirement to stencil the interior wall of a locomotive, passenger car, or caboose which has compliant FRA glazing (section 223.17), update FRA´s interpretation of "historical or antiquated equipment[,]" add a definition of the term to the rule text, and generally update the part to remove passed compliance dates. 2 Electronic Signatures and Documents (RRR) This rulemaking would incorporate the principles of FMCSA´s regulatory guidance concerning e-signatures and electronic documents by amending various sections of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to enable the use of and e-documents in support of electronic recordkeeping. This would provide possible paperwork reductions and be less burdensome to the motor carrier industry. 2 SB Y; IC - Y, SLT - N Target date TBD on on 3 4
and Hazardous Materials: Requirements for the Safe Transportation of Bulk Explosives (RRR) This rulemaking would amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) by establishing standards for the safe transportation of bulk explosives. This rulemaking would be responsive to two petitions for rulemaking submitted by industry representatives, requesting this action. Developing requirements for the HMR would provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility currently only offered by special permit and competent authorities. The HMR would authorize the transportation of certain explosives, ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate emulsions, and other specific hazardous materials in bulk packagings, which are not otherwise authorized under the HMR. These hazardous materials are used in blasting operations specialized vehicles, multi-purpose bulk trucks (MBTs). MBTs are used as mobile work platforms to create blends of explosives that are unique for each blast site. 2 HM-233D; SB - N, SLT - N, IC - N; This NPRM is responsive to two petitions for rulemaking submitted by industry representatives, requesting action. Developing requirements for the HMR would provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility currently only offered by special permit and competent authorities. This rulemaking is expected to result in a decrease of $10.6 million in the annual burden and cost to multiple OMB Control Numbers due to decreased paperwork burdens. and Pipeline Safety: Operator Qualification, Cost Recovery, Accident and Incident Notification, and Changes (RRR) This rulemaking would address miscellaneous issues that have been raised because of the reauthorization of the pipeline safety program in 2012 and petitions for rulemaking from many affected stakeholders. Some of the issues that this rulemaking would address include: renewal process for special permits, cost recovery for design reviews, and incident reporting. 2 SB-Y IC-N SLT-N; on on
the transportation of self-inflating life-saving appliances that contain non-specification steel cylinders when being transported between a vessel and an authorized facility for servicing. This rulemaking action would facilitate commerce activity and reduce paperwork burdens while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. Incorporation of these provisions would reduce the compliance burden and cost both industry and government. maintain these special permits and CA approvals. Transportation Priority Allocation System, Part 341 (RRR) These regulations would complement DOT´s Defense Production Act regulations. SB no IC no SLT no; costs/benefits unknown Considering whether rule necessary since OST?s rule was meant to cover entire DOT. Schedule undetermined - dependent OST's Defense Production Act rulemaking. of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE Program Improvements, Phase 2) (RRR) This NPRM would propose changes to the DBE rule in such areas as application and personal net worth forms, transit vehicle manufacturers, and certification standards and procedures. SB - Y IC - N SLT - Y This item covers both OST the August RRR plan. The rule is expected to streamline and clarify regulations, which should ease compliance burdens, but there are no current quantified benefits. Early Acquisition of Right-of-Way (RRR) (MAP-21) The FHWA received extensive public comment on the issue of advance acquisition of right-of-way, most noting that current regulations make it difficult to identify and preserve potential future transportation corridors, and that they otherwise disrupt project delivery. Section 1302 of MAP-21 amends section 108 of title 23 U.S.C. to provide States with new flexibility for reimbursements of costs of State acquisitions of interests in real property incurred before completion of the NEPA environmental review process for the entire project. MAP-21 also allows the Secretary to SB - No; IC - No; SLT - Yes. Actual or Target Completion Date - To be determined. Anticipated savings in and/or information collection burdens, together with any anticipated changes in benefits - The FHWA has substantial experience dealing with States this issue. While FHWA is constrained by on on
programs. Progress updates and anticipated accomplishments - Program office has established team to begin discussions necessary changes. Informal working drafts of proposed regulatory changes will be circulated to FHWA staff for internal review this fall. Notes - None. Noise Abatement (RRR) As part of our retrospective regulatory review, the FHWA intends to update 23 CFR Part 772. This part was substantially updated in 2010; however, substantial comments from stakeholders and the public have suggested that the part could be rewritten for clarity and ease of use. The FHWA will assess ways to streamline its regulation, increase clarity, and improve the Noise Abatement process. SB - No; IC - No; SLT - No. Actual or Target Completion Date - To be determined. Opportunities to Improve State Reporting Requirements Under the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and the Highway Safety Program (HSP) DOT is exploring ways to more proactively coordinate NHTSA and FHWA highway safety oversight programs, including the HSIP and HSP. The Department plans to request public comment further opportunities for continued improvement and coordination of these programs. These activities might extend to research, grant allocations, performance measurement, data collection, and/or department-wide direction given to states for safety planning, rulemaking, and enforcement. 4 SB – No; IC - TBD; SLT – TBD Through our second round of Retrospective Review in the Obama Administration, we are seeking input how DOT could continue to operationalize and institutionalize coordination between the safety modes, and potentially better harmonize existing requirements, avoid duplication, and reduce reporting burdens State agencies, while maintaining a capability to analyze State data and reports, and to achieve Department-wide safety goals. on on
Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) (RRR) This rulemaking would permit operators to use an EFVS in lieu of natural vision to continue descending from 100 feet height above runway touchdown zone elevation to the runway and land certain straight-in instrument approach procedures under instrument flight rules. This action would also permit certain operators using aircraft to dispatch, release, or takeoff under instrument flight rules (IFR), and to initiate and continue an approach, when the destination airport weather is below authorized visibility minimums for the runway of intended landing. Pilot training, recent flight experience, and proficiency would be required for operators who use EFVS in lieu of natural vision to descend below decision altitude, decision height, or minimum descent altitude. The FAA believes that an EFVS can provide operational and safety benefits during Category II and Category III approach operations. The rulemaking would enable expanded EFVS operations, which would increase access and efficiency in low visibility conditions, and potentially result in fewer missed approaches and delayed take-offs. 4 SB: N IC: N SLT: N Anticipated The FAA estimated the costs of the proposed rule over years would be approximately $5.3 million nominal value. Flammability Requirements (RRR) The FAA has tasked the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to comment and make recommendations for a approach to material and component flammability requirements. 4 SB: N, IC: N, SLT: N term increases in CO2 (RRR) The FAA is considering revision to cabin air quality standards. The FAA is awaiting the outcome of the air quality survey and the ARAC recommendations pertaining to this issue. 4 SB: N, IC: N, SLT: N The FAA is considering revision to cabin air quality standards. The FAA is awaiting the outcome of the air quality survey and the ARAC recommendations pertaining to this issue. on on n
Evaluation of Occupant Protection in Interior Impact - FMVSS 201, Upper Interior Padding (RRR) Evaluation of the Upper Interior Padding for Occupant Protection in Interior Impacts. This evaluation focused upper interior structures (pillars and roof rails). Many years ago the agency evaluated padded instrument panels and other interior parts. 5 SB - N SLT - N IC - N and Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards (RRR) The Federal hazardous materials transportation law requires the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that, to the extent practicable, regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce are consistent with standards adopted by international authorities (49 U.S.C. 5120(b)). Harmonization enhances safety, facilitates compliance and improves the efficiency of the global transportation system by minimizing the regulatory burden the public thus promoting trade. After a thorough review of the provisions recently adopted by various international regulatory bodies, PHMSA has identified areas in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in which harmonization with international regulations will provide an enhanced level of safety, an economic benefit or in many instances both safety and economic benefits. As a result, this rulemaking amends the HMR, where appropriate, to maintain alignment with international standards that will become effective as of January 1, 2013 and consequently facilitate the safe global trade of hazardous materials. Revisions in this rulemaking include, but are not limited to; the introduction of regulatory requirements to address chemicals under pressure, the modification of packaging instructions for various hazardous materials to permit 5 HM-215L; SB - N, SLT - N, IC - Y; The primary benefit of this final rule is harmonizing the HMR with the international hazardous materials standards and reducing the regulatory compliance costs faced by U.S. companies. PHMSA estimates that not harmonizing with international regulations will cost U.S. companies an additional $62 million per year to comply with both the HMR and international standards. This rulemaking may result in a decrease of $5,000.00 to OMB Control Number 2137-0018 due allowing the use of metals other than steel or aluminum for drums and boxes, as well as the proposed new Flexible Bulk Container package authorization. This on on
and Hazardous Materials: Approval and Communication Requirements for the Safe Transportation of Air Bag Inflators, Air Bag Modules, and Pretensioners (RRR) This rulemaking revises the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to air bag inflators, air bag modules, and seat-belt pretensioners. This rulemaking incorporates into the regulations the provisions of certain special permits with proven safety records. The rulemaking also revises the current approval and documentation requirements for a material appropriately classified as a UN3268 air bag inflator, air bag module, or seat-belt pretensioner. revisions reduce the regulatory burden the automotive industry while maintaining the current level of safety. 5 HM-254; SB - Y, IC - Y, SLT - N; PHMSA initiated this rulemaking to reduce the burden industry from applying for special permits for practices with an established safety record. This final rule should provide savings of at least $1.14 million annually to the automotive industry and the government. Some of the savings derive from: 1) a decrease of $18,000.00 in the annual burden and costs under OMB Control Number 2137-0051 due to incorporating provisions contained in certain widely-used or longstanding special permits that have an established safety record, 2) a decrease of $11,385.00 in the annual burden and cost to OMB Control Number 2137-0557 due to the larger cost savings of reducing the number of approvals required by testers of air bags and air bag modules, and 3) a decrease of approximately $890,000 in the annual burden and cost to shippers no longer being required to put the EX numbers shipping papers for air bag modules. Federal Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective This rulemaking would respond to petitions for reconsideration of the December 4, 2007 final rule affecting Federal Motor Safety Standard No, 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated 5 By reorganizing the standard and clarifying requirements with this final rule response to petitions for
devices, and associated equipment - Reconsideration (RRR) equipment, which was an administrative rewrite. This response included several minor technical corrections to the final rule to correct typos and improperly written requirements that inadvertently created substantive changes. reconsideration, the government anticipates saving money by reducing the amount of interpretations that may have to be issued the lighting standard. SB: N IC: N SLT: N of the Advisory Committees (RRR) This rulemaking remove DOT´s advisory committee regulations at 49 CFR part 95. Part 95 has substantively remained unchanged since its early amendment in 1968. It has since been made obsolete by other laws, regulations, and agency procedures. 5 FMVSS No. 126, Petition for Reconsideration of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (RRR) This rulemaking address a petition for reconsideration received by NHTSA to the April 6, 2007 electronic stability control final rule. The Alliance petitioned NHTSA to amend the language in the ESC final rule regarding multifunction control, two part tell tales and outrigger to harmonize with the Global Technical Regulation No. Electronic Stability Control. There are no measurable costs or benefits associated with this action. 5 SB: Y IC: N SLT: N