Organization and Functions of the Board and Delegations of Authority, 34874-34878 [2015-14517]

Agencies

• National Transportation Safety Board

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34874-34878]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14517]


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NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

49 CFR Part 800

[Docket No. NTSB-GC-2012-0002]
RIN 3147-AA03


Organization and Functions of the Board and Delegations of 
Authority

AGENCY: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB or Board).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The NTSB proposes a new subpart within part 800 of its 
regulations to outline the NTSB's rulemaking procedures.

DATES: Comments must be submitted by July 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: A copy of this notice, published in the Federal Register 
(FR), is available for inspection and copying in the NTSB's public 
reading room, located at 490 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20594-
2003. Alternatively, a copy is available on the government-wide Web 
site on regulations at https://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID Number 
NTSB-GC-2012-0002).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Tochen, General Counsel, (202) 
314-6080.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    On June 25, 2012, the NTSB published a proposed rule indicating its 
intent to undertake a review of all NTSB regulations to ensure they are 
updated. 77 FR 37865. The NTSB initiated this review in accordance with 
Executive Order 13579, ``Regulation and Independent Regulatory 
Agencies'' (76 FR 41587, July 14, 2011). The purpose of Executive Order 
13579 is to ensure all agencies adhere to the key principles found in 
Executive Order 13563,

[[Page 34875]]

``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' (76 FR 3821, January 21, 
2011), which include promoting public participation in rulemaking, 
improving integration and innovation, promoting flexibility and freedom 
of choice, and ensuring scientific integrity during the rulemaking 
process in order to create a regulatory system that protects public 
health, welfare, safety, and the environment while promoting economic 
growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation. The NTSB is 
committed to ensuring its regulations remain up-to-date and comply with 
these principles. This notice describes amendments to part 800 of 49 
CFR (Organization and Functions of the Board and Delegations of 
Authority) that effect the agency's internal policies.
    This Notice proposes the addition of a new subpart within part 800: 
Subpart C, titled ``Procedures for Adoption of Rules.'' Subpart C 
describes the agency's rulemaking procedures. As stated above, the NTSB 
has undertaken a comprehensive review of all its regulations, in order 
to update them and ensure they accurately reflect the NTSB's current 
practices and contain correct information. In addition to the ongoing 
comprehensive review, the NTSB has also proposed and promulgated 
several changes to part 821 of 49 CFR (Rules of Practice in Air Safety 
Proceedings) and part 826 of 49 CFR (Rules Implementing the Equal 
Access to Justice Act). These recent rulemaking activities point out a 
need for procedural rules describing the NTSB's rulemaking practices. 
For example, this new subpart includes a section concerning interim 
final rules, and direct final rulemaking authority. The NTSB believes 
these sections will be beneficial in assisting public understanding of 
agency procedures for all types of rulemaking projects.

II. Discussion of Proposed Additions

    Many of the new sections we propose are self-explanatory. As the 
Plain Writing Act of 2010, Public Law 111-274, 5 U.S.C. 301 note, and 
Executive Orders 12866 at Sec.  1(b)(12) and 12988 at Sec.  3(b)(2) 
require, the NTSB's proposed language in these new sections is clear 
and unambiguous. The NTSB has used regulations from the Department of 
Transportation as a model for the proposed text in this NPRM. See, 
e.g., 49 CFR 5.1-5.35 (Office of Secretary of Transportation); 49 CFR 
part 389, subpart B (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

A. General Rulemaking Provisions: Sec. Sec.  800.30-800.34

    The NTSB proposes Sec.  800.30 to clarify the rules within proposed 
subpart C will only apply to rulemakings the NTSB initiates under its 
enabling statute, at 49 U.S.C. 1101-1155. The NTSB notes the agency's 
specific rulemaking authority is codified at 49 U.S.C. 1113(f); 
however, we propose a reference to sections 1101-1155 to provide for 
the possibility of enactment of rulemaking authority within other 
sections of the NTSB's authorizing legislation.
    The NTSB proposes Sec.  800.31 to notify the public of the location 
of publicly available rulemaking documents. The NTSB utilizes 
www.regulations.gov for organizing and publishing rulemaking documents 
and public comments. Proposed Sec.  800.31 apprises the public of the 
existence of this electronic site.
    Proposed Sec. Sec.  800.32, 800.33, and 800.34 describe the manner 
in which the NTSB initiates rulemaking projects, the NTSB's practice of 
complying with the Administrative Procedure Act's informal rulemaking 
procedures by publishing notices of proposed rulemaking, and the 
expected contents of notices of proposed rulemaking. Proposed Sec.  
800.33 includes a phrase indicating the NTSB may not issue a notice of 
proposed rulemaking if the agency finds ``notice is impracticable, 
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest,'' and the agency 
``incorporates that finding and a brief statement of the reasons for it 
in the rule.'' As discussed below, such a procedure is permissible 
under the Administrative Procedure Act. While the NTSB does not 
anticipate engaging in such a procedure with frequency, the agency 
believes it suitable to provide for the exception in the text of Sec.  
800.33. The NTSB also proposes including a reference to the 
Administrative Procedure Act, at 5 U.S.C. 551, because the statute 
imposes specific procedures and requirements on agencies who engage in 
rulemaking.
    The NTSB proposes Sec.  800.34 to inform the public of what each 
notice of proposed rulemaking will contain. For example, this section 
will require the NTSB provide specific information concerning the 
availability of rulemaking documents, and dates that apply to comment 
periods. The NTSB believes this section will ensure the NTSB's notices 
of proposed rulemaking consistently contain the information necessary 
to ensure the public may participate in the rulemaking process with 
ease.

B. Public Participation: Sec. Sec.  800.35-800.38

    The NTSB understands providing for the opportunity for public 
participation in rulemaking is a hallmark of the Administrative 
Procedure Act. As a result, the NTSB proposes the addition of 
regulations describing the procedures for public participation. In 
Sec.  800.35, the NTSB proposes text stating any interested person may 
participate in a rulemaking project by submitting written comments. The 
NTSB emphasizes this invitation is open to all interested individuals. 
The NTSB also proposes a provision stating the agency may exercise its 
discretion to invite any interested person to participate in rulemaking 
procedures. Such an invitation might include the NTSB identifying 
organizations that might be able to offer expertise in a specific 
subject matter, and requesting those organizations consider submitting 
written comments with relevant information. Maintaining discretion to 
engage in such a practice will ensure the NTSB gains the most relevant, 
helpful information in promulgating its regulations.
    The NTSB also proposes a regulation specifying procedures regarding 
petitions for extension of time to submit comments, in Sec.  800.36. 
The NTSB proposes a requirement stating the NTSB must receive such 
petitions no later than 10 days before the end of the comment period 
stated in the notice, unless a petitioner establishes good cause exists 
to extend the time for comments. If the NTSB grants a petition and 
extends the comment period, the proposed version of Sec.  800.36 will 
require the NTSB to publish a notice of the extension in the Federal 
Register. Similar to other agencies, the NTSB proposes a rule 
concerning the content and format of written comments at Sec.  800.37. 
The NTSB proposes requiring comments be in English and not exceed 15 
pages. The proposed text states the NTSB accepts attachments to 
comments, and requires adherence to the electronic filing instructions 
on the Federal Docket Management System Web site when a commenter seeks 
to submit a comment electronically. In the event the Federal Docket 
Management System Web site is unserviceable or presents unforeseen 
problems preventing the timely submission of a comment, the NTSB will 
err on the side of accepting comments and assisting commenters. In 
addition, the NTSB proposes a sentence stating it will not accept 
frivolous, abusive, or repetitious comments.
    The NTSB also proposes a statement in Sec.  800.38 that the agency 
will consider

[[Page 34876]]

all timely-filed comments before it takes final action on a rulemaking 
proposal. The NTSB further proposes including a statement that the 
agency may consider late-filed comments ``to the extent practicable.'' 
The NTSB has included these statements in the preambles of notices of 
proposed rulemaking the agency has recently published. Codifying these 
concepts in a regulation communicates the NTSB takes seriously its 
consideration of all comments it receives.

C. Proceedings and Documents: Sec. Sec.  800.39-800.41

    The NTSB proposes including in Sec.  800.39 the statement that the 
agency may initiate any further rulemaking proceedings it finds 
necessary or desirable. In this proposed rule, we provide the examples 
of inviting interested persons to make oral arguments; inviting 
participation in conferences with the agency and interested persons; 
inviting appearance at informal hearings presided over by officials 
designated by the agency; or participating ``in any other proceeding to 
assure informed administrative action and to protect the public 
interest.'' The NTSB notes, for such examples, the agency would ensure 
notes and/or a transcript of the proceedings would be kept. In general, 
the NTSB would include such items in the rulemaking record in the 
Federal Docket Management System. The NTSB's inclusion of proposed 
Sec.  800.39 acknowledges that public participation is critical to its 
rulemaking process and such participation may take different forms. In 
addition to initiating various types of rulemaking procedures, the NTSB 
also is mindful that, with regard to some rules, issuing a written 
interpretation clarifying or explaining the applicability of a rule may 
be beneficial. The NTSB may issue such a written interpretation as a 
Notice published in the Federal Register, to ensure public awareness of 
the interpretation. The NTSB believes such interpretations assist in 
promoting transparency and understanding the NTSB's rules, some of 
which may involve technical information that would benefit from further 
explanation.
    The NTSB proposes Sec. Sec.  800.40 (``Hearings'') and 800.41 
(``Adoption of final rules'') stating the NTSB will only hold 
``informal'' hearings, rather than ``formal'' hearings specified in 5 
U.S.C. 556 and 557. At any such informal hearing, the agency will 
designate a representative, such as the agency's General Counsel, to 
conduct the hearing. For clarification, the NTSB notes such rulemaking 
hearings are distinctive from those described in parts 821 (Rules of 
Practice in Air Safety Proceedings) and 845 (Rules of Practice in 
Transportation: Accident/Incident Hearings and Reports) of this 
chapter. Proposed Sec.  800.41 describes internal agency procedures for 
adopting and issuing a Final Rule: The program office works with the 
NTSB's Office of General Counsel to draft the Final Rule and present it 
to the Board for consideration. If the Board chooses to adopt the Final 
Rule, the agency will publish the Final Rule in the Federal Register.

 D. Petitions for Rulemaking: Sec. Sec.  800.42-800.43

    The NTSB proposes Sec.  800.42 concerning petitions for rulemaking, 
which any interested person may submit. The proposed text specifies 
where petitioners must send the petition and requires the petition 
specify the rule the petitioner seeks to have amended or repealed. 
Conversely, the proposed section indicates a petition for rulemaking 
may propose the existence of a new rule. The petition must explain the 
petitioner's interest in the action he or she requests, as well as 
information and arguments to support the action sought.
    Section 800.43 proposes text describing how the NTSB will handle 
petitions for rulemaking. The proposed text states the NTSB will not 
hold hearings, arguments, or other proceedings on issues raised in the 
petition, unless the NTSB specifies otherwise. The proposed text of the 
section states the agency may grant or deny a petition for rulemaking, 
and will notify the petitioner of its decision.

E. Direct and Interim Final Rules: Sec. Sec.  800.44-800.45

    The NTSB proposes sections concerning direct final rulemaking and 
interim final rules. The NTSB proposes to use the direct final 
rulemaking procedure to streamline the rulemaking process where the 
rule is noncontroversial and the agency does not expect adverse 
comment.
    Direct final rulemaking will reduce the time and resources 
necessary to develop, review, clear, and publish separate proposed and 
final rules for rulemakings the agency expects to be noncontroversial 
and unlikely to result in adverse public comment. Several federal 
agencies use this process, including various Department of 
Transportation operating administrations. See, e.g., 49 CFR 5.35 
(Office of Secretary of Transportation); 49 CFR 11.31 (Federal Aviation 
Administration); 49 CFR 190.339 (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration); 49 CFR 211.33 (Federal Railroad 
Administration); 49 CFR 389.39 (Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration); 49 CFR 601.22 (Federal Transit Administration).
    In engaging in the direct final rulemaking procedure for certain 
rules, the NTSB would first determine whether a particular rulemaking 
is noncontroversial and unlikely to result in adverse comments based on 
its experience in previous rulemaking projects. Adverse comments are 
those comments that are critical of the rule, suggest that the rule 
should not be adopted, or suggest a change to the rule. The NTSB would 
not consider adverse comments to be those outside the scope of the rule 
or those suggesting the rule's policy or requirements should or should 
not be extended to other agency programs outside the scope of the rule.
    After making the determination a rule would be appropriate for 
direct final rulemaking, the NTSB would publish the rule as a direct 
final rule in the Federal Register. The document would state in the 
preamble that the agency does not anticipate adverse comments and that, 
unless it receives written adverse comments or written notice of intent 
to submit adverse comments, the rule would become effective a specified 
number of days after the date of its publication in the Federal 
Register. If the NTSB receives adverse comments, or receives notice of 
intent to file adverse comments by the date specified in the direct 
final rule, it would publish a rule in the Federal Register withdrawing 
the direct final rule before it goes into effect. The NTSB may then 
publish a notice of proposed rulemaking with a new comment period if 
the agency decides to go forward with the rulemaking. If no adverse 
comments or written notice of intent to submit adverse comments are 
received by the date specified in the direct final rule, the NTSB would 
publish the rule in the Federal Register stating that it did not 
receive any adverse comments and confirming the effective date of the 
rule.
    Proposed Sec.  800.44 sets forth the process outlined above and 
describes noncontroversial rules appropriate for final rulemaking. 
Noncontroversial rules include technical clarifications or corrections 
to existing rules, incorporation by reference, rules that affect 
internal procedures of the NTSB, such as filing requirements, and rules 
governing inspection and copying of documents. The NTSB may also use 
direct final rulemaking for a particular rule if similar rules had been 
previously proposed and published without adverse comment. Even if a 
rulemaking falls into one of the above categories, if

[[Page 34877]]

adverse comments are anticipated, the NTSB would not use the direct 
final rulemaking process. The NTSB believes the additional time and 
resources expended to withdraw the rule and republish it for comment 
will serve as an incentive for the agency to make careful 
determinations as to whether this procedure is appropriate.
    Finally, the NTSB proposes Sec.  800.45 to describe interim final 
rules. The NTSB may issue an interim final rule, which is an 
immediately effective rule, when it is in the public interest to 
promulgate an effective rule while keeping the rulemaking open for 
further refinement. The NTSB's proposed text includes the examples of 
when ``normal procedures for notice and comment prior to issuing an 
effective rule are not required, minor changes to the final rule may be 
necessary after the interim rule has been in place for some time, or 
the interim rule only implements portions of a proposed rule, while 
other portions of the proposed rule are still under development.'' This 
list of examples is not exhaustive; indeed, in 2012, the NTSB issued an 
interim final rule to amend certain procedural rules related to 
aviation certificate enforcement appeals. 77 FR 63242 (Oct. 16, 2012). 
Such rules needed to take effect quickly, as the changes were required 
by the enactment of Pilot's Bill of Rights. Public Law 112-53, 126 
Stat. 1159 (Aug. 3, 2012). As a result, the NTSB utilized the interim 
final rulemaking process to ensure compliance with the legislative 
changes. The NTSB believes the proposed text of Sec.  800.45 explains 
the interim final rulemaking process to ensure the public is aware of 
the process and when the NTSB might issue interim final rules.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 800

    Administrative practice and procedure, Authority delegations 
(Government agencies), Government employees, Organization and functions 
(Government agencies).

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the NTSB proposes to 
amend 49 CFR part 800 as follows:

PART 800--ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

0
1. Revise the authority citation for 49 CFR part 800 to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 1113(f), unless otherwise noted.

0
2. Revise the part heading to read as set forth above.
0
3. Add subpart C to 49 CFR part 800 to read as follows:
Subpart C--Procedures for Adoption of Rules
Sec.
800.30 Applicability.
800.31 Public reading room.
800.32 Initiation of rulemaking.
800.33 Notice of proposed rulemaking.
800.34 Contents of notices of proposed rulemaking.
800.35 Participation of interested persons.
800.36 Petitions for extension of time to comment.
800.37 Contents of written comments.
800.38 Consideration of comments received.
800.39 Additional rulemaking proceedings.
800.40 Hearings.
800.41 Adoption of final rules.
800.42 Petitions for rulemaking.
800.43 Processing of petition.
800.44 Direct final rulemaking procedures.
800.45 Interim rulemaking procedures.

Subpart C--Procedures for Adoption of Rules


Sec.  800.30  Applicability.

    This subpart prescribes rulemaking procedures that apply to the 
issuance, amendment, and revocation of rules pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 
1101-1155.


Sec.  800.31  Public reading room.

    Information and data deemed relevant by the NTSB relating to 
rulemaking actions, including notices of proposed rulemaking; comments 
received in response to notices; petitions for rulemaking and 
reconsideration; denials of petitions for rulemaking; and final rules 
are maintained in the NTSB's public reading room, located at 490 
L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20594-2003.


Sec.  800.32  Initiation of rulemaking.

    The NTSB may initiate rulemaking either on its own motion or on 
petition by any interested person after a determination that grant of 
the petition is advisable. The NTSB may also consider the 
recommendations of other agencies of the United States.


Sec.  800.33  Notice of proposed rulemaking.

    Unless the NTSB, for good cause, finds notice is impracticable, 
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, and incorporates that 
finding and a brief statement of the reasons for it in the rule, a 
notice of proposed rulemaking is issued and interested persons are 
invited to participate in the rulemaking proceedings under applicable 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 551.


Sec.  800.34  Contents of notices of proposed rulemaking.

    (a) Each notice of proposed rulemaking is published in the Federal 
Register.
    (b) Each notice includes:
    (1) A statement of the time, place, and nature of the proposed 
rulemaking proceeding;
    (2) A reference to the authority under which it is issued;
    (3) A description of the subjects and issues involved or the 
substance and terms of the proposed rule;
    (4) A statement of the time within which written comments must be 
submitted; and
    (5) A statement of how and to what extent interested persons may 
participate in the proceedings.


Sec.  800.35  Participation of interested persons.

    (a) Any interested person may participate in rulemaking proceeding 
by submitting comments in writing containing information, views or 
arguments.
    (b) In its discretion, the agency may invite any interested person 
to participate in the rulemaking procedures described in this subpart.


Sec.  800.36  Petitions for extension of time to comment.

    A petition for extension of the time to submit comments must be 
received not later than 10 days before the end of the comment period 
stated in the notice. The petition must be submitted to: General 
Counsel, National Transportation Safety Board, 490 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 
Washington, DC 20594-2003. The filing of the petition does not 
automatically extend the time for petitioner's comments. Such a 
petition is granted only if the petitioner shows good cause for the 
extension, and if the extension is consistent with the public interest. 
If an extension is granted, it is granted to all persons, and the NTSB 
will publish a notice of the extension of the comment period in the 
Federal Register.


Sec.  800.37  Contents of written comments.

    All written comments shall be in English. Unless otherwise 
specified in a notice requesting comments, comments may not exceed 15 
pages in length, but necessary attachments may be appended to the 
submission without regard to the 15-page limit. Any commenter shall 
submit as a part of his or her written comments all material he or she 
considers relevant to any statement of fact made in the comment. 
Commenters should avoid incorporation by reference. However, if 
incorporation by reference is necessary, the incorporated material 
shall be identified with respect to document and page. The NTSB may 
reject comments if they are frivolous, abusive, or repetitious. The 
NTSB may also reject comments filed electronically

[[Page 34878]]

if the commenter does not adhere to the electronic filing instructions 
at the Federal Docket Management System Web site.


Sec.  800.38  Consideration of comments received.

    All timely comments are considered before final action is taken on 
a rulemaking proposal. Late filed comments may be considered to the 
extent practicable.


Sec.  800.39  Additional rulemaking proceedings.

    The NTSB may initiate any further rulemaking proceedings it finds 
necessary or desirable. For example, interested persons may be invited 
to make oral arguments, to participate in conferences between the Board 
or a representative of the Board and interested persons at which 
minutes of the conference are kept, to appear at informal hearings 
presided over by officials designated by the Board, at which a 
transcript or minutes are kept, or participate in any other proceeding 
to assure informed administrative action and to protect the public 
interest.


Sec.  800.40  Hearings.

    (a) Sections 556 and 557 of title 5, United States Code, do not 
apply to hearings held under this part. Unless otherwise specified, 
hearings held under this part are informal, fact-finding proceedings, 
at which there are no formal pleadings or adverse parties. Any rule 
issued in a case in which an informal hearing is held is not 
necessarily based exclusively on the record of the hearing.
    (b) The NTSB designates a representative to conduct any hearing 
held under this part. The General Counsel or a designated member of his 
or her staff may serve as legal officer at the hearing.


Sec.  800.41  Adoption of final rules.

    Final rules are prepared by representatives of the office concerned 
and the Office of the General Counsel. The rule is then submitted to 
the Board for its consideration. If the Board adopts the rule, it is 
published in the Federal Register, unless all persons subject to it are 
named and are personally served with a copy of it.


Sec.  800.42  Petitions for rulemaking.

    (a) Any interested person may petition the Chairman to establish, 
amend, or repeal a rule.
    (b) Each petition filed under this section must:
    (1) Be submitted in duplicate to the Chairman, National 
Transportation Safety Board, 490 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 
20594-0003;
    (2) Set forth the text or substance of the rule or amendment 
proposed, or specify the rule the petitioner seeks to have repealed, as 
the case may be;
    (3) Explain the interest of the petitioner in the action requested; 
and
    (4) Contain any information and arguments available to the 
petitioner to support the action sought.


Sec.  800.43  Processing of petition.

    (a) Unless the NTSB otherwise specifies, no public hearing, 
argument, or other proceeding is held directly on a petition before its 
disposition under this section.
    (b) Grants. If the agency determines the petition contains adequate 
justification, it initiates rule making action this Subpart C.
    (c) Denials. If the agency determines the petition does not justify 
rulemaking, it denies the petition.
    (d) Notification. Whenever the agency determines a petition should 
be granted or denied, the Office of the General Counsel prepares a 
notice of the grant or denial for issuance to the petitioner, and the 
agency issues it to the petitioner.


Sec.  800.44  Direct final rulemaking procedures.

    A direct final rule makes regulatory changes and states those 
changes will take effect on a specified date unless the NTSB receives 
an adverse comment or notice of intent to file an adverse comment by 
the date specified in the direct final rule published in the Federal 
Register.
    (a) Types of actions appropriate for direct final rulemaking. Rules 
the Board determines to be non-controversial and unlikely to result in 
adverse public comments may be published in the final rule section of 
the Federal Register as direct final rules. These include non-
controversial rules that:
    (1) Make non-substantive clarifications or corrections to existing 
rules;
    (2) Incorporate by reference the latest or otherwise updated 
versions of technical or industry standards;
    (3) Affect internal NTSB procedures;
    (4) Update existing forms; and
    (5) Make minor changes to rules regarding statistics and reporting 
requirements, such as a change in reporting period (for example, from 
quarterly to annually) or eliminating a type of data collection no 
longer necessary.
    (b) Adverse comment. An adverse comment is a comment the NTSB 
judges to be critical of the rule, to suggest the rule should not be 
adopted, or to suggest a change should be made to the rule. Under the 
direct final rule process, the NTSB does not consider the following 
types of comments to be adverse:
    (1) Comments recommending another rule change, unless the commenter 
states the direct final rule will be ineffective without the change;
    (2) Comments outside the scope of the rule and comments suggesting 
the rule's policy or requirements should or should not be extended to 
other topics outside the scope of the rule;
    (3) Comments in support of the rule; or
    (4) Comments requesting clarification.
    (c) Confirmation of effective date. The NTSB will publish a 
confirmation rule document in the Federal Register, if it has not 
received an adverse comment or notice of intent to file an adverse 
comment by the date specified in the direct final rule. The 
confirmation rule document informs the public of the effective date of 
the rule.
    (d) Withdrawal of a direct final rule. (1) If the NTSB receives an 
adverse comment or a notice of intent to file an adverse comment within 
the comment period, it will publish a rule document in the Federal 
Register, before the effective date of the direct final rule, advising 
the public and withdrawing the direct final rule.
    (2) If the NTSB withdraws a direct final rule because of an adverse 
comment, the NTSB may issue a notice of proposed rulemaking if it 
decides to pursue the rulemaking.


Sec.  800.45  Interim rulemaking procedures.

    (a) An interim rule may be issued when it is in the public interest 
to promulgate an effective rule while keeping the rulemaking open for 
further refinement. For example, an interim rule may be issued in 
instances when normal procedures for notice and comment prior to 
issuing an effective rule are not required, minor changes to the final 
rule may be necessary after the interim rule has been in place for some 
time, or the interim rule only implements portions of a proposed rule, 
while other portions of the proposed rule are still under development.
    (b) An interim rule will be published in the Federal Register with 
an effective date on or after the date of publication. After the 
effective date, an interim rule is enforceable and is codified in the 
next annual revision of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Christopher A. Hart,
Chairman.
[FR Doc. 2015-14517 Filed 6-17-15; 8:45 am]
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