Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 20959-20961 [2017-09003]

Download as PDF pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 85 / Thursday, May 4, 2017 / Notices authority, so that it can then seek to quiet title to the Line to the extent it bisects Hartwell First’s property between Athens Street and Webb Street. In a decision served in this proceeding on August 29, 2016 (August 2016 Decision), Hartwell First was granted exemptions from several statutory provisions as well as waivers of certain Board regulations at 49 CFR pt. 1152 that were not relevant to its adverse abandonment application or that sought information not available to it. Specifically, Hartwell First was granted an exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10903(c) and waiver of 49 CFR 1152.22(a)(5) pertaining to System Diagram Maps; waivers of certain requirements pertaining to the notice of intent prescribed at 49 CFR 1152.21; waiver of 49 CFR 1152.20(a)(1) to the extent it requires service of the notice on the Board by certified letter rather than electronic or other delivery after a proceeding has been instituted; waiver of 49 CFR 1152.20(a)(2)(x) that notice be served on Amtrak; exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10903(a)(3)(B) concerning posting the notice of intent at agency stations or terminals; waiver of 49 CFR 1152.22(b)–(e), which require that discontinuance and abandonment applications include information regarding the condition of properties, service performed, attributable revenue and cost data, and rural and community impact; waiver of 49 CFR 1152.22(i) concerning the wording of the draft Federal Register notice; exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10904 and waiver of 49 CFR 1152.27, which govern an offer of financial assistance (OFA) to continue common carrier rail service; exemption from the public use provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10905 and waiver of the corresponding regulation at 49 CFR 1152.28; and waiver of the requirement under 49 CFR 1152.29(e)(2) that the abandonment be consummated within one year after the abandonment application. In the August 2016 Decision, Hartwell First was directed to amend certain language in its notice of intent; serve copies of the notice on any significant shippers identified by HRC and/or GWRC; serve copies of the notice on any duly certified labor organizations identified by HRC and/or GWRC as representing their employees; and serve a copy of the notice on the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. Hartwell First has complied with these requirements. Hartwell First states that the Line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in Hartwell First’s possession will be made available promptly to those requesting it. Hartwell First’s entire case-in-chief VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:39 May 03, 2017 Jkt 241001 for adverse abandonment and discontinuance was filed with the application. The interests of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in Oregon Short Line Railroad— Abandonment Portion Goshen Branch Between Firth & Ammon, in Bingham & Bonneville Counties, Idaho, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). Any interested person may file written comments concerning the proposed adverse abandonment and discontinuance or protests (including protestant’s entire opposition case) by May 29, 2017. Persons who may oppose the proposed adverse abandonment and discontinuance but who do not wish to participate fully in the process by submitting verified statements of witnesses containing detailed evidence should file comments. Persons opposing the proposed adverse abandonment and discontinuance who wish to participate actively and fully in the process should file a protest, observing the filing, service, and content requirements of 49 CFR 1152.25. Hartwell First’s reply is due by June 13, 2017. Any request for an interim trail use/ railbanking condition under 16 U.S.C. 1247(d) and 49 CFR 1152.29 must be filed by May 29, 2017, and should address whether the issuance of a certificate of interim trail use in this case would be consistent with the grant of an adverse abandonment and discontinuance application. Each trail use request must be accompanied by a $300 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27). All filings in response to this notice must refer to Docket No. AB 1242 and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001; (2) Eric M. Hocky, Esq., Clark Hill PLC, 2005 Market Street, Suite 1000, Philadelphia, PA 19103, (215) 640–8500. Filings may be submitted either via the Board’s e-filing format or in the traditional paper format. Any person using e-filing should comply with the instructions found on the Board’s ‘‘www.stb.gov’’ Web site, at the ‘‘E– FILING’’ link. Any person submitting a filing in the traditional paper format should send the original and 10 copies of the filing to the Board with a certificate of service. Except as otherwise set forth in 49 CFR pt. 1152, every document filed with the Board must be served on all parties to this adverse abandonment and discontinuance proceeding. 49 CFR 1104.12(a). An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement (EIS), if necessary) prepared by the Board’s PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20959 Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) will be served upon all parties of record and upon any agencies or other persons who commented during its preparation. Any other persons who would like to obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS) may contact OEA by phone at the number listed below. EAs in these abandonment proceedings normally will be made available within 33 days of the filing of the application. The deadline for submission of comments on the EA will generally be within 30 days of its service. The comments received will be addressed in the Board’s decision. A supplemental EA or EIS may be issued where appropriate. Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment and discontinuance procedures may contact the Board’s Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and Compliance at (202) 245–0238 or refer to the full abandonment/discontinuance regulations at 49 CFR pt. 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be directed to OEA at (202) 245–0305. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at ‘‘WWW.STB.GOV.’’ Decided: May 1, 2017. By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2017–09135 Filed 5–3–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0383] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 9 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 20960 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 85 / Thursday, May 4, 2017 / Notices The renewed exemptions were effective on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before June 5, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, 202–366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2013–0123; FMCSA–2013–0124 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov at any time or 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments online. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:39 May 03, 2017 Jkt 241001 from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for two years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to driver a CMV if that person: First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951. 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). The 9 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. II. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the twelve applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 57032; 80 FR 60747). In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The 9 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed exemption. As of May 8, 2017, the following 9 drivers have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate commerce (80 FR 18697). Herbert Crowe (MO) Kelly Gene Eller (NC) Jason R. Gensler (OH) Thomas Lipyanic Jr. (PA) Donald B. Malley (MO) Kathy A. Meadows (GA) David W. Shores (NC) Richard E. Whittaker (IN) Brian Whittington (MI) The drivers were included in FMCSA–2014–0383. The exemptions were effective on May 8, 2017, and will expire on May 8, 2019. IV. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. In addition, the driver must E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 85 / Thursday, May 4, 2017 / Notices also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. The driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the nine exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: April 27, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–09003 Filed 5–3–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0116] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from two individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by persons with a current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive heart failure. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with implantable pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:39 May 03, 2017 Jkt 241001 cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 5, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 2017–0116 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, at any time or 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments online. 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 https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20961 224,Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs for a two-year period if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period. The two individuals listed in this notice have requested an exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by statute. The physical qualification standard found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person: Has no current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria 1 to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section D. Cardiovascular: § 391.41(b)(4), paragraph 4.] The advisory criteria states that ICDs are disqualifying due to risk of syncope. II. Qualifications of Applicants Justin Daale Mr. Daale is a 40 year old Class A CDL holder in Iowa. An October 2016 cardiologist report indicates that Mr. Daale’s ICD was implanted in July 2016. No complications or instability of an underlying heart condition are described in the medical documents dated October 7, 2016, July 19, 2016, 1 See https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID= e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d97970&mc=true& node=pt49.5.391&rgn=div5#ap49.5.391_171.a and https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf. E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 85 (Thursday, May 4, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20959-20961]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09003]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0383]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 9 
individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf 
individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

[[Page 20960]]


DATES: The renewed exemptions were effective on the dates stated in the 
discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the 
discussions below. Comments must be received on or before June 5, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, 202-366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have 
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, 
contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0123; FMCSA-2013-0124 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will 
be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below 
for further information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time or 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments online.
    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 https://www.regulations.gov, as described in 
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed 
at https://www.dot.gov/privacy.

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
for two years if it finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level 
of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be 
achieved absent such exemption.'' The statute also allows the Agency to 
renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically 
qualified to driver a CMV if that person:

    First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at 
not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if 
tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average 
hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 
1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the 
audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard 
(formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5--1951.

    49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 
to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a 
hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 
1971).
    The 9 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), in 
accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated 
these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend 
each exemption for a renewable two-year period.

II. Request for Comments

    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not 
currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately 
notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted 
and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of 
the twelve applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for 
obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 57032; 80 FR 
60747). In addition, for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, the 
Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor 
Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash 
and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving 
records from the State Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors 
provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability to 
continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
    The 9 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the 
Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise 
their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year 
exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for 
each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal 
to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to 
renew each exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed 
exemption.
    As of May 8, 2017, the following 9 drivers have satisfied the 
renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate 
commerce (80 FR 18697).

Herbert Crowe (MO)
Kelly Gene Eller (NC)
Jason R. Gensler (OH)
Thomas Lipyanic Jr. (PA)
Donald B. Malley (MO)
Kathy A. Meadows (GA)
David W. Shores (NC)
Richard E. Whittaker (IN)
Brian Whittington (MI)

    The drivers were included in FMCSA-2014-0383. The exemptions were 
effective on May 8, 2017, and will expire on May 8, 2019.

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 
CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for 
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. 
In addition, the driver must

[[Page 20961]]

also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a 
duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. The 
driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers 
in interstate commerce. The exemption does not exempt the individual 
from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption 
will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The 
exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the 
terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted 
in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; 
or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the 
goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315.

IV. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the nine exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless 
revoked earlier by FMCSA.

    Issued on: April 27, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-09003 Filed 5-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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