Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 7111-7113 [07-654]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 14, 2007 / Notices ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PRELIMS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vivian Jones, Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 2590, (202) 366–0283. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Air Carrier’s Claim for Subsidy and Air Carrier’s Report of Departures Flown in Schedule Service. OMB Control Number: 2106–0044. Type of Request: Extension for a currently approved information collection. Abstract: In 14 CFR part 271 of its Aviation Economic Regulations, the Department provided that subsidy to air carriers for providing essential air service will be paid to the carriers monthly, and that payments will vary according to the actual amount of service performed during the month. The reports of subsidized air carriers of essential air service performed on the Department’s Forms 397, ‘‘Air Carrier’s Report of Departures Flown in Scheduled Service’’ and 398 ‘‘Air Carrier’s Claim for Subsidy,’’ establish the fundamental basis for paying these air carriers on a timely basis. Typically, subsidized air carriers are small businesses and operate only aircraft of limited size over a limited geographical area. The collection permits subsidized air carriers to submit their monthly claims in a concise, orderly, easy-toprocess form, without having to devise their own means of submitting support for these claims. The collection involved here requests only information concerning the subsidy-eligible flights (which generally constitute only a small percentage of the carriers’ total operations) of a small number of air carriers. The collection permits the Department to timely pay air carriers for providing essential air service to certain eligible communities that would not otherwise receive scheduled passenger air service. Respondents: Small air carriers selected by the Department in docketed cases to provide subsidized essential air service. Frequency of the Respondents: Monthly. Estimated Number of Respondents: 26. Total Annual Response: 1380. Estimated Total Burden on Respondents: 2080 hours. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper functioning of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Department’s estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:27 Feb 13, 2007 Jkt 211001 ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 8, 2007. John DiLuccio, Director, Resource Directorate. [FR Doc. E7–2526 Filed 2–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–62–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE–2007–06] Petitions for Exemption; Summary of Petitions Received 7111 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// dms.dot.gov at any time or to Room PL– 401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Adams (202) 267–8033, Tyneka Thomas (202) 267–7626, or Frances Shaver (202) 267–9681, Office of Rulemaking (ARM– 1), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591. This notice is published pursuant to 14 CFR 11.85 and 11.91. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 8, 2007. Pamela Hamilton-Powell, Director, Office of Rulemaking. Petitions for Exemption Docket No.: FAA–2007–27103. Petitioner: Republic Airline, Inc. Section of 14 CFR Affected: 14 CFR 121.434. Description of Relief Sought: SUMMARY: Pursuant to FAA’s rulemaking Republic Airline, Inc., requests an provisions governing the application, exemption from the requirements of 14 processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption under part 11 of Title 14, CFR 121.434 to the extent necessary to employ and use EMB–170 pilots that Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), have been employed, trained and this notice contains a summary of qualified by its affliated company, certain petitions seeking relief from Shuttle America Corporation, without specified requirements of 14 CFR. The requiring the pilots to repeat the 25 purpose of this notice is to improve the public’s awareness of, and participation hours of EMB–170 initial operating experience (IOE) requirements, and the in, this aspect of FAA’s regulatory pilots-in-command to repeat the FAA activities. Neither publication of this observation requirements, which were notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended successfully accomplished either at Shuttle or through FAA Exemption to affect the legal status of any petition 8586. or its final disposition. DATES: Comments on petitions received [FR Doc. E7–2547 Filed 2–13–07; 8:45 am] must identify the petition docket BILLING CODE 4910–13–P number involved and must be received on or before February 26, 2007. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number Federal Motor Carrier Safety FAA–2007–27103] by any of the Administration following methods: • Web Site: https://dms.dot.gov. [Docket No. FMCSA–00–7363, FMCSA–00– 7918, FMCSA–02–13411] Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket Qualification of Drivers; Exemption site. Applications; Vision • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Administration (FMCSA), DOT. Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, ACTION: Notice of renewal of Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– exemptions; request for comments. 001. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its the plaza level of the Nassif Building, decision to renew the exemptions from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of petitions for exemption received AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1 7112 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 14, 2007 / Notices the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 13 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This decision is effective March 7, 2007. Comments must be received on or before March 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Numbers FMCSA–00–7363, FMCSA–00–7918, FMCSA–02–13411, using any of the following methods. • Web Site: https://dmses.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and docket numbers for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// dms.dot.gov at any time or Room PL– 401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want us to notify you that we received your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PRELIMS DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:27 Feb 13, 2007 Jkt 211001 received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the Department of Transportation’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, maggi.gunnels@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8301, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Exemption Decision Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, 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 procedures for requesting an exemption (including renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381. This notice addresses 13 individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in a timely manner. FMCSA has evaluated these 13 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Henry Ammons, Jr., Michael D. Archibald, Robert D. Bonner, David S. Carman, Cedric E. Foster, Glen T. Garrabrant, Alan L. Johnston, Dennis I. Nelson, Rance A. Powell, Shannon E. Rasmussen, James R. Rieck, Garfield A. Smith, Henry L. Walker. These exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) That each individual have a physical examination every year (a) By an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), and (b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 retention in the driver’s qualification file and retain a copy of the certification of his/her person while driving for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. 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. 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 for additional two-year periods. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 13 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 68 FR 10300; 70 FR 7546; 65 FR 66286; 66 FR 13825; 67 FR 76439; 68 FR 10298; 70 FR 7545). Each of these 13 applicants has requested timely renewal of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two years indicates each applicant continues to meet the vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to drive safety in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Request for Comments FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a particular driver’s safety record and determine if the continuation of the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit comments by March 16, 2007. FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 14, 2007 / Notices 31315 can be satisfied by initially granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated above, the Agency previously published notices of final disposition announcing its decision to exempt these 13 individuals from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant an exemption to each of these individuals was based on the merits of each case and only after careful consideration of the comments received to its notices of applications. The notices of applications stated in detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register publications. 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. Issued on February 7, 2007. Pamela M. Pelcovits, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development, Acting. [FR Doc. 07–654 Filed 2–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [U.S. DOT Docket Number NHTSA–2007– 27204] Reports, Forms, and Recordkeeping Requirements National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation. ACTION: Request for public comment on extension of a currently approved collection of information. ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PRELIMS AGENCY: SUMMARY: Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:27 Feb 13, 2007 Jkt 211001 comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections. This document describes an existing collection of information for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 106, for which NHTSA intends to seek renewed OMB approval. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments must refer to the docket notice numbers cited at the beginning of this notice and be submitted to Docket Management, Room PL–401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. The telephone number for the Docket Management System is (800) 647–5527. Please identify the proposed collection of information for which a comment is provided, by referencing its OMB clearance Number. It is requested, but not required, that 2 copies of the comment be provided. The Docket Section is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alternatively, you may submit your comments electronically by logging onto the Docket Management System Web site at https://dms.dot.gov Click on ‘‘Help and Information’’ or ‘‘Help/Info’’ to view instructions for filing your comments electronically. Regardless of how you submit your comments, refer to the docket number of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeff Woods, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards, 400 Seventh Street, SW., DC 20590. Mr. Woods’ telephone number is (202) 366–6206. His FAX number is (202) 366–7002. Please identify the relevant collection of information by referring to the OMB Control Number, 2127–0052. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before an agency submits a proposed collection of information to OMB for approval, it must first publish a document in the Federal Register providing a 60-day comment period and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information. The OMB has promulgated regulations describing what must be included in such a document. Under OMB’s regulation (at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)), an agency must ask for public comment on the following: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 7113 validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) How to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (4) How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses. In compliance with these requirements, NHTSA asks for public comments on the following proposed collection of information: Title: Brake Hose Manufacturing Identification, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 106. OMB Control Number: 2127–0052. Type of Request: Request for public comment on extension of a currently approved collection of information. Abstract: 49 U.S.C. 30101 et seq., as amended (‘‘the Safety Act’’), authorizes NHTSA to issue Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The Safety Act mandates that in issuing any Federal motor vehicle safety standards, the agency is to consider whether the standard is reasonable and appropriate for the particular type of motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment for which it is prescribed. Using this authority, FMVSS No. 106, Brake Hoses, was issued. This standard specifies labeling and performance requirements for all motor vehicle brake hose assemblers, brake hose and brake hose end fittings manufacturers for automotive vehicles. Prior to selling brake hoses, these entities must register their identification marks with NHTSA to comply with the labeling requirements of this standard. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the agency must obtain OMB approval to continue collecting labeling information. Currently, there are 1,612 manufacturers of hoses and assemblies registered with NHTSA. However, only approximately 20 respondents annually request to have their symbol added to or removed from the NHTSA database. To comply with this standard, each brake hose manufacturer or assembler must contact NHTSA and state that they want to be added to or removed from the NHTSA database of registered brake hose manufacturers. This action is usually initiated by the manufacturer with a brief written request via U.S. mail, facsimile, an e-mail message, or a telephone call. Currently, a majority of the requests are received via U.S. mail and the follow-up paperwork is conducted via facsimile, U.S. mail, or E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 14, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7111-7113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-654]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-00-7363, FMCSA-00-7918, FMCSA-02-13411]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from

[[Page 7112]]

the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 
for 13 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals 
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not 
compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these 
exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, 
or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions 
for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

DATES: This decision is effective March 7, 2007. Comments must be 
received on or before March 16, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Management 
System (DMS) Docket Numbers FMCSA-00-7363, FMCSA-00-7918, FMCSA-02-
13411, using any of the following methods.
     Web Site: https://dmses.dot.gov. Follow the instructions 
for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and 
docket numbers for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be 
posted without change to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal 
information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading for further 
information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://dms.dot.gov at any time or Room PL-401 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want us to notify you that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the Department of Transportation's complete Privacy Act 
Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 
19477; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at https://
dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical 
Qualifications Division, (202) 366-4001, maggi.gunnels@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8301, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Exemption Decision

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption 
from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to 
drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, 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 procedures for requesting an exemption (including 
renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381. This notice addresses 13 
individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in a timely 
manner. FMCSA has evaluated these 13 applications for renewal on their 
merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year 
period. They are:

Henry Ammons, Jr., Michael D. Archibald, Robert D. Bonner, David S. 
Carman, Cedric E. Foster, Glen T. Garrabrant, Alan L. Johnston, Dennis 
I. Nelson, Rance A. Powell, Shannon E. Rasmussen, James R. Rieck, 
Garfield A. Smith, Henry L. Walker.

    These exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) That each individual have a physical examination every year (a) By 
an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), and 
(b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise 
physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual 
provide a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the 
medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) 
that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification 
to the employer for retention in the driver's qualification file and 
retain a copy of the certification of his/her person while driving for 
presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement 
official. 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.

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 for additional two-year periods. In accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 13 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 68 FR 10300; 70 FR 7546; 65 FR 
66286; 66 FR 13825; 67 FR 76439; 68 FR 10298; 70 FR 7545). Each of 
these 13 applicants has requested timely renewal of the exemption and 
has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye 
continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and 
that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each 
record of safety while driving with the respective vision deficiencies 
over the past two years indicates each applicant continues to meet the 
vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for 
predicting each driver's ability to continue to drive safety in 
interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the 
exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two years is 
likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.

Request for Comments

    FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a 
particular driver's safety record and determine if the continuation of 
the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with 
specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit 
comments by March 16, 2007.
    FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption 
under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and

[[Page 7113]]

31315 can be satisfied by initially granting the renewal and then 
requesting and evaluating, if needed, subsequent comments submitted by 
interested parties. As indicated above, the Agency previously published 
notices of final disposition announcing its decision to exempt these 13 
individuals from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The 
final decision to grant an exemption to each of these individuals was 
based on the merits of each case and only after careful consideration 
of the comments received to its notices of applications. The notices of 
applications stated in detail the qualifications, experience, and 
medical condition of each applicant for an exemption from the vision 
requirements. That information is available by consulting the above 
cited Federal Register publications.
    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.

    Issued on February 7, 2007.
Pamela M. Pelcovits,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development, Acting.
[FR Doc. 07-654 Filed 2-13-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-M
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