Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 28093-28095 [E7-9585]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 96 / Friday, May 18, 2007 / Notices Transportation Board. DOT’s Docket Operations facility is moving to 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 and will be located on the West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140. Hours for the new facility will continue to be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Operations telephone number will continue to be (202) 366–9826. 1. To prepare for the relocation to the new facility, the Docket Operations office will be closed to the public on Friday, May 25, 2007, through Tuesday, May 29, 2007. The office will reopen to the public on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at the new facility. 2. To move the computers that host the electronic dockets, the DMS will be unavailable for use from Wednesday, June 13, 2007, through Sunday, June 17, 2007. The electronic docket will again be available to users starting on June 18, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, Office of Information Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, Office of the Secretary, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590 until May 24, 2007, and at West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, after that; telephone number: 202–366–9826; e-mail address: renee.wright@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. How can I access docket materials during the office closure? During the closure of the Dockets Operations Facility, May 25, 2007, through May 29, 2007, docket materials will remain available to the public through the DMS at https://dms.dot.gov, which is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The electronic dockets will continue to be available through June 12, 2007, and will be available to users again on June 18, 2007. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES B. How can I submit public docket material for rulemakings, adjudications, and other matters during these disruptions? Public docket material may continue to be submitted by one of the following methods: 1. During the office closure May 25, 2007, through May 29, 2007: a. Electronically through the DMS at https://dms.dot.gov, which is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. b. By mail through the U.S. Postal Service after Thursday, May 24, 2007, VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:06 May 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Mail will be forwarded to the new building during this transition period. 2. When the DMS computer is down from June 13, 2007, through June 17, 2007: a. By mail addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. b. By hand delivery to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Note, however, that office staff will not begin to place documents received during this period into the DMS electronic system until the computer goes back on line June 18, 2007. C. What about courier deliveries? Docket Operations staff will continue to accept deliveries at 400 7th Street, SW., Room PL–401, Washington, DC, until 5 p.m., Thursday, May 24, 2007. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, Docket Operations staff will be available to accept deliveries at the new DOT facility on the West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. D. What if a deadline for submission or a need for an emergency filing occurs during the time the Docket Operations office is closed for the move or the computers are out-of-service? Electronic submissions will still be received during the office move, May 25, 2007, through May 29, 2007. However, they will not be received during the period the computers are down from June 13, 2007, through June 17, 2007. Documents will not be entered into the DMS until the office reopens on May 30, 2007, and until June 18, 2007, when the computers come back on line. Hard copy submissions delivered to Docket Operations by May 30, 2007, will be treated as received in a timely manner if they were due during the office’s closure. Generally, time periods/ due dates for responsive filings for submissions due during the May office closure will be extended from May 30, 2007, and June 18, 2007, when DMS operations resume. These time periods of closure and computer inaccessibility will be considered ‘‘holidays’’ for purposes of procedural rules. PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 28093 Persons filing emergency applications or other such documents or who have questions about the timing of filings should contact the appropriate DOT agency for specific information about deadlines and extensions. E. Does this notice apply to all DOT operating administrations and to the Office of Secretary (OST)? Yes. It applies to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), and the Office of the Secretary (OST). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) also use the DMS. Dated: May 11, 2007. Neil R. Eisner, Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Enforcement. [FR Doc. E7–9565 Filed 5–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–00–7918, FMCSA–00– 8398, FMCSA–02–13411, FMCSA–03–14223, FMCSA–03–14504] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 22 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 E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM 18MYN1 28094 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 96 / Friday, May 18, 2007 / Notices commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This decision is effective June 4, 2007. Comments must be received on or before June 18, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Numbers FMCSA–00–7918, FMCSA–00–8398, FMCSA–02–13411, FMCSA–03–14223, FMCSA–03–14504, 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. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:06 May 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@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: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 22 individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 22 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Michael C. Boyne Clifford D. Carpenter Timothy H. DuBois James M. Eads Alf M. Gronstedt Dennis K. Harris Donald E. Howell Tommy T. Hudson William D. Johnson Edward J. Kasper Jimme D. Kline Spencer E. Leonard Phillip L. Mangen Tommy R. Masterson Clarence M. Miles Steven M. Montalbo Charles J. Rowsey Vincent Rubino Randy G. Spilman Wyatt W. Thayer, Jr. Thomas S. Thompson Robert A. Wegner 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 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 on 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 22 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (65 FR 66286; 66 FR 13825; 68 FR 13360; 70 FR 25878; 65 FR 78256; 66 FR 16311; 67 FR 76439; 68 FR 10298; 68 FR 10301; 68 FR 19596; 68 FR 19598; 68 FR 33570). Each of these 22 applicants has requested 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 safely 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 E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM 18MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 96 / Friday, May 18, 2007 / Notices drivers submit comments by June 18, 2007. FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 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 22 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: May 11, 2007. Pamela M. Pelcovits, Acting Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–9585 Filed 5–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 35018] pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES State of Maine—Acquisition Exemption—Certain Assets of St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad Company The State of Maine, acting by and through its Department of Transportation (Maine DOT), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to acquire from St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad Company (SLR) certain rightof-way and trackage, totaling approximately 11 miles in Cumberland County, ME. The rail line (the Subject VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:06 May 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 line) extends between approximately milepost 1.74 at Deering and approximately milepost 12.163 south of the diamond crossing at Yarmouth Junction.1 Maine DOT certifies that its projected annual revenues as a result of the transaction will not exceed those that would qualify it as a Class III rail carrier. The parties state that they intend to consummate this transaction on or before June 30, 2007, if all conditions precedent have been satisfied. The exemption is scheduled to become effective on June 6, 2007, which is 30 days from the May 7, 2007 official filing date of the notice. Maine DOT states that it will acquire SLR’s right, title and interest in the right-of-way, trackage and other physical assets associated with the Subject Line, but will not acquire the right or obligation to conduct any rail freight operations thereon. SLR will retain a permanent and exclusive easement for freight operation on the Subject Line. If the notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void ab initio. Petitions to reopen the proceeding to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the transaction. Any petition for stay will be due no later than May 30, 2007 (at least 7 days before the effective date of the exemption). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 35018, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on James E. Howard, One Thompson Square, Suite 201, Charlestown, MA 02129. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at https:// www.stb.dot.gov. Decided: May 10, 2007. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–9378 Filed 5–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P 1 In the same docket, Maine DOT has simultaneously filed a joint motion to dismiss its verified notice of exemption on jurisdictional grounds. That request will be handled in a separate Board decision. PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 28095 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. AB–570 (Sub-No. 2X] Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad, Inc.—Abandonment Exemption—in Latah County, ID On April 30, 2007, Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad, Inc. (PRCC) filed with the Surface Transportation Board a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to abandon a 0.20-mile line of railroad extending between milepost 85.91 and milepost 86.11 in Moscow, in Latah County, ID. The line traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Code 83843, and it includes no stations. The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in PRCC’s possession will be made available promptly to those requesting it. The interest of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in Oregon Short Line R. Co.— Abandonment—Goshen, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be issued by August 17, 2007. Any offer of financial assistance (OFA) under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due no later than 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption. Each offer must be accompanied by a $1,300 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25). All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment of rail service and salvage of the line, the line may be suitable for other public use, including interim trail use. Any request for a public use condition under 49 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than June 7, 2007. Each trail use request must be accompanied by a $200 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27). All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. AB–570 (Sub-No. 2X), and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001, and (2) Karl Morell, Ball Janik LLP, 1455 F Street, NW., Suite 225, Washington, DC 20005. Replies to PRCC’s petition are due on or before June 7, 2007. Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment procedures may contact the Board’s Office of Public Services at (202) 245–0230 or refer to the full abandonment or discontinuance E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM 18MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 96 (Friday, May 18, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28093-28095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-9585]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-00-7918, FMCSA-00-8398, FMCSA-02-13411, FMCSA-03-
14223, FMCSA-03-14504]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the 
vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 
22 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

[[Page 28094]]

commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

DATES: This decision is effective June 4, 2007. Comments must be 
received on or before June 18, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Management 
System (DMS) Docket Numbers FMCSA-00-7918, FMCSA-00-8398, FMCSA-02-
13411, FMCSA-03-14223, FMCSA-03-14504, 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, fmcsamedical@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 22 
individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in 
accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 22 
applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each 
exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

Michael C. Boyne
Clifford D. Carpenter
Timothy H. DuBois
James M. Eads
Alf M. Gronstedt
Dennis K. Harris
Donald E. Howell
Tommy T. Hudson
William D. Johnson
Edward J. Kasper
Jimme D. Kline
Spencer E. Leonard
Phillip L. Mangen
Tommy R. Masterson
Clarence M. Miles
Steven M. Montalbo
Charles J. Rowsey
Vincent Rubino
Randy G. Spilman
Wyatt W. Thayer, Jr.
Thomas S. Thompson
Robert A. Wegner

    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 on 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 22 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (65 FR 66286; 66 FR 13825; 68 FR 13360; 70 FR 25878; 65 FR 
78256; 66 FR 16311; 67 FR 76439; 68 FR 10298; 68 FR 10301; 68 FR 19596; 
68 FR 19598; 68 FR 33570). Each of these 22 applicants has requested 
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 safely 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

[[Page 28095]]

drivers submit comments by June 18, 2007.
    FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption 
under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 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 22 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: May 11, 2007.
Pamela M. Pelcovits,
Acting Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development.
 [FR Doc. E7-9585 Filed 5-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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