Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 64273-64275 [E7-22352]

Download as PDF 64273 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 220 / Thursday, November 15, 2007 / Notices AMENDMENTS TO PFC APPROVALS Amendment approved date Amendment No. city, state 98–03–C–03–TLH, Tallahassee, FL .................................... 93–01–C–04–GEG, Spokane, WA ...................................... 93–01–C–04–TPA, Tampa, FL ............................................ 94–02–U–03–TPA, Tampa, FL ............................................ 97–03–C–01–TPA, Tampa, FL ............................................ 02–05–C–01–TPA, Tampa, FL ............................................ 01–05–C–03–OTH, North Bend, OR ................................... 04–09–C–02–CRW, Charleston, WV .................................. 03–06–C–01–TPA, Tampa, FL ............................................ 98–03–C–02–EUG, Eugene, OR ......................................... 04–10–C–02–MKE, Milwaukee, WI ..................................... 06–13–C–01–MKE, Milwaukee, WI ..................................... 96–05–C–09–ORD, Chicago, IL .......................................... 03–04–C–02–PIH, Pocatello, ID .......................................... 09/27/07 10/12/07 10/15/07 10/15/07 10/16/07 10/17/07 10/19/07 10/19/07 10/23/07 10/23/07 10/23/07 10/23/07 10/24/07 10/25/07 Original approved net PFC revenue $6,848,783 12,594,838 133,682,614 NA 25,540,952 135,782,200 541,602 6,982,402 298,115,400 1,577,459 11,775,601 47,306,855 467,714,130 497,218 Issued in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2007. Joe Hebert, Manager, Financial Analysis and Passenger Facility Charge Branch. [FR Doc. 07–5645 Filed 11–14–07; 8:45 am] Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 4910–13–M You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at https:// www.regulations.gov. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Background Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket Nos. FMCSA–01–9561, FMCSA–03– 15268, FMCSA–05–21711] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Renewals; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA previously announced its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 25 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has reviewed the comments submitted in response to the previous announcement and 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. Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:50 Nov 14, 2007 Jkt 214001 Electronic Access Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for a 2year 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 statutes also allow the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The Notice was published on September 27, 2007. The comment period ended on October 29, 2007. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. Conclusion The Agency has not received any adverse evidence on any of these drivers that indicates that safety is being compromised. Based upon its evaluation of the 25 renewal applications, FMCSA renews the Federal vision exemptions for Calvin D. Atwood, Gregory W. Babington, William P. Doolittle, Jonathan M. Gentry, John N. Guilford, Benny D. Hatton, Jr., Robert W. Healey, Jr., Nathaniel H. Herbert, Jr., Thomas D. Lambert, Thomas W. Markham, Raul Martinez, Joseph L. Mast, David McKinney, Kevin L. Moody, Charles W. Mullenix, Gary S. Partridge, Nathan D. Peterson, John N. Poland, Brent L. Seaux, Steven R. Smith, James T. Smith, Edd J. Stabler, PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Amended approved net PFC revenue $3,770,045 9,283,006 145,316,784 NA 25,460,336 152,489,574 638,079 7,609,184 323,388,300 1,577,459 12,025,601 51,947,402 488,140,368 294,313 Original estimated charge exp. date Amended estimated charge exp. date 10/01/02 04/01/98 04/01/01 04/01/01 06/01/02 07/01/06 08/01/05 03/01/11 09/01/13 06/01/01 04/01/18 01/01/24 04/01/08 04/01/08 10/01/02 04/01/98 04/01/01 04/01/01 06/01/02 07/01/06 07/01/06 08/01/11 03/01/14 06/01/01 04/01/18 06/01/24 06/01/08 04/01/08 Jr., Gary M. Wolff, John C. Young, and George R. Zenor. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each renewal exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked 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 and 31315. Issued on: November 9, 2007. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–22350 Filed 11–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–99–5578, FMCSA–99– 5748, FMCSA–01–9258, FMCSA–02–12844, FMCSA–03–14223, FMCSA–03–15892, FMCSA–05–21254, FMCSA–05–21711] 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 27 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 64274 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 220 / Thursday, November 15, 2007 / Notices concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is 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 November 30, 2007. Comments must be received on or before December 17, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA–99– 5578, FMCSA–99–5748, FMCSA–01– 9258, FMCSA–02–12844, FMCSA–03– 14223, FMCSA–03–15892, FMCSA–05– 21254, FMCSA–05–21711, using any of the following methods. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line 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 or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. 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., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The DMS 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 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 DOT’s complete VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:50 Nov 14, 2007 Jkt 214001 Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at https:// DocketInfo.dot.gov. Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications 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. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Background 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. Exemption Decision This notice addresses 27 individuals who have requested a renewal of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 27 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Thomas E. Adams Terry J. Aldridge Lennie D. Baker, Jr. Grady L. Black, Jr. Jerry D. Bridges William J. Corder Ralph E. Eckels Tommy K. Floyd Gary R. Gutschow Richard J. Hanna James J. Hewitt Carl M. Hill Albert E. Malley Eugene P. Martin Roger J. Mason David L. Menken Rodney M. Mimbs Walter F. Moniowczak William G. Mote James R. Murphy Chris A. Ritenour Ronald L. Roy Thomas D. Walden Thomas E. Walsh Kevin P. Weinhold Charles M. Wilkins Thomas A. Wise PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 27 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 48504; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 53412; 66 FR 63289; 68 FR 64944; 70 FR 67776; 64 FR 40404; 64 FR 66962; 66 FR 17743; 66 FR 33990; 68 FR 35772; 70 FR 33937; 67 FR 68719; 68 FR 2629; 70 FR 61165; 68 FR 10301; 68 FR 19596; 68 FR 52811; 68 FR 61860; 70 FR 30999; 70 FR 46567; 70 FR 48797; 70 FR 61493). Each of these 27 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 E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 220 / Thursday, November 15, 2007 / Notices 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. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Request for Comments Reports, Forms, and Recordkeeping Requirements pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 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 December 17, 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 27 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: November 9, 2007. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–22352 Filed 11–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:50 Nov 14, 2007 Jkt 214001 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [U.S. DOT Docket Number NHTSA–2007– 0035 Draft ID 0001] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT. ACTION: Request for public comment on proposed collection of information. 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 comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections. This document describes the collection of information under the Early Warning Reporting requirements enacted by the Transportation Recall Effectiveness, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act, Pub. L. 106–414, for which NHTSA, intends to seek OMB approval. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 14, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments must refer to the docket and notice numbers cited at the beginning of this notice and be submitted to Docket Management, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. 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 section is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Complete copies of each request for collection of information may be obtained at no charge from Mr. Paul Simmons, Office of Defects Investigation, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Mr. Simmons can be contacted at (202) 366–2315. Please identify the relevant collection of information by referring to its OMB Control Number. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64275 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: (i) 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; (ii) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) How to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (iv) 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 collections of information: (1) Title: Reporting of Information and Documents about Potential Defects—49 CFR part 579. OMB Control Number: 2127–0616 Affected Public: Manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. Abstract: Under Chapter 301 of the Title 49 of the United States Code, manufacturers of motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment are periodically required to submit certain information to NHTSA, including information about claims and notices about deaths and serious injury, property damage data, communications to customers and others, and information on Safety Recalls and Campaigns in foreign countries covering vehicles or equipment that are identical or substantially similar to vehicles or equipment sold or offered for sale in the United States. The statute also authorized NHTSA to require the submission of other data that may assist in the identification of safety-related defects in vehicles and equipment. Review of the documents submitted is intended to provide NHTSA with ‘‘early warning’’ of potential safety-related defects in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. NHTSA will rely on the information provided (as well as other relevant information) in deciding E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 220 (Thursday, November 15, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64273-64275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22352]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-99-5578, FMCSA-99-5748, FMCSA-01-9258, FMCSA-02-
12844, FMCSA-03-14223, FMCSA-03-15892, FMCSA-05-21254, FMCSA-05-21711]


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 
27 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals 
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not 
compromise safety. The Agency has

[[Page 64274]]

concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level 
of safety that is 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 November 30, 2007. Comments must be 
received on or before December 17, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-99-5578, FMCSA-99-5748, FMCSA-
01-9258, FMCSA-02-12844, FMCSA-03-14223, FMCSA-03-15892, FMCSA-05-
21254, FMCSA-05-21711, using any of the following methods.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line 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 or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number 
for this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without 
change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading 
below.
    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., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The DMS 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 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 DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78; Apr. 11, 2000). 
This information is also available at https://DocketInfo.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical 
Qualifications 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. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    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.

Exemption Decision

    This notice addresses 27 individuals who have requested a renewal 
of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 27 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

Thomas E. Adams
Terry J. Aldridge
Lennie D. Baker, Jr.
Grady L. Black, Jr.
Jerry D. Bridges
William J. Corder
Ralph E. Eckels
Tommy K. Floyd
Gary R. Gutschow
Richard J. Hanna
James J. Hewitt
Carl M. Hill
Albert E. Malley
Eugene P. Martin
Roger J. Mason
David L. Menken
Rodney M. Mimbs
Walter F. Moniowczak
William G. Mote
James R. Murphy
Chris A. Ritenour
Ronald L. Roy
Thomas D. Walden
Thomas E. Walsh
Kevin P. Weinhold
Charles M. Wilkins
Thomas A. Wise

    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 27 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 48504; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 
53412; 66 FR 63289; 68 FR 64944; 70 FR 67776; 64 FR 40404; 64 FR 66962; 
66 FR 17743; 66 FR 33990; 68 FR 35772; 70 FR 33937; 67 FR 68719; 68 FR 
2629; 70 FR 61165; 68 FR 10301; 68 FR 19596; 68 FR 52811; 68 FR 61860; 
70 FR 30999; 70 FR 46567; 70 FR 48797; 70 FR 61493). Each of these 27 
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

[[Page 64275]]

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 December 17, 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 27 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: November 9, 2007.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. E7-22352 Filed 11-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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