Common Carrier Obligation of Railroads, 10509-10510 [E8-3712]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 39 / Wednesday, February 27, 2008 / Notices confirmation that PHMSA received your comments, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Note: All comments are electronically posted without changes or edits, including any personal information provided. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Privacy Act Statement Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received in response to any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement published in the Federal Register, April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LE Herrick, at 202–366–5523, or by e-mail at le.herrick@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations requires PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected agencies an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping requests. This notice identifies information collection requests that PHMSA will be submitting to OMB for renewal and extension. These information collections are contained in 49 CFR Parts 190, 192, 193 and 195. PHMSA will request a threeyear term of approval for each information collection activity. 1. Title of information collection: Pipeline Safety: Recordkeeping and Accident Reporting for Hazardous Liquid Pipeline. Former title: Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline: Recordkeeping and Accident Reporting. OMB control number: 2137–0047. Summary of the information collection activity: Operators of Hazardous liquid pipeline facilities are required under 49 CFR Part 195 to maintain records, make reports, and provide information to PHMSA and state pipeline safety offices concerning the operations of the facility. The information is used to assist federal and state pipeline safety inspectors who audit this information when they conduct compliance inspections and to provide a background for accident investigations. Frequency of collection: Annually and on occasion. Estimated total respondents: 200. Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 51,011 hours. 2. Title of Information Collection: Pipeline Safety: Recordkeeping for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:49 Feb 26, 2008 Jkt 214001 Former title: Recordkeeping Requirements for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities. OMB control number: 2137–0048. Summary of the information collection activity: Operators of Liquefied Natural Gas facilities are required under 49 CFR Part 193 to maintain records, and provide information to PHMSA and state safety offices concerning the operations of the facility. The information is used to assist federal and state pipeline safety inspectors who audit this information when they conduct compliance inspections and to provide a background for incident investigations. Frequency of collection: On occasion. Estimated Total Respondents: 101. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 12120 hours. 3. Title of Information Collection: Pipeline Safety: Recordkeeping for Gas Pipelines. Former title: Recordkeeping for Natural Gas Pipeline Operators. OMB control number: 2137–0049. Summary of the information collection activity: Operators of gas pipeline facilities are required under 49 CFR part 192 to maintain records, make reports, and provide information to PHMSA and state pipeline safety offices concerning the operations of the facility. The information is used to assist federal and state pipeline safety inspectors who audit this information when they conduct compliance inspections and to provide a background for incident investigations. Frequency of collection: On occasion. Estimated Total Respondents: 22300. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 940,454 hours. 4. Title of Information Collection: Pipeline Safety: Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Program Certifications. Former title: Gas Pipeline Safety Program Certification and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Program Certification. OMB control number: 2137–0584. Summary of the information collection activity: A participating state must maintain records in order to demonstrate the state is properly monitoring the operations of pipelines operators in their states. The state submits a certificate to PHMSA annually verifying compliance. PHMSA uses the information to evaluate a state’s eligibility for federal grants. Frequency of collection: Annually. Estimated Total Respondents: 67. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3820 hours. 5. Title of Information Collection: Pipeline Safety: Integrity Management PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10509 in High Consequence Areas for Operators with Less than 500 miles of Hazardous Liquid Pipeline. Former title: Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas for Operators with Less than 500 miles of Hazardous Liquid Pipeline. OMB control number: 2137–0605. Summary of the information collection activity: Certain areas are particularly environmentally sensitive from hazardous liquid pipeline failures. These areas are called high consequence areas (HCAs). The pipeline integrity management regulations in 49 CFR part 195 requires operators with less than 500 miles of pipeline to have a program to provide direct integrity testing and evaluation of hazardous liquid pipelines in HCAs. The information is used to assist federal and state pipeline safety inspectors who audit this information when they conduct compliance inspections and to provide a background for incident investigations in HCAs. Frequency of collection: Annually and on occasion. Estimated Total Respondents: 132. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 267,960 hours. Issued in Washington, DC on February 21, 2008. Barbara Betsock, Acting Director of Regulation. [FR Doc. E8–3681 Filed 2–26–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Ex Parte No. 677] Common Carrier Obligation of Railroads AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. ACTION: Notice of Public Hearing. SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board will hold a public hearing beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at its headquarters in Washington, DC. The purpose of the public hearing will be to examine issues related to the common carrier obligation of railroads. Persons wishing to speak at the hearing should notify the Board in writing. DATES: The public hearing will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2008. Any person wishing to speak at the hearing should file with the Board a written notice of intent to participate, and should identify the party, the proposed speaker, the time requested, and the E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 10510 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 39 / Wednesday, February 27, 2008 / Notices topic(s) to be covered, as soon as possible but no later than March 25, 2008. Each speaker should also file with the Board his or her written testimony by April 17, 2008. Written submissions by interested persons who do not wish to appear at the hearing will also be due by April 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: All notices of intent to participate and testimony may be submitted either via the Board’s e-filing format or in the traditional paper format. Any person using e-filing should attach a document and otherwise comply with the Board’s https:// www.stb.dot.gov Web site, at the ‘‘EFILING’’ link. Any person submitting a filing in the traditional paper format should send an original and 10 copies of the filing to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: STB Ex Parte No. 677, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Joseph H. Dettmar, (202) 245–0395. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at: (800) 877–8339.] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The common carrier obligation refers to the statutory duty of railroads to provide ‘‘transportation or service on reasonable request.’’ 49 U.S.C. 11101(a). A railroad may not refuse to provide service merely because to do so would be inconvenient or unprofitable. G.S. Roofing Prods. Co. v. Surface Transp. Bd., 143 F.3d 387, 391 (8th Cir. 1998). The common carrier obligation, however, is not absolute, id., and service requests must be reasonable. See 49 U.S.C. 11101(a). In recent years, the Board has seen an increasing number of questions arising, both formally and informally, regarding the extent of a railroad’s common carrier obligation. As a result, this hearing seeks to highlight the importance of the common carrier obligation, to provide a better understanding of it, and to assist the Board in its monitoring and compliance work. The hearing will focus on various topics related to the extent of the common carrier obligation, including, but not limited to: (1) Service limitation resulting from a capacity constrained environment; (2) cost and safety issues related to the transportation of hazardous materials, especially toxic inhalation hazards; (3) carrier-imposed requirements for infrastructure investments by shippers; (4) the impact of volume requirements or incentives; (5) economically motivated service reductions and metering of the demand for service; (6) the proper use of rail VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:49 Feb 26, 2008 Jkt 214001 embargoes; (7) when it becomes necessary to obtain abandonment authorization; and (8) to whom does the common carrier obligation apply. The hearing will also address the role of the Board’s Office of Compliance and Consumer Assistance in ensuring that carriers meet their common carrier obligation. Date of Hearing. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008, in the 1st floor hearing room at the Board’s headquarters at 395 E Street, SW., in Washington, DC, and will continue until every person scheduled to speak has been heard. Notice of Intent To Participate. Any person wishing to speak at the hearing should file with the Board a written notice of intent to participate, and should identify the party, the proposed speaker, the time requested, and topic(s) to be covered, as soon as possible, but no later than March 25, 2008. Testimony. Each speaker should file with the Board his or her written testimony by April 17, 2008. Also, any interested person who wishes to submit a written statement without appearing at the April 24 hearing should file that statement by April 17, 2008. Board Releases and Live Audio Available Via the Internet. Decisions and notices of the Board, including this notice, are available on the Board’s Web site at: https://www.stb.dot.gov. This hearing will be available on the Board’s website by live video streaming. To access the hearing, click on the ‘‘Live Video’’ link under ‘‘Information Center’’ at the left side of the home page beginning at 9 a.m. on April 24, 2008. This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources. Dated: February 21, 2008. By the Board, Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary. Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–3712 Filed 2–26–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 20, 2008. The Department of the Treasury will submit the following public information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 on or after the date of publication of this notice. Copies of PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the submission(s) may be obtained by calling the Treasury Bureau Clearance Officer listed. Comments regarding this information collection should be addressed to the OMB reviewer listed and to the Treasury Department Clearance Officer, Department of the Treasury, Room 11000, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 28, 2008 to be assured of consideration. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) OMB Number: 1545–XXXX. Type of Review: New Collection. Title: Rev. Proc. 2007–99 (RP– 127367–07), 9100 Relief Under Sections 897 and 1445. Description: The IRS needs certain information to determine whether a taxpayer should be granted permission to make late filings of certain statements or notices under sections 897 and 1445. The information submitted will include a statement by the taxpayer demonstrating reasonable cause for the failure to timely make relevant filings under sections 897 and 1445. Respondents: Businesses or other forprofit institutions. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 4 hours. OMB Number: 1545–XXXX. Type of Review: New Collection. Title: Primary Contact Information Change Form. Form: EFTPS Form. Description: Currently taxpayers can only obtain the Primary Contact Information Form by calling EFTPS Customer Service. The taxpayer calls EFTPS Customer Service requesting to change the contact information on their enrollment. As an alternative to faxing, we are offering the taxpayer the option of downloading the form. Respondents: Individuals or households. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 200 hours. Clearance Officer: Glenn P. Kirkland, (202) 622–3428, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. OMB Reviewer: Alexander T. Hunt, (202) 395–7316. Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503. Robert Dahl, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E8–3655 Filed 2–26–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 39 (Wednesday, February 27, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10509-10510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3712]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Ex Parte No. 677]


Common Carrier Obligation of Railroads

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Public Hearing.

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

SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board will hold a public hearing 
beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at its headquarters in 
Washington, DC. The purpose of the public hearing will be to examine 
issues related to the common carrier obligation of railroads. Persons 
wishing to speak at the hearing should notify the Board in writing.

DATES: The public hearing will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2008. 
Any person wishing to speak at the hearing should file with the Board a 
written notice of intent to participate, and should identify the party, 
the proposed speaker, the time requested, and the

[[Page 10510]]

topic(s) to be covered, as soon as possible but no later than March 25, 
2008. Each speaker should also file with the Board his or her written 
testimony by April 17, 2008. Written submissions by interested persons 
who do not wish to appear at the hearing will also be due by April 17, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: All notices of intent to participate and testimony may be 
submitted either via the Board's e-filing format or in the traditional 
paper format. Any person using e-filing should attach a document and 
otherwise comply with the Board's https://www.stb.dot.gov Web site, at 
the ``E-FILING'' link. Any person submitting a filing in the 
traditional paper format should send an original and 10 copies of the 
filing to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: STB Ex Parte No. 677, 
395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Joseph H. Dettmar, (202) 245-0395. 
[Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at: (800) 877-8339.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The common carrier obligation refers to the 
statutory duty of railroads to provide ``transportation or service on 
reasonable request.'' 49 U.S.C. 11101(a). A railroad may not refuse to 
provide service merely because to do so would be inconvenient or 
unprofitable. G.S. Roofing Prods. Co. v. Surface Transp. Bd., 143 F.3d 
387, 391 (8th Cir. 1998). The common carrier obligation, however, is 
not absolute, id., and service requests must be reasonable. See 49 
U.S.C. 11101(a). In recent years, the Board has seen an increasing 
number of questions arising, both formally and informally, regarding 
the extent of a railroad's common carrier obligation. As a result, this 
hearing seeks to highlight the importance of the common carrier 
obligation, to provide a better understanding of it, and to assist the 
Board in its monitoring and compliance work.
    The hearing will focus on various topics related to the extent of 
the common carrier obligation, including, but not limited to: (1) 
Service limitation resulting from a capacity constrained environment; 
(2) cost and safety issues related to the transportation of hazardous 
materials, especially toxic inhalation hazards; (3) carrier-imposed 
requirements for infrastructure investments by shippers; (4) the impact 
of volume requirements or incentives; (5) economically motivated 
service reductions and metering of the demand for service; (6) the 
proper use of rail embargoes; (7) when it becomes necessary to obtain 
abandonment authorization; and (8) to whom does the common carrier 
obligation apply. The hearing will also address the role of the Board's 
Office of Compliance and Consumer Assistance in ensuring that carriers 
meet their common carrier obligation.
    Date of Hearing. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, 
April 24, 2008, in the 1st floor hearing room at the Board's 
headquarters at 395 E Street, SW., in Washington, DC, and will continue 
until every person scheduled to speak has been heard.
    Notice of Intent To Participate. Any person wishing to speak at the 
hearing should file with the Board a written notice of intent to 
participate, and should identify the party, the proposed speaker, the 
time requested, and topic(s) to be covered, as soon as possible, but no 
later than March 25, 2008.
    Testimony. Each speaker should file with the Board his or her 
written testimony by April 17, 2008. Also, any interested person who 
wishes to submit a written statement without appearing at the April 24 
hearing should file that statement by April 17, 2008.
    Board Releases and Live Audio Available Via the Internet. Decisions 
and notices of the Board, including this notice, are available on the 
Board's Web site at: https://www.stb.dot.gov. This hearing will be 
available on the Board's website by live video streaming. To access the 
hearing, click on the ``Live Video'' link under ``Information Center'' 
at the left side of the home page beginning at 9 a.m. on April 24, 
2008.
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.

    Dated: February 21, 2008.

    By the Board, Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary.
Anne K. Quinlan,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-3712 Filed 2-26-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P

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