Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 78422-78424 [E8-30389]

Download as PDF 78422 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Notices 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 19476). This information is also available at https://DocketInfo.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical Programs, (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 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES This notice addresses 11 individuals who have requested a renewal of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 11 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: David S. Brumfield Robert R. Buis George J. Ghigliotty Charles R. Kuderer William S. LaMar, Sr. Thomas D. Laws Clifford C. Priesmeyer Gerald R. Rietmann Arthur A. Sappington William H. Smith Edward C. Williams 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Dec 19, 2008 Jkt 217001 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 11 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (63 FR 30285; 63 FR 54519; 65 FR 66293; 68 FR 1654; 69 FR 71098; 72 FR 1054; 65 FR 33406; 65 FR 57234; 67 FR 57266; 65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 67 FR 71610; 67 FR 46016; 67 FR 57267; 71 FR 63379; 72 FR 1050). Each of these 11 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 PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 drivers submit comments by January 21, 2009. 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 11 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: December 8, 2008. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E8–30383 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–00–7918; FMCSA–00– 8398; FMCSA–06–26066] 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 44 individuals. FMCSA has statutory E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has 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 January 9, 2009. Comments must be received on or before January 21, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA–00– 7918; FMCSA–00–8398; FMCSA–06– 26066, 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 FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments 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.). VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Dec 19, 2008 Jkt 217001 You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19476). This information is also available at https://DocketInfo.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical Programs, (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 44 individuals who have requested a renewal of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 44 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Michael L. Allen Felipe Bayron Dennis M. Boggs Roy L. Brown David L. Cattoor Roger E. Clark Gary C. Cone Cesar A. Cruz Arthur Dolengewicz Wayne A. Elkins, II Bruce A. Walker Leon C. Flynn David G. Guldan Larry W. Hancock Guadalupe J. Hernandez James L. Houser Richard G. Isenhart Ricky G. Jacks Joe E. Jones Damir Kocijan Robert T. Lantry John W. Laskey Kenneth Liuzza Samson B. Margison Michael W. McClain Terrence L. McKinney Dennis N. McQuiston PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78423 Garth R. Mero Ronald C. Morris Kenneth E. Parrott Charles R. Patten Raymond E. Royer Randal C. Schmude Steven M. Scholfield Dennis J. Smith David C. Stitt Kevin L. Truxell Earl M. Vaughan Bruce A. Walker Harold R. Wallace Lee A. Wiltjer John H. Wisner Theron L. Wood 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 44 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (65 FR 66286; 66 FR 13825; 65 FR 78256; 66 FR 1631; 71 FR 63379; 72 FR 1050). Each of these 44 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 E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 78424 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Notices 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 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 January 21, 2009. 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 44 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Dec 19, 2008 Jkt 217001 Issued on: December 12, 2008. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E8–30389 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket Number: FTA–2008–0054] Notice of Availability of Guidance on the Application of 49 U.S.C. 5324(c), Railroad Corridor Preservation, and Request for Comments AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: This notice by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of proposed guidance on the application of a provision of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) concerning the acquisition of railroad right-of-way for transit projects. The guidance explains FTA’s interpretation of the provision, which allows the acquisition of pre-existing railroad rightof-way, under certain conditions, before the completion of the environmental review for a transit project that would use the right-of-way. FTA requests comments on this guidance, which is available on the U.S. Government electronic docket site and on the FTA Web site. DATES: Comments must be received by January 21, 2009. Comments filed after the deadline will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: You must include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and the docket number (FTA–2008–0054) with your comments. To ensure your comments are not entered into the docket more than once, please submit comments, identified by the docket number [FTA–2008–0054], by only one of the following methods: 1. Web site: The U.S. Government electronic docket site is https:// www.regulations.gov. Go to this Web site and follow the instructions for submitting comments into docket number FTA–2008–0054. 2. Fax: Telefax comments to (202) 493–2251. 3. Mail: Mail your comments to U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M–30, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4. Hand Delivery: Bring your comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Docket Operations, M–30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Ossi, Office of Planning and Environment (TPE–30), 202–366–1613, or Christopher VanWyk, Office of Chief Counsel (TCC–30), 202–366–1733, Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3024 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) added a new provision at 49 U.S.C. 5324(c) that allows a grant applicant, under conditions that may be specified by the Secretary of Transportation, to acquire existing railroad right-of-way prior to the completion of the environmental review of the transportation project(s) that will eventually use that right-ofway. Under authority delegated by the Secretary, FTA has developed proposed guidance that would (1) specify the conditions under which this provision may be used and (2) give guidance on applying that provision to specific situations. We request your comments on the guidance, which is available in the U.S. Government’s electronic docket site at https://www.regulations.gov under docket number FTA–2008–0054 and on the FTA Web site at https:// www.fta.dot.gov under ‘‘Planning and Environment.’’ FTA will respond to comments received on this Notice in a second Federal Register notice to be published after the close of the comment period. That second notice is expected to announce the availability of final guidance that reflects the changes implemented as a result of comments received. Issued on: December 16, 2008. Sherry E. Little, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. E8–30372 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Notice of Meeting Cancellation of the Advisory Committee on the Ten-Year Framework for Energy and Environment Cooperation With China AGENCY: Office of the Special Envoy to China and the SED, Treasury. E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 246 (Monday, December 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78422-78424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30389]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-00-7918; FMCSA-00-8398; FMCSA-06-26066]


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 
44 individuals. FMCSA has statutory

[[Page 78423]]

authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the 
exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has 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 January 9, 2009. Comments must be 
received on or before January 21, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-00-7918; FMCSA-00-8398; FMCSA-
06-26066, 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 FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments 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 19476). This information is 
also available at https://DocketInfo.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical 
Programs, (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 44 individuals who have requested a renewal 
of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 44 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:
Michael L. Allen
Felipe Bayron
Dennis M. Boggs
Roy L. Brown
David L. Cattoor
Roger E. Clark
Gary C. Cone
Cesar A. Cruz
Arthur Dolengewicz
Wayne A. Elkins, II
Bruce A. Walker
Leon C. Flynn
David G. Guldan
Larry W. Hancock
Guadalupe J. Hernandez
James L. Houser
Richard G. Isenhart
Ricky G. Jacks
Joe E. Jones
Damir Kocijan
Robert T. Lantry
John W. Laskey
Kenneth Liuzza
Samson B. Margison
Michael W. McClain
Terrence L. McKinney
Dennis N. McQuiston
Garth R. Mero
Ronald C. Morris
Kenneth E. Parrott
Charles R. Patten
Raymond E. Royer
Randal C. Schmude
Steven M. Scholfield
Dennis J. Smith
David C. Stitt
Kevin L. Truxell
Earl M. Vaughan
Bruce A. Walker
Harold R. Wallace
Lee A. Wiltjer
John H. Wisner
Theron L. Wood

    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 44 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (65 FR 66286; 66 FR 13825; 65 FR 78256; 66 FR 1631; 71 FR 
63379; 72 FR 1050). Each of these 44 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

[[Page 78424]]

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 drivers submit 
comments by January 21, 2009.
    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 44 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: December 12, 2008.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
 [FR Doc. E8-30389 Filed 12-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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