Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 10619-10621 [2014-04015]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 37 / Tuesday, February 25, 2014 / Notices Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated in the date section of the notice. FMCSA notes that section 4129 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users requires the Secretary to revise its diabetes exemption program established on September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441).1 The revision must provide for individual assessment of drivers with diabetes mellitus, and be consistent with the criteria described in section 4018 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31305). Section 4129 requires: (1) Elimination of the requirement for 3 years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin; and (2) establishment of a specified minimum period of insulin use to demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate a CMV. In response to section 4129, FMCSA made immediate revisions to the diabetes exemption program established by the September 3, 2003 notice. FMCSA discontinued use of the 3-year driving experience and fulfilled the requirements of section 4129 while continuing to ensure that operation of CMVs by drivers with ITDM will achieve the requisite level of safety required of all exemptions granted under 49 USC. 31136(e). Section 4129(d) also directed FMCSA to ensure that drivers of CMVs with ITDM are not held to a higher standard than other drivers, with the exception of limited operating, monitoring and medical requirements that are deemed medically necessary. The FMCSA concluded that all of the operating, monitoring and medical requirements set out in the September 3, 2003 notice, except as modified, were in compliance with section 4129(d). Therefore, all of the requirements set out in the September 3, 2003 notice, except as modified by the notice in the Federal Register on November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777), remain in effect. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Submitting Comments You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of 1 Section 4129(a) refers to the 2003 notice as a ‘‘final rule.’’ However, the 2003 notice did not issue a ‘‘final rule’’ but did establish the procedures and standards for issuing exemptions for drivers with ITDM. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:58 Feb 24, 2014 Jkt 232001 these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2014–0012 and click the search button. When the new screen appears, click on the blue ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button on the right hand side of the page. On the new page, enter information required including the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change this proposed rule based on your comments. FMCSA may issue a final rule at any time after the close of the comment period. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this preamble, To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2014–0012 and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and you will find all documents and comments related to the proposed rulemaking. Issued on: February 14, 2014. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2014–04010 Filed 2–24–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2009–0291] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00154 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10619 the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 21 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 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. This decision is effective March 2, 2014. Comments must be received on or before March 27, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) numbers: Docket No. [Docket No. FMCSA–2009–0291], 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. Instructions: 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 Federal Docket Management System (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 DATES: E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1 10620 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 37 / Tuesday, February 25, 2014 / Notices 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 DOT’s Privacy Act Statement for the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical Programs 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. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Exemption Decision This notice addresses 21 individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 21 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Cris D. Bush (TN) Billy C. Chenault (NM) Eugene Contreras (NM) Jim L. Davis (NM) David E. Evans (NC) Randy M. Garcia (NM) Jason L. Hoovan (UT) Amos W. Hulsey (AL) Curtis M. Lawless (VA) James M. McCormick (ID) Millard F. Neace II (WV) William E. Norris (NC) Frank L. Ortolani (OH) Paul D. Prillaman (VA) Scott A. Randol (MO) Miguel A. Sanchez (NM) James E. Vickery (KY) Norman J. Watson (NC) Lewis H. West, Jr. (MA) Billy R. Wilkey (TX) Reginald J. Wuethrich (IL) The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) That VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:58 Feb 24, 2014 Jkt 232001 each individual has a physical examination every year (a) by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the requirements 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 provides 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 retains 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 21 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (74 FR 65842; 75 FR 9482; 77 FR 10604). Each of these 21 applicants has requested renewal of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the requirement 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 requirements. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00155 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Request for Comments FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a particular driver’s safety record and determine if the continuation of the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit comments by March 27, 2014. 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 21 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 made on the merits of each case and made 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. Submitting Comments You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket numbers FMCSA–2009–0291 and click the search button. When the new screen appears, E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 37 / Tuesday, February 25, 2014 / Notices click on the blue ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button on the right hand side of the page. On the new page, enter information required including the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change this proposed rule based on your comments. FMCSA may issue a final rule at any time after the close of the comment period. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this preamble, To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2009–0291 and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and you will find all documents and comments related to the proposed rulemaking. Issued on: February 12, 2014. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2014–04015 Filed 2–24–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No. PHMSA–2013–0181] Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit Note: Comments are posted without changes or edits to https:// www.Regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. There is a privacy statement published on https:// www.Regulations.gov. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pursuant to the Federal pipeline safety laws, PHMSA is publishing this notice to announce the availability for review of an Environmental Assessment for a special permit request we have received from Fairbanks Natural Gas, LLC (FNG) for a facility in Fairbanks, Alaska. FNG is seeking relief from compliance with certain requirements in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. This notice seeks public comments on the Environmental Assessment, including comments on any safety or SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:58 Feb 24, 2014 Jkt 232001 environmental impacts. The Environmental Assessment is available for review at https:// www.Regulations.gov. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, PHMSA will evaluate the comments and determine whether to grant or deny the associated special permit request. DATES: Submit any comments regarding this special permit request by March 27, 2014. ADDRESSES: Comments should reference the docket number for the specific special permit request and may be submitted in the following ways: • E-Gov Web site: https:// www.Regulations.gov. This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: You should identify the docket number for the Environmental Assessment and related special permit request you are commenting on at the beginning of your comments. If you submit your comments by mail, please submit two copies. To receive confirmation that PHMSA has received your comments, please include a selfaddressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit comments at https:// www.Regulations.gov. General: Kay McIver by telephone at 202–366–0113, or email at Kay.McIver@ dot.gov. Technical: Joseph Sieve by telephone at 202–366–5064 email at Joseph.Sieve@ dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 2, 2013, PHMSA received a request from FNG seeking relief from 49 CFR 193.2155 for its construction of a 125,000 barrel liquid natural gas single containment storage tank at its existing storage and vaporization facility at 2942 Tria Road in Fairbanks, Alaska. The PO 00000 Frm 00156 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10621 request included a technical analysis provided by the operator and was filed at https://www.Regulations.gov under assigned docket number PHMSA–2013– 0181. On August 26, 2013, through a Federal Register notice, PHMSA invited interested persons to participate by reviewing the special permit request at https://www.Regulations.gov and submitting written comments, data, or other views. No public comments were received in response to this publication. To further evaluate the special permit request, PHMSA is publishing this notice to announce the availability of an Environmental Assessment prepared for the special permit area noted in FNG’s request. Please include any comments on potential environmental impacts that may result if this special permit is granted. Before acting on this special permit request, PHMSA will evaluate all comments received on or before the comments closing date. Comments will be evaluated after this date if it is possible to do so without incurring additional expense or delay. PHMSA will consider each relevant comment we receive in making our decision to grant or deny a request. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60118 (c)(1) and 49 CFR 1.53. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2014. Jeffrey D. Wiese, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 2014–03981 Filed 2–24–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Open Meeting of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans Department of the Treasury. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans (Council) will convene for an open meeting on March 10, 2014, at the Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington DC, beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST. The meeting will be open to the public. The Council will: (1) Receive a report from the Executive Director on the recommendations of the predecessor President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability and the Financial Literacy and Education Commission; (2) discuss proposed subcommittees and council agenda. Time will be allotted for members of the public, who may make up to one (1) minute of comments before the Council. If you are interested in SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10619-10621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04015]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2009-0291]


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 
21 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 
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 March 2, 2014. Comments must be 
received on or before March 27, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) numbers: Docket No. [Docket No. FMCSA-2009-
0291], 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.
    Instructions: 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 Federal Docket Management System (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

[[Page 10620]]

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 DOT's Privacy Act Statement for the 
Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) published in the Federal 
Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical 
Programs 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 21 individuals who have requested renewal of 
their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 21 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

Cris D. Bush (TN)
Billy C. Chenault (NM)
Eugene Contreras (NM)
Jim L. Davis (NM)
David E. Evans (NC)
Randy M. Garcia (NM)
Jason L. Hoovan (UT)
Amos W. Hulsey (AL)
Curtis M. Lawless (VA)
James M. McCormick (ID)
Millard F. Neace II (WV)
William E. Norris (NC)
Frank L. Ortolani (OH)
Paul D. Prillaman (VA)
Scott A. Randol (MO)
Miguel A. Sanchez (NM)
James E. Vickery (KY)
Norman J. Watson (NC)
Lewis H. West, Jr. (MA)
Billy R. Wilkey (TX)
Reginald J. Wuethrich (IL)

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) That each individual has a physical examination every year (a) by 
an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the requirements 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 provides 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 retains 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 21 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (74 FR 65842; 75 FR 9482; 77 FR 10604). Each of these 21 
applicants has requested renewal of the exemption and has submitted 
evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet 
the requirement 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 
requirements.
    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 March 27, 2014.
    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 21 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 made on the merits of each 
case and made 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.

Submitting Comments

    You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, 
or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA 
recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email 
address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA 
can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and 
in the search box insert the docket numbers FMCSA-2009-0291 and click 
the search button. When the new screen appears,

[[Page 10621]]

click on the blue ``Comment Now!'' button on the right hand side of the 
page. On the new page, enter information required including the 
specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and 
provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. If you submit 
your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound 
format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and 
electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to 
know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, self-
addressed postcard or envelope.
    We will consider all comments and material received during the 
comment period and may change this proposed rule based on your 
comments. FMCSA may issue a final rule at any time after the close of 
the comment period.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this 
preamble, To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number 
FMCSA-2009-0291 and click ``Search.'' Next, click ``Open Docket 
Folder'' and you will find all documents and comments related to the 
proposed rulemaking.

    Issued on: February 12, 2014.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2014-04015 Filed 2-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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