National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Request for Information Related to Use of Clearview Font, 89888-89889 [2016-29819]

Download as PDF 89888 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 13, 2016 / Proposed Rules specified in the Coastal Zone Management Program regulations at 15 CFR part 923. In addition to the hearing, NOAA solicited written comments from the public on the amendment. NOAA is issuing preliminary findings on the request for approval of the amendments to the PRCZMP. Although most of the changes to the PRCZMP have been found to be approvable, NOAA has found that the fast-tracking of the permitting process does not provide a meaningful opportunity for public participation in the process. NOAA has also identified concerns with the placement of permitting authority in authorized professionals. These preliminary findings are subject to change pending a response from the Commonwealth, and comments from the public. NOAA has also completed a draft environmental assessment pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act for this review. Comments on the draft environmental assessment are also being solicited. The preliminary findings and draft environmental assessment are available for review on the Regulations.Gov Web site under Docket No. ‘‘NOAA–NOS– 2016–0148.’’ Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog 11.419. Dated: December 2, 2016. Christopher Cartwright, Acting, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Management, Coastal Zone Management Program Administration. [FR Doc. 2016–29842 Filed 12–12–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–08–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 1241 [Docket No. CPSC–2006–0057] Safety Standard for Portable Generators; Notice of Extension of Comment Period U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Extension of comment period. AGENCY: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission or CPSC) voted to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) in the Federal Register on November 2, 2016, concerning portable generators. The NPR invited the public to submit written comments during a comment period that would close 75 days after the date of publication of the NPR in the pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:06 Dec 12, 2016 Jkt 241001 Federal Register. In response to a request for an extension, the Commission is extending the comment period. DATES: Submit comments by April 24, 2017. documents to prepare public comments on the NPR.1 The Commission has considered this request and is extending the comment period for an additional 75 days until April 24, 2017. You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CPSC–2006– 0057, by any of the following methods: Dated: December 8, 2016. Todd A. Stevenson, Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. ADDRESSES: Electronic Submissions Submit electronic comments in the following way: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. The Commission does not accept comments submitted by electronic mail (email), except through: https:// www.regulations.gov. The Commission encourages you to submit electronic comments by using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, as described above. Written Submissions Submit written submissions in the following way: Mail/Hand delivery/Courier, preferably in five copies, to: Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504–7923. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this notice. All comments received may be posted without change, including any personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal information provided, to: https://www.regulations.gov. Do not submit confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information electronically. Such information should be submitted in writing. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to: https:// www.regulations.gov and insert the Docket No. CPSC–2006–0057 into the ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 2, 2016, the Commission voted to publish an NPR in the Federal Register, proposing standards that would apply to portable generators. The NPR was published on November 21, 2016, with a 75-day comment period that will close on February 6, 2017. The Commission issued the proposed rule under the authority of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) has requested an additional 75 days to do research, conduct testing, and review the portable generator briefing package and supporting PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [FR Doc. 2016–29845 Filed 12–12–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6355–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration 23 CFR Part 655 [FHWA Docket No. FHWA–2016–0036] National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Request for Information Related to Use of Clearview Font Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Request for Information. AGENCY: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated by reference in regulation, approved by FHWA, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. This document is a Request for Information (RFI) related to the use of the Clearview letter style on highway signs. DATES: Responses to this RFI should be submitted by January 27, 2017. The FHWA will consider late-filed responses to the extent possible. ADDRESSES: To ensure that you do not duplicate your docket submissions, please submit them by only one of the following means: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. SUMMARY: 1 The Commission voted (4–1) to publish this notice in the Federal Register. Chairman Elliot F. Kaye and Commissioners Robert S. Adler, Joseph P. Mohorovic, and Marietta S. Robinson voted to approve publication of this notice. Commissioner Ann Marie Buerkle voted against publication of this notice. E:\FR\FM\13DEP1.SGM 13DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 13, 2016 / Proposed Rules and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. • Instructions: You must include the agency name and docket number at the beginning of your comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this notice, contact Mr. Martin Calawa, MUTCD Team, FHWA Office of Transportation Operations, (603) 410–4864, or via email at Martin.Calawa@dot.gov. For legal questions, please contact Mr. William Winne, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366–1397, or via email at William.Winne@dot.gov. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Request pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS On January 25, 2016, FHWA published a document in the Federal Register (81 FR 4083) officially terminating the Interim Approval for Use of Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs (IA–5), which was issued September 2, 2004. The termination discontinued the provisional use of an alternative letter style in traffic control device applications. The result of this termination rescinded the allowance of the use of letter styles other than FHWA Standard Alphabets on traffic control devices except as provided otherwise in the MUTCD and within the document. Existing signs that use the provisional letter style and comply with IA–5 were unaffected by the termination and may remain in place as long as they are in serviceable condition. The termination did not create a mandate for the removal or installation of any sign. Following the publication of the termination in the Federal Register and prior to its effective date, FHWA posted a Technical Memorandum 1 and a Technical Brief 2 on the MUTCD Web site. The Technical Memorandum provided guidance to the Federal-aid Highway division offices on implementation of the termination. The 1 Technical Memorandum can be accessed at the following Web address: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ resources/interim_approval/ia5/ia5_ termination.pdf. 2 Technical Brief, ‘‘Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways: Termination of Interim Approval No. 5, Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs,’’ can be accessed at the following Web address: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/interim_ approval/ia5/ia5_termtechbrief.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:06 Dec 12, 2016 Jkt 241001 FHWA developed the Technical Brief for transportation agency use. It provided conclusions about the national experience with an alternative letter style and a discussion of the technical considerations that led to the termination of the Interim Approval. After the publication of the termination, FHWA received comments from stakeholders suggesting that FHWA should have solicited public comment prior to the termination. Other comments suggested that FHWA did not consider all relevant research that was available in making its decision. As a result, FHWA is publishing this RFI in order to gather any information or research that FHWA may not have been aware of when the termination was prepared. RFI Guidelines This is not a solicitation for comments on the termination of IA–5 or for experimentation requests. The purpose of this RFI is to gather information, if any, that was not previously available to FHWA. Respondents should not include any information that might be considered proprietary or confidential. The FHWA requests quantitative information from State and local agencies specifically related to their use of the Clearview font. Examples of the types of information we are seeking include: State or agency practice, such as the technical standards applied, including any deviations from the conditions of IA–5; factors considered in deciding to convert to the Clearview letter style or to retain or revert to the Standard Alphabets; in-service legibility evaluations; factors related to sign design or manufacturing; safety performance; economic implications; any simultaneous improvements made when converting to Clearview, such as changes to retroreflective sheeting or increases in letter height; or other similar types of information. Conclusion The FHWA based the termination of IA–5 on available relevant information and research. To ensure that FHWA has access to any additional information, FHWA requests any additional information regarding experience with the use of alternative fonts or research not otherwise known that may be useful to FHWA be submitted for further consideration. Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; and 49 CFR 1.85. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 89889 Issued on: December 7, 2016. Gregory G. Nadeau, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration. [FR Doc. 2016–29819 Filed 12–12–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R03–OAR–2016–0455; FRL–9956–42– Region 3] Determination of Attainment of the 2012 Annual Fine Particulate Matter Standard; Pennsylvania; Delaware County Nonattainment Area Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to determine that the Delaware County, Pennsylvania moderate nonattainment area (the Delaware County Area) has attained the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). This determination of attainment, also known as a clean data determination, is based upon quality assured, certified, and complete ambient air monitoring data showing that this area has monitored attainment of the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2013–2015 data available in EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) database. If this determination is finalized, the requirements for the Delaware County Area to submit an attainment demonstration, associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, contingency measures, and other planning state implementation plan (SIP) revisions related to attainment of the standard shall be suspended for so long as the area continues to meet the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA). In the Final Rules section of this Federal Register, EPA is making this determination of attainment as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a noncontroversial submittal and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule. If no adverse comments are received in response to this action, no further activity is contemplated. If EPA receives adverse comments, the direct final rule will be withdrawn and all public comments received will be addressed in SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13DEP1.SGM 13DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 89888-89889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29819]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 655

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2016-0036]


National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on 
Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Request for 
Information Related to Use of Clearview Font

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Request for Information.

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

SUMMARY: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and 
Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated by reference in regulation, approved 
by FHWA, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control 
devices used on all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open 
to public travel. This document is a Request for Information (RFI) 
related to the use of the Clearview letter style on highway signs.

DATES: Responses to this RFI should be submitted by January 27, 2017. 
The FHWA will consider late-filed responses to the extent possible.

ADDRESSES: To ensure that you do not duplicate your docket submissions, 
please submit them by only one of the following means:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590.
     Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m.

[[Page 89889]]

and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
telephone number is 202-366-9329.
     Instructions: You must include the agency name and docket 
number at the beginning of your comments. All comments received will be 
posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this notice, 
contact Mr. Martin Calawa, MUTCD Team, FHWA Office of Transportation 
Operations, (603) 410-4864, or via email at Martin.Calawa@dot.gov. For 
legal questions, please contact Mr. William Winne, Office of the Chief 
Counsel, (202) 366-1397, or via email at William.Winne@dot.gov. Office 
hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose of the Request

    On January 25, 2016, FHWA published a document in the Federal 
Register (81 FR 4083) officially terminating the Interim Approval for 
Use of Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs (IA-
5), which was issued September 2, 2004. The termination discontinued 
the provisional use of an alternative letter style in traffic control 
device applications. The result of this termination rescinded the 
allowance of the use of letter styles other than FHWA Standard 
Alphabets on traffic control devices except as provided otherwise in 
the MUTCD and within the document. Existing signs that use the 
provisional letter style and comply with IA-5 were unaffected by the 
termination and may remain in place as long as they are in serviceable 
condition. The termination did not create a mandate for the removal or 
installation of any sign.
    Following the publication of the termination in the Federal 
Register and prior to its effective date, FHWA posted a Technical 
Memorandum \1\ and a Technical Brief \2\ on the MUTCD Web site. The 
Technical Memorandum provided guidance to the Federal-aid Highway 
division offices on implementation of the termination. The FHWA 
developed the Technical Brief for transportation agency use. It 
provided conclusions about the national experience with an alternative 
letter style and a discussion of the technical considerations that led 
to the termination of the Interim Approval.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Technical Memorandum can be accessed at the following Web 
address: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/interim_approval/ia5/ia5_termination.pdf.
    \2\ Technical Brief, ``Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 
for Streets and Highways: Termination of Interim Approval No. 5, 
Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs,'' can 
be accessed at the following Web address: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/interim_approval/ia5/ia5_termtechbrief.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After the publication of the termination, FHWA received comments 
from stakeholders suggesting that FHWA should have solicited public 
comment prior to the termination. Other comments suggested that FHWA 
did not consider all relevant research that was available in making its 
decision. As a result, FHWA is publishing this RFI in order to gather 
any information or research that FHWA may not have been aware of when 
the termination was prepared.

RFI Guidelines

    This is not a solicitation for comments on the termination of IA-5 
or for experimentation requests. The purpose of this RFI is to gather 
information, if any, that was not previously available to FHWA. 
Respondents should not include any information that might be considered 
proprietary or confidential.
    The FHWA requests quantitative information from State and local 
agencies specifically related to their use of the Clearview font. 
Examples of the types of information we are seeking include: State or 
agency practice, such as the technical standards applied, including any 
deviations from the conditions of IA-5; factors considered in deciding 
to convert to the Clearview letter style or to retain or revert to the 
Standard Alphabets; in-service legibility evaluations; factors related 
to sign design or manufacturing; safety performance; economic 
implications; any simultaneous improvements made when converting to 
Clearview, such as changes to retroreflective sheeting or increases in 
letter height; or other similar types of information.

Conclusion

    The FHWA based the termination of IA-5 on available relevant 
information and research. To ensure that FHWA has access to any 
additional information, FHWA requests any additional information 
regarding experience with the use of alternative fonts or research not 
otherwise known that may be useful to FHWA be submitted for further 
consideration.

    Authority:  23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 
402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; and 49 CFR 1.85.

    Issued on: December 7, 2016.
Gregory G. Nadeau,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-29819 Filed 12-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
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