Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Electronic Stability Control Systems for Heavy Vehicles, 50089-50093 [2017-23531]

Download as PDF 50089 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Rules and Regulations FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain the reasons for departing from the Codex level. Codex has established an MRL for residues of hexythiazox on hops at 3 ppm. The U.S. tolerance for residues of hexythiazox on hops cannot be harmonized based on approved label instructions. Based on available residue data, compliance with label instructions would result in exceedances of a tolerance harmonized with the Codex MRL. nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES V. Conclusion Therefore, the existing tolerance for residues of the ovicide/miticide hexythiazox and its metabolites containing the (4-chlorophenyl)-4methyl-2-oxo-3-thiazolidine moiety in/ on hop, dried cones is increased from 2.0 ppm to 20 ppm. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This action amends an existing tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ‘‘Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), do not apply. This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this action alter the relationships or distribution of power and VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:41 Oct 27, 2017 Jkt 244001 responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). This action does not involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). VII. Congressional Review Act Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: October 6, 2017. Daniel J. Rosenblatt, Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows: PART 180—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. 2. Section 180.448 is amended by revising the entry ‘‘Hop, dried cones’’ in the table in paragraph (a) to read as follows: ■ PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 § 180.448 Hexythiazox; tolerances for residues. (a) * * * Parts per million Commodity * * * * Hop, dried cones ........................ * * * * * * * * * 20 * * [FR Doc. 2017–23439 Filed 10–27–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 571 [Docket No. NHTSA–2015–0056] RIN 2127–AL78 Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Electronic Stability Control Systems for Heavy Vehicles National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation. ACTION: Final rule; response to petition for reconsideration. AGENCY: This final rule addresses a petition for reconsideration of the final rule for FMVSS No. 136, Electronic stability control systems for heavy vehicles. The petitioner, Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), requested that NHTSA amend the test conditions for the agency’s performance test by allowing a larger lane width for long wheelbase truck tractors. After a careful technical review of the petition and the issues raised by the petitioner, the agency has decided to grant the petition because there is sufficient evidence to indicate that a larger lane width is needed for testing of long wheelbase truck tractors. DATES: The effective date of this final rule is November 29, 2017. Petitions for reconsideration: Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must be received not later than December 14, 2017. ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must refer to the docket and notice number set forth above and be submitted to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues, you may contact SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1 50090 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Rules and Regulations course for the test maneuver is shown in Figure 1. This maneuver involves accelerating to a constant speed on a straight stretch of high-friction track before entering into a 150-foot radius curve. After entering the curve, the driver attempts to maintain the lane. At a speed that is up to 1.3 times the lowest entrance speed at which the ESC system activates, but no less than 48.3 km/h (30 mph), an ESC system must activate the vehicle’s service brakes to slow the vehicle to 46.7 km/h (29 mph) within 3 seconds after entering the curve and 45.1 km/h (28 mph) within 4 seconds after entering the curve. The test vehicle must also remain within the lane. For truck tractors, the lane width is 3.7 meters (12 feet) for both the straight section and the curved section of the course. However, after testing large buses, the agency determined that large buses require additional lane width on the curved section of the course because buses have longer wheelbases, which make it substantially more difficult to maintain a narrower lane within the curve. During testing of buses on a 3.7 meter (12 foot) width lane, the bus could not maintain the lane because of the geometry of the vehicle, not because of lack of stability. NHTSA determined that 4.3 meters (14 feet) was an appropriate lane width for testing large buses. As described in the final rule, the nature of the J-turn test provides two criteria for ensuring vehicle responsiveness: Maintaining the lane within the fixed radius curve and a minimum test speed. These criteria for vehicle responsiveness are needed because there is a possibility of a manufacturer designing a vehicle that nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES I. FMVSS No. 136 and J-Turn Test Maneuver 1 80 FR 36049. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:41 Oct 27, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1 ER30OC17.002</GPH> On June 23, 2015, NHTSA published a final rule establishing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 136, Electronic stability control systems for heavy vehicles, requiring electronic stability control (ESC) systems on truck tractors and certain buses with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 11,793 kilograms (26,000 pounds).1 ESC systems in truck tractors and large buses are designed to reduce untripped rollovers and mitigate severe understeer or oversteer conditions that lead to loss of control using automatic computercontrolled braking and reducing engine torque output. To test the performance of ESC systems, NHTSA included a 150-foot radius J-turn test maneuver. The test Patrick Hallan, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards, by telephone at (202) 366–9146, and by fax at (202) 493– 2990. For legal issues, you may contact David Jasinski, Office of the Chief Counsel, by telephone at (202) 366– 2992, and by fax at (202) 366–3820. You may send mail to both of these officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Rules and Regulations nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES responds poorly to the operator’s speed and steering inputs, which would mask the actual performance of the ESC system. The first responsiveness criterion is the requirement that the vehicle maintain the lane during at least six of eight runs in the roll stability performance test series or at least two of four runs in the engine torque reduction test. This requirement ensures that, during J-turn test runs at increasing speeds, the ESC system activates before the vehicle becomes unstable. We allowed multiple test runs, instead of a single test run, to account for driver variability and possible driver error in conducting the maneuver. Absent driver error, we do not expect any vehicle equipped with a properly functioning ESC system to exceed the lane width during any of the tests using the J-turn maneuver. The other responsiveness criterion in the final rule is the minimum vehicle entry speed, which is 48 km/h (30 mph) for the roll performance test. The reason for this requirement is to discourage a manufacturer from designing a system that unnecessarily intervenes at very low speeds, thus artificially decreasing the speed at which the vehicle will enter the curve during the roll performance test. II. EMA Petition On August 7, 2015, the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) submitted a petition to NHTSA, pursuant to 49 CFR 553.35, requesting that the agency reconsider its June 2015 final rule establishing FMVSS No. 136. EMA is a trade association representing manufacturers of commercial motor vehicles, including medium- and heavyduty truck tractors. EMA’s petition indicated that the 3.7 meter (12 foot) lane width used in the FMVSS No. 136 test procedure presents difficulty in successfully completing the J-turn test for a small subset of truck tractors to achieve certification. According to EMA, long wheelbase truck tractors, such as specialty tractors and severe service tractors, cannot navigate the curve of the test course for the J-turn test maneuver because the radius paths of the trucks are dimensionally too large. This physical limitation does not allow the rear wheels to stay inside the 12foot-wide lane. The petitioner states that this issue only affects certain long wheelbase truck tractors, which make up about one percent of the annual sales of the new truck tractor market. EMA asserted that the curved section of the 12-foot-wide lane is too narrow, and therefore, it is impracticable for the testing of a long wheelbase truck tractor VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:41 Oct 27, 2017 Jkt 244001 with a wheelbase equal to or greater than 7112 millimeters (280 inches). EMA stated that it was challenging for the drivers of tractors with wheelbases larger than 280 inches to complete the maneuver in the 12-foot-wide lane, because there was not an adequate margin of physical space to account for test variability. EMA listed factors that contribute to the variability of its test results which included: (i) The length of the tractor’s wheelbase, (ii) the experience level of the test driver, (iii) whether the maneuver is conducted in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, and (iv) other vehicle attributes such as steering system, suspensions, axles, and tires. EMA has shown that there are dimensional limitations for certain long wheelbase truck tractors to conduct the J-turn test maneuver within 12-foot-wide lane and a larger lane width is needed to adequately test the ESC systems. In support of the petition for reconsideration, on June 30, 2016, EMA submitted data from testing and computer simulations indicating that a lane width of 4.3 meters (14 feet) was necessary for these long wheelbase truck tractors. EMA tested three truck tractors with three test drivers of varying degrees of experience in conducting the J-turn maneuver in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). EMA also performed computer simulations on three example tractors to do a static analysis showing the clearance of the truck tractor within the lane. Based on engineering recommendations from all of the major heavy-duty tractor manufacturers using the results of the computer simulations and the vehicle testing, EMA requests that truck tractors with a wheelbase equal to or greater than 7112 mm (280 inches) be conducted on a J-turn test course with a lane width of 4.3 meters (14 feet). III. Agency Decision Pursuant to the process established under 49 CFR 553.37, after carefully considering all aspects of the petition and its subsequent data submission, the agency has decided to grant the petition without further proceedings. EMA’s vehicle testing and computer simulation data support its position that truck tractors with a wheelbase equal to or greater than 7112 millimeters (280 inches) should be conducted on a test course with a wider lane, and we believe the suggested width of 4.3 meters (14 feet) is appropriate. The agency had made similar provisions for large buses by allowing a 14-foot-wide lane after first considering a 12-foot- PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 50091 wide lane.2 During bus testing, NHTSA observed a decrease in clearance between a vehicle and the lane boundaries as wheelbase length increases. EMA’s submission further reinforces this work and applies it to truck tractors. NHTSA agrees that there are dimensional limitations for long wheelbase vehicles that potentially make it impractical to conduct the J-turn test maneuver within 12-foot-wide lane, and a larger lane width is needed to adequately test the ESC systems. In order to ensure that the J-turn test maneuver tests the ESC system and not a test driver’s ability to maintain a narrow lane, NHTSA will adopt EMA’s suggested 4.3 meter (14 foot) lane width for testing longer wheelbase truck tractors. Despite the increased lane width requirement for these long wheelbase truck tractors, NHTSA is confident that the ESC systems in these long wheelbase truck tractors will be adequately tested for minimum performance using the J-turn test maneuver because the driver must maintain the lane within the same fixed radius curve and travel at the same minimum test speed as all other truck tractors. This change requires two clarifications. First, as with buses, the wider lane is used only in the curved section of the test course. The lane width of the straight section will remain 3.7 meters (12 feet). The dimensional considerations that require a wider lane width for long wheelbase vehicles do not apply to straight sections of the test course. Second, NHTSA is clarifying the definition of wheelbase by including the definition in the regulatory text. For two-axle vehicles, the wheelbase is generally clear—the distance between the center of the front axle and the center of the rear axle. Moreover, for typical 6x4 truck tractors, which have tandem rear axles, we believe the definition of wheelbase is also clear— the distance between the center of the front axle and the center of the rear tandem axles. However, to clarify wheelbase for all vehicles, including those with liftable axles or tag axles, NHTSA is specifying that the wheelbase is the longitudinal distance between the center of the front axle and the center of the rear axle. For vehicles with tandem axles, the center of the axle is considered to be the midpoint between the centers of the most forward and most rearward of the tandem axles, measured with any liftable axles down. 2 See Stability Control System Test Track Research with a 2014 Prevost X3–45 Passenger Motorcoach, Docket No. NHTSA–2012–0065–0063. E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1 50092 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Rules and Regulations This definition is designed to directly reflect the geometrical concerns raised in the petition. Because all testing is done with any liftable axles in the lowered position, the wheelbase will be measured with liftable axles down so the wheelbase measurement accurately reflects the turning radius of the truck tractor. The term ‘‘tandem axle’’ is defined as it is in FMVSS Nos. 105 and 121 as a group or set of two or more axles placed in close arrangement, one behind the other, with the centerlines of adjacent axles not more than 72 inches apart. IV. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices A. Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures The agency has considered the impact of this rulemaking action under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and the DOT’s regulatory policies and procedures. This action was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. The agency has considered the impact of this action under the Department of Transportation’s regulatory policies and procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979), and has determined that it is not ‘‘significant’’ under them. This action addresses a petition for reconsideration of the June 2015 final rule requiring ESC on truck tractors and certain large buses. However, the petition only addresses one test condition applicable to approximately one percent of truck tractors. This final rule amends the standard to allow long wheelbase truck tractors to be tested in a wider lane to account for the geometry of a turning vehicle and to ensure that the J-turn remains a test of the vehicle’s stability and not the test driver. This final rule imposes no costs and adjusts FMVSS No. 136 to give more flexibility to manufacturers testing long wheelbase trucks. This action will not have any safety impacts. nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES B. Executive Order 13771 Executive Order 13771 titled ‘‘Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,’’ directs that, unless prohibited by law, whenever an executive department or agency publicly proposes for notice and comment or otherwise promulgates a new regulation, it shall identify at least two existing regulations to be repealed. In addition, any new incremental costs associated with new regulations shall, to the extent permitted by law, be offset by the elimination of existing costs. Only those rules deemed significant under VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:41 Oct 27, 2017 Jkt 244001 section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review,’’ are subject to these requirements. As discussed above, this rule is not a significant rule under Executive Order 12866 and, accordingly, is not subject to the offset requirements of Executive Order 13771. NHTSA has determined that this rulemaking is a deregulatory action under Executive Order 13771, as it imposes no costs and, instead, amends FMVSS No. 136 to give more flexibility to manufacturers of long wheelbase truck tractors by allowing a wider lane in the test course. Although NHTSA was not able to quantify any cost savings for this rule, in adopting an optional wider lane width for the testing of long wheelbase truck tractors, this final rule adjusts the standard to accommodate the larger physical size of certain truck tractors and improves the efficiency of testing. This issue only affects long wheelbase truck tractors, which make up about one percent of the annual sales of truck tractors. The optional wider lane width will remove the difficulties cited by the petitioner associated with navigating the test course for long wheelbase truck tractors under the current test conditions in the standard. C. Regulatory Flexibility Act Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). The Small Business Administration’s regulations at 13 CFR part 121 define a small business, in part, as a business entity ‘‘which operates primarily within the United States.’’ (13 CFR 121.105(a)). No regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. SBREFA amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. NHTSA has considered the effects of this final rule under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. I certify that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 number of small entities. NHTSA does not believe that any truck tractor manufacturers affected by this rule qualify as small entities. To the extent any business entities affected by this final rule do qualify as small entities, this final rule will not have a significant economic impact. This final rule addresses one test condition applicable to only one percent of truck tractors. This action will not result in added expenses for those manufacturers. D. Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all documents received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the document (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https:// www.transportation.gov/privacy. E. Other Rulemaking Analyses and Notices In the June 2015 final rule, the agency discussed relevant requirements related to Executive Order 13132 (Federalism), Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform); Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children from Environmental Health and Safety Risks); the Paperwork Reduction Act, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. As today’s final rule merely adjusts one test condition in FMVSS No. 136 for approximately one percent of truck tractors subject to the standard, it will not have any effect on the agency’s analyses in those areas. List of Subjects in 49 CFR Parts 571 Imports, Incorporation by reference, Motor vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Tires. In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA amends 49 CFR part 571 as follows: PART 571—FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS 1. The authority citation for part 571 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95. 2. In § 571.136, amend S4 by adding in alphabetical order the definitions of ‘‘tandem axle’’ and ‘‘wheelbase’’ and by revising S6.2.4.2 to read as follows: ■ E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Rules and Regulations § 571.136 Standard No. 136; Electronic stability control systems for heavy vehicles. * * * * * Definitions. * * * * * Tandem axle means a group or set of two or more axles placed in close arrangement, one behind the other, with the centerlines of adjacent axles not more than 72 inches apart. * * * * * Wheelbase means the longitudinal distance between the center of the front axle and the center of the rear axle. For vehicles with tandem axles, the center of the axle is the midpoint between the centers of the most forward and most rearward tandem axles, measured when all liftable axles are in the lowered position. * * * * * S6.2.4.2 For truck tractors, the lane width of the test course is 3.7 meters (12 feet). At the manufacturer’s option, for truck tractors with a wheelbase equal to or greater than 7112 mm (280 inches) the lane width of the test course is 3.7 meters (12 feet) for the straight section and is 4.3 meters (14 feet) for the curved section. For buses, the lane width of the test course is 3.7 meters (12 feet) for the straight section and is 4.3 meters (14 feet) for the curved section. * * * * * S4 Issued on October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.5. Heidi R. King, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2017–23531 Filed 10–27–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 160920866–7167–02] RIN 0648–XF798 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:41 Oct 27, 2017 Jkt 244001 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2017 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. SUMMARY: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 25, 2017, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The 2017 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 2,679 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2017 TAC of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 2,579 mt, and is setting aside 100 mt as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable amounts at DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 50093 § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would delay the closure of directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of October 23, 2017. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. This action is required by § 679.20 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: October 25, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–23536 Filed 10–25–17; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 208 (Monday, October 30, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50089-50093]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23531]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA-2015-0056]
RIN 2127-AL78


Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Electronic Stability Control 
Systems for Heavy Vehicles

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Final rule; response to petition for reconsideration.

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SUMMARY: This final rule addresses a petition for reconsideration of 
the final rule for FMVSS No. 136, Electronic stability control systems 
for heavy vehicles. The petitioner, Truck and Engine Manufacturers 
Association (EMA), requested that NHTSA amend the test conditions for 
the agency's performance test by allowing a larger lane width for long 
wheelbase truck tractors. After a careful technical review of the 
petition and the issues raised by the petitioner, the agency has 
decided to grant the petition because there is sufficient evidence to 
indicate that a larger lane width is needed for testing of long 
wheelbase truck tractors.

DATES: The effective date of this final rule is November 29, 2017.
    Petitions for reconsideration: Petitions for reconsideration of 
this final rule must be received not later than December 14, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must refer 
to the docket and notice number set forth above and be submitted to the 
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues, you may contact

[[Page 50090]]

Patrick Hallan, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards, by telephone at 
(202) 366-9146, and by fax at (202) 493-2990. For legal issues, you may 
contact David Jasinski, Office of the Chief Counsel, by telephone at 
(202) 366-2992, and by fax at (202) 366-3820. You may send mail to both 
of these officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. FMVSS No. 136 and J-Turn Test Maneuver

    On June 23, 2015, NHTSA published a final rule establishing Federal 
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 136, Electronic stability 
control systems for heavy vehicles, requiring electronic stability 
control (ESC) systems on truck tractors and certain buses with a gross 
vehicle weight rating greater than 11,793 kilograms (26,000 pounds).\1\ 
ESC systems in truck tractors and large buses are designed to reduce 
untripped rollovers and mitigate severe understeer or oversteer 
conditions that lead to loss of control using automatic computer-
controlled braking and reducing engine torque output.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 80 FR 36049.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To test the performance of ESC systems, NHTSA included a 150-foot 
radius J-turn test maneuver. The test course for the test maneuver is 
shown in Figure 1. This maneuver involves accelerating to a constant 
speed on a straight stretch of high-friction track before entering into 
a 150-foot radius curve. After entering the curve, the driver attempts 
to maintain the lane. At a speed that is up to 1.3 times the lowest 
entrance speed at which the ESC system activates, but no less than 48.3 
km/h (30 mph), an ESC system must activate the vehicle's service brakes 
to slow the vehicle to 46.7 km/h (29 mph) within 3 seconds after 
entering the curve and 45.1 km/h (28 mph) within 4 seconds after 
entering the curve. The test vehicle must also remain within the lane.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30OC17.002

    For truck tractors, the lane width is 3.7 meters (12 feet) for both 
the straight section and the curved section of the course. However, 
after testing large buses, the agency determined that large buses 
require additional lane width on the curved section of the course 
because buses have longer wheelbases, which make it substantially more 
difficult to maintain a narrower lane within the curve. During testing 
of buses on a 3.7 meter (12 foot) width lane, the bus could not 
maintain the lane because of the geometry of the vehicle, not because 
of lack of stability. NHTSA determined that 4.3 meters (14 feet) was an 
appropriate lane width for testing large buses.
    As described in the final rule, the nature of the J-turn test 
provides two criteria for ensuring vehicle responsiveness: Maintaining 
the lane within the fixed radius curve and a minimum test speed. These 
criteria for vehicle responsiveness are needed because there is a 
possibility of a manufacturer designing a vehicle that

[[Page 50091]]

responds poorly to the operator's speed and steering inputs, which 
would mask the actual performance of the ESC system.
    The first responsiveness criterion is the requirement that the 
vehicle maintain the lane during at least six of eight runs in the roll 
stability performance test series or at least two of four runs in the 
engine torque reduction test. This requirement ensures that, during J-
turn test runs at increasing speeds, the ESC system activates before 
the vehicle becomes unstable. We allowed multiple test runs, instead of 
a single test run, to account for driver variability and possible 
driver error in conducting the maneuver. Absent driver error, we do not 
expect any vehicle equipped with a properly functioning ESC system to 
exceed the lane width during any of the tests using the J-turn 
maneuver.
    The other responsiveness criterion in the final rule is the minimum 
vehicle entry speed, which is 48 km/h (30 mph) for the roll performance 
test. The reason for this requirement is to discourage a manufacturer 
from designing a system that unnecessarily intervenes at very low 
speeds, thus artificially decreasing the speed at which the vehicle 
will enter the curve during the roll performance test.

II. EMA Petition

    On August 7, 2015, the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association 
(EMA) submitted a petition to NHTSA, pursuant to 49 CFR 553.35, 
requesting that the agency reconsider its June 2015 final rule 
establishing FMVSS No. 136. EMA is a trade association representing 
manufacturers of commercial motor vehicles, including medium- and 
heavy-duty truck tractors. EMA's petition indicated that the 3.7 meter 
(12 foot) lane width used in the FMVSS No. 136 test procedure presents 
difficulty in successfully completing the J-turn test for a small 
subset of truck tractors to achieve certification. According to EMA, 
long wheelbase truck tractors, such as specialty tractors and severe 
service tractors, cannot navigate the curve of the test course for the 
J-turn test maneuver because the radius paths of the trucks are 
dimensionally too large. This physical limitation does not allow the 
rear wheels to stay inside the 12-foot-wide lane. The petitioner states 
that this issue only affects certain long wheelbase truck tractors, 
which make up about one percent of the annual sales of the new truck 
tractor market.
    EMA asserted that the curved section of the 12-foot-wide lane is 
too narrow, and therefore, it is impracticable for the testing of a 
long wheelbase truck tractor with a wheelbase equal to or greater than 
7112 millimeters (280 inches). EMA stated that it was challenging for 
the drivers of tractors with wheelbases larger than 280 inches to 
complete the maneuver in the 12-foot-wide lane, because there was not 
an adequate margin of physical space to account for test variability. 
EMA listed factors that contribute to the variability of its test 
results which included: (i) The length of the tractor's wheelbase, (ii) 
the experience level of the test driver, (iii) whether the maneuver is 
conducted in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, and (iv) 
other vehicle attributes such as steering system, suspensions, axles, 
and tires. EMA has shown that there are dimensional limitations for 
certain long wheelbase truck tractors to conduct the J-turn test 
maneuver within 12-foot-wide lane and a larger lane width is needed to 
adequately test the ESC systems.
    In support of the petition for reconsideration, on June 30, 2016, 
EMA submitted data from testing and computer simulations indicating 
that a lane width of 4.3 meters (14 feet) was necessary for these long 
wheelbase truck tractors. EMA tested three truck tractors with three 
test drivers of varying degrees of experience in conducting the J-turn 
maneuver in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). EMA also 
performed computer simulations on three example tractors to do a static 
analysis showing the clearance of the truck tractor within the lane. 
Based on engineering recommendations from all of the major heavy-duty 
tractor manufacturers using the results of the computer simulations and 
the vehicle testing, EMA requests that truck tractors with a wheelbase 
equal to or greater than 7112 mm (280 inches) be conducted on a J-turn 
test course with a lane width of 4.3 meters (14 feet).

III. Agency Decision

    Pursuant to the process established under 49 CFR 553.37, after 
carefully considering all aspects of the petition and its subsequent 
data submission, the agency has decided to grant the petition without 
further proceedings. EMA's vehicle testing and computer simulation data 
support its position that truck tractors with a wheelbase equal to or 
greater than 7112 millimeters (280 inches) should be conducted on a 
test course with a wider lane, and we believe the suggested width of 
4.3 meters (14 feet) is appropriate. The agency had made similar 
provisions for large buses by allowing a 14-foot-wide lane after first 
considering a 12-foot-wide lane.\2\ During bus testing, NHTSA observed 
a decrease in clearance between a vehicle and the lane boundaries as 
wheelbase length increases. EMA's submission further reinforces this 
work and applies it to truck tractors. NHTSA agrees that there are 
dimensional limitations for long wheelbase vehicles that potentially 
make it impractical to conduct the J-turn test maneuver within 12-foot-
wide lane, and a larger lane width is needed to adequately test the ESC 
systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See Stability Control System Test Track Research with a 2014 
Prevost X3-45 Passenger Motorcoach, Docket No. NHTSA-2012-0065-0063.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In order to ensure that the J-turn test maneuver tests the ESC 
system and not a test driver's ability to maintain a narrow lane, NHTSA 
will adopt EMA's suggested 4.3 meter (14 foot) lane width for testing 
longer wheelbase truck tractors. Despite the increased lane width 
requirement for these long wheelbase truck tractors, NHTSA is confident 
that the ESC systems in these long wheelbase truck tractors will be 
adequately tested for minimum performance using the J-turn test 
maneuver because the driver must maintain the lane within the same 
fixed radius curve and travel at the same minimum test speed as all 
other truck tractors.
    This change requires two clarifications. First, as with buses, the 
wider lane is used only in the curved section of the test course. The 
lane width of the straight section will remain 3.7 meters (12 feet). 
The dimensional considerations that require a wider lane width for long 
wheelbase vehicles do not apply to straight sections of the test 
course.
    Second, NHTSA is clarifying the definition of wheelbase by 
including the definition in the regulatory text. For two-axle vehicles, 
the wheelbase is generally clear--the distance between the center of 
the front axle and the center of the rear axle. Moreover, for typical 
6x4 truck tractors, which have tandem rear axles, we believe the 
definition of wheelbase is also clear--the distance between the center 
of the front axle and the center of the rear tandem axles. However, to 
clarify wheelbase for all vehicles, including those with liftable axles 
or tag axles, NHTSA is specifying that the wheelbase is the 
longitudinal distance between the center of the front axle and the 
center of the rear axle. For vehicles with tandem axles, the center of 
the axle is considered to be the midpoint between the centers of the 
most forward and most rearward of the tandem axles, measured with any 
liftable axles down.

[[Page 50092]]

This definition is designed to directly reflect the geometrical 
concerns raised in the petition. Because all testing is done with any 
liftable axles in the lowered position, the wheelbase will be measured 
with liftable axles down so the wheelbase measurement accurately 
reflects the turning radius of the truck tractor. The term ``tandem 
axle'' is defined as it is in FMVSS Nos. 105 and 121 as a group or set 
of two or more axles placed in close arrangement, one behind the other, 
with the centerlines of adjacent axles not more than 72 inches apart.

IV. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures

    The agency has considered the impact of this rulemaking action 
under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and the DOT's regulatory 
policies and procedures. This action was not reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. The agency has 
considered the impact of this action under the Department of 
Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures (44 FR 11034; 
February 26, 1979), and has determined that it is not ``significant'' 
under them.
    This action addresses a petition for reconsideration of the June 
2015 final rule requiring ESC on truck tractors and certain large 
buses. However, the petition only addresses one test condition 
applicable to approximately one percent of truck tractors. This final 
rule amends the standard to allow long wheelbase truck tractors to be 
tested in a wider lane to account for the geometry of a turning vehicle 
and to ensure that the J-turn remains a test of the vehicle's stability 
and not the test driver. This final rule imposes no costs and adjusts 
FMVSS No. 136 to give more flexibility to manufacturers testing long 
wheelbase trucks. This action will not have any safety impacts.

B. Executive Order 13771

    Executive Order 13771 titled ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs,'' directs that, unless prohibited by law, whenever an 
executive department or agency publicly proposes for notice and comment 
or otherwise promulgates a new regulation, it shall identify at least 
two existing regulations to be repealed. In addition, any new 
incremental costs associated with new regulations shall, to the extent 
permitted by law, be offset by the elimination of existing costs. Only 
those rules deemed significant under section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' are subject to these 
requirements. As discussed above, this rule is not a significant rule 
under Executive Order 12866 and, accordingly, is not subject to the 
offset requirements of Executive Order 13771.
    NHTSA has determined that this rulemaking is a deregulatory action 
under Executive Order 13771, as it imposes no costs and, instead, 
amends FMVSS No. 136 to give more flexibility to manufacturers of long 
wheelbase truck tractors by allowing a wider lane in the test course. 
Although NHTSA was not able to quantify any cost savings for this rule, 
in adopting an optional wider lane width for the testing of long 
wheelbase truck tractors, this final rule adjusts the standard to 
accommodate the larger physical size of certain truck tractors and 
improves the efficiency of testing. This issue only affects long 
wheelbase truck tractors, which make up about one percent of the annual 
sales of truck tractors. The optional wider lane width will remove the 
difficulties cited by the petitioner associated with navigating the 
test course for long wheelbase truck tractors under the current test 
conditions in the standard.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice 
of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make 
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that 
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). 
The Small Business Administration's regulations at 13 CFR part 121 
define a small business, in part, as a business entity ``which operates 
primarily within the United States.'' (13 CFR 121.105(a)). No 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency 
certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. SBREFA amended the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of 
the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    NHTSA has considered the effects of this final rule under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. I certify that this final rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. NHTSA does not believe that any truck tractor manufacturers 
affected by this rule qualify as small entities. To the extent any 
business entities affected by this final rule do qualify as small 
entities, this final rule will not have a significant economic impact. 
This final rule addresses one test condition applicable to only one 
percent of truck tractors. This action will not result in added 
expenses for those manufacturers.

D. Privacy Act

    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all documents 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the document (or signing the document, if submitted on 
behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review 
DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published 
on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit https://www.transportation.gov/privacy.

E. Other Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

    In the June 2015 final rule, the agency discussed relevant 
requirements related to Executive Order 13132 (Federalism), Executive 
Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform); Executive Order 13045 (Protection 
of Children from Environmental Health and Safety Risks); the Paperwork 
Reduction Act, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, 
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, and the National Environmental Policy 
Act. As today's final rule merely adjusts one test condition in FMVSS 
No. 136 for approximately one percent of truck tractors subject to the 
standard, it will not have any effect on the agency's analyses in those 
areas.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Parts 571

    Imports, Incorporation by reference, Motor vehicle safety, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Tires.

    In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA amends 49 CFR part 571 as 
follows:

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 571 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95.


0
2. In Sec.  571.136, amend S4 by adding in alphabetical order the 
definitions of ``tandem axle'' and ``wheelbase'' and by revising 
S6.2.4.2 to read as follows:

[[Page 50093]]

Sec.  571.136  Standard No. 136; Electronic stability control systems 
for heavy vehicles.

* * * * *
    S4 Definitions.
* * * * *
    Tandem axle means a group or set of two or more axles placed in 
close arrangement, one behind the other, with the centerlines of 
adjacent axles not more than 72 inches apart.
* * * * *
    Wheelbase means the longitudinal distance between the center of the 
front axle and the center of the rear axle. For vehicles with tandem 
axles, the center of the axle is the midpoint between the centers of 
the most forward and most rearward tandem axles, measured when all 
liftable axles are in the lowered position.
* * * * *
    S6.2.4.2 For truck tractors, the lane width of the test course is 
3.7 meters (12 feet). At the manufacturer's option, for truck tractors 
with a wheelbase equal to or greater than 7112 mm (280 inches) the lane 
width of the test course is 3.7 meters (12 feet) for the straight 
section and is 4.3 meters (14 feet) for the curved section. For buses, 
the lane width of the test course is 3.7 meters (12 feet) for the 
straight section and is 4.3 meters (14 feet) for the curved section.
* * * * *

    Issued on October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.5.
Heidi R. King,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2017-23531 Filed 10-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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