Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 62009-62011 [2020-21683]

Download as PDF jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Notices (a) The noise compatibility program was developed in accordance with the provisions and procedures of FAR Part 150; (b) Program measures are reasonably consistent with achieving the goals of reducing existing non-compatible land uses around the airport and preventing the introduction of additional noncompatible land uses; (c) Program measures would not create an undue burden on interstate or foreign commerce, unjustly discriminate against types or classes of aeronautical uses, violate the terms of airport grant agreements, or intrude into areas preempted by the federal government; and (d) Program measures relating to the use of flight procedures can be implemented within the period covered by the program without derogating safety, adversely affecting the efficient use and management of the navigable airspace and air traffic control systems, or adversely affecting other powers and responsibilities of the Administrator as prescribed by law. Specific limitations with respect to FAA’s approval of an airport noise compatibility program are delineated in Part 150, Section 150.5. Approval is not a determination concerning the acceptability of land uses under Federal, state, or local law. Approval does not by itself constitute a FAA implementing action. A request for Federal action or approval to implement specific noise compatibility measures may be required, and an FAA decision on the request may require an environmental assessment of the proposed action. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the implementation of the program nor a determination that all measures covered by the program are eligible for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Where Federal funding is sought, requests for project grants must be submitted to the FAA Regional Office in Burlington, Massachusetts. The Burlington International Airport study contains a proposed noise compatibility program comprised of actions designed for implementation by airport management and adjacent jurisdictions from the date of study completion to beyond the year 2011. The Burlington International Airport, South Burlington, Vermont requested that the FAA evaluate and approve this material as a noise compatibility program as described in Section 104 (b) of the Act. The FAA began its review of the program on April 15, 2020, and was required by a provision of the Act to VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:13 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 approve or disapprove the program within 180 days (other than the use of new flight procedures for noise control). Failure to approve or disapprove such a program within the 180-day period shall be deemed to be an approval of such a program. The submitted program contained 9 noise mitigation measures, including 2 to be removed. The FAA completed its review and determined that the procedural and substantive requirements of the Act and Part 150 have been satisfied. The Airports Division Manager therefore approved the program effective August 27, 2020. All 7 recommended measures were approved, and 2 recommended for removal were approved for removal. The new program will de-emphasize land acquisition in lieu of sound insulation, as the primary noise mitigation measure. FAA’s determinations are set forth in detail in a Record of Approval endorsed by the Airports Division Director on August 27, 2020. The Record of Approval, as well as other evaluation materials and the documents comprising the submittal, are available for review at the FAA office listed above and at the administrative offices of Burlington International Airport, South Burlington, Vermont. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts on August 27, 2020. Julie Seltsam-Wilps, Airports Division Deputy Director, FAA New England Region. [FR Doc. 2020–19227 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0121; FMCSA– 2014–0103; FMCSA–2014–0385; FMCSA– 2015–0329; FMCSA–2016–0002; FMCSA– 2017–0059; FMCSA–2018–0135] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 14 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 62009 individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions are applicable on October 13, 2020. The exemptions expire on October 13, 2022. Comments must be received on or before November 2, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0121, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0103, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0385, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0329, Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0002, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0059, or Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0135 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Operations; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation A. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0121, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0103, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0385, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0329, Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0002, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0059, or Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0135), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 62010 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. 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, put the docket number, FMCSA–2013–0121, FMCSA–2014–0103, FMCSA–2014– 0385, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA– 2016–0002, FMCSA–2017–0059, or FMCSA–2018–0135, in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ When the new screen appears, click on the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button and type your comment into the text box on the following screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third party and then submit. 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, self-addressed postcard or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. B. Viewing Documents and Comments To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2013–0121, FMCSA–2014–0103, FMCSA–2014– 0385, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA– 2016–0002, FMCSA–2017–0059, or FMCSA–2018–0135, in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ button and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Docket Operations in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366–9826 before visiting Docket Operations. C. Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:13 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.transportation.gov/privacy. II. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-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 statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5–1951. This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). The 14 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the hearing standard in § 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable 2-year period. III. Request for Comments 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(b), FMCSA PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 14 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement. The 14 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency. In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each of these drivers for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. As of October 13, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 14 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Cory Adkins (FL) David Alagna (TN) Matthew Albrecht (PA) Keith Bryd (TN) David Chappelear (TX) Ralph Domel (TX) Jacquelyn Hetherington (OK) Paul Mansfield (KS) Ervin Mitchell (TX) Jose Ramirez (IL) Fernando Ramirez-Savon (FL) Thomas Sneer (MN) Daniel Stroud (UT) Jason Wynne (TX) The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA–2013–0121, FMCSA– 2014–0103, FMCSA–2014–0385, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA–2016– 0002, FMCSA–2017–0059, and FMCSA– 2018–0135. Their exemptions are applicable as of October 13, 2020, and will expire on October 13, 2022. V. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in § 390.5; (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA; and (3) each driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Notices interstate commerce. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. In addition, the exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for 2 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(b). VI. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. VII. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 14 exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–21683 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0087] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of denials. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to deny applications from five individuals treated with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) who requested an exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) prohibiting operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce by persons with a current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:13 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope (transient loss of consciousness), dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive heart failure. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing materials in the docket, contact Docket Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation A. Viewing Documents and Comments To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0087 and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Operations in Room W12– 140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366– 9826 before visiting Docket Operations. B. Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. II. Background On April 15, 2020, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice (85 FR 21061) announcing receipt of applications from five individuals treated with ICDs and requested comments from the public. These five individuals requested an exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4) which prohibits operation of a CMV in interstate commerce by persons with a current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive heart PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 62011 failure. The public comment period closed on May 15, 2020 and four comments were received. On May 19, 2020 FMCSA published a correction notice in the Federal Register (85 FR 30007) to fix an error in the April 15, 2020 notice. This correction notice extended the comment period for an additional 30 days until June 15, 2020 and there were no additional comments received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and concluded that granting these five exemption requests would not provide a level of safety that would be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with § 391.41(b)(4). A summary of each applicant’s medical history related to their ICD exemption request was discussed in the April 15, 2020 and May 19, 2020, Federal Register notices and will not be repeated here. The Agency’s decision regarding these exemption applications is based on information from the Cardiovascular Medical Advisory Criteria, an April 2007 evidence report titled ‘‘Cardiovascular Disease and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety,’’ and a December 2014 focused research report titled ‘‘Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and the Impact of a Shock in a Patient When Deployed.’’ 1 Copies of these reports are included in the docket for this notice. FMCSA has published Medical Advisory Criteria to assist medical examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.2 The Medical Advisory Criteria for § 391.41(b)(4) indicates that coronary artery bypass surgery and pacemaker implantation are remedial procedures and thus, not medically disqualifying. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are disqualifying due to risk of syncope. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received four comments in this proceeding. Two of the four commenters were favorable towards the applicants continuing to drive CMVs with ICDs. Another commenter indicated that the cost and overall safety impact of granting an exemption to an individual who has an ICD would result 1 The reports are available on the internet at https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/16462; https:// rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21199. 2 These criteria may be found in 49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section D. Cardiovascular: § 391.41(b)(4), paragraph 4, which is available on the internet at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5part391-appA.pdf. E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 191 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62009-62011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21683]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0121; FMCSA-2014-0103; FMCSA-2014-0385; FMCSA-
2015-0329; FMCSA-2016-0002; FMCSA-2017-0059; FMCSA-2018-0135]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 14 
individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf 
individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions are applicable on October 13, 2020. The 
exemptions expire on October 13, 2022. Comments must be received on or 
before November 2, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0121, Docket No. FMCSA-
2014-0103, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0385, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0329, 
Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0002, Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0059, or Docket No. 
FMCSA-2018-0135 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Operations; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, [email protected], 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., 
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have 
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, 
contact Docket Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0121, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0103, Docket 
No. FMCSA-2014-0385, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0329, Docket No. FMCSA-2016-
0002, Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0059, or Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0135), 
indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment 
applies, and

[[Page 62010]]

provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. 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, 
put the docket number, FMCSA-2013-0121, FMCSA-2014-0103, FMCSA-2014-
0385, FMCSA-2015-0329, FMCSA-2016-0002, FMCSA-2017-0059, or FMCSA-2018-
0135, in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' When the new screen 
appears, click on the ``Comment Now!'' button and type your comment 
into the text box on the following screen. Choose whether you are 
submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third party 
and then submit.
    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.
    FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the 
comment period.

B. Viewing Documents and Comments

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice 
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov. 
Insert the docket number, FMCSA-2013-0121, FMCSA-2014-0103, FMCSA-2014-
0385, FMCSA-2015-0329, FMCSA-2016-0002, FMCSA-2017-0059, or FMCSA-2018-
0135, in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, click the ``Open 
Docket Folder'' button and choose the document to review. If you do not 
have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting 
Docket Operations in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the DOT West 
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To 
be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or 
(202) 366-9826 before visiting Docket Operations.

C. Privacy Act

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the 
public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these 
comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.transportation.gov/privacy.

II. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-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 statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at 
the end of the 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the 
FMCSRs for a 2-year period to align with the maximum duration of a 
driver's medical certification.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced 
whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or 
without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric 
device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater 
than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a 
hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American 
National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5-1951.
    This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow 
drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing 
aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971).
    The 14 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the hearing standard in Sec.  391.41(b)(11), in 
accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated 
these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend 
each exemption for a renewable 2-year period.

III. Request for Comments

    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(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 14 
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the hearing requirement. The 14 drivers in this notice 
remain in good standing with the Agency. In addition, for Commercial 
Driver's License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver's License 
Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System 
are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the 
Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver's Licensing 
Agency. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each 
driver's ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate 
commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for 
each of these drivers for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a 
level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.
    As of October 13, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following 14 individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Cory Adkins (FL)
David Alagna (TN)
Matthew Albrecht (PA)
Keith Bryd (TN)
David Chappelear (TX)
Ralph Domel (TX)
Jacquelyn Hetherington (OK)
Paul Mansfield (KS)
Ervin Mitchell (TX)
Jose Ramirez (IL)
Fernando Ramirez-Savon (FL)
Thomas Sneer (MN)
Daniel Stroud (UT)
Jason Wynne (TX)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2013-0121, FMCSA-
2014-0103, FMCSA-2014-0385, FMCSA-2015-0329, FMCSA-2016-0002, FMCSA-
2017-0059, and FMCSA-2018-0135. Their exemptions are applicable as of 
October 13, 2020, and will expire on October 13, 2022.

V. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 
Sec.  390.5; (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying 
offenses under 49 CFR 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA; and (3) each driver 
is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in

[[Page 62011]]

interstate commerce. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption 
when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or 
local enforcement official. In addition, the exemption does not exempt 
the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. 
Each exemption will be valid for 2 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(b).

VI. Preemption

    During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall 
enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with 
respect to a person operating under the exemption.

VII. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 14 exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing 
requirement in Sec.  391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for two years 
unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-21683 Filed 9-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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