Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 13786-13787 [2021-04958]

Download as PDF 13786 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 10, 2021 / Notices The extensions announced in this notice will extend the product exclusions through September 30, 2021. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions on entry guidance and implementation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions about this notice, contact Associate General Counsel Philip Butler, Assistant General Counsels Benjamin Allen or Susie Park Hodge, or Director of Industrial Goods Justin Hoffmann at (202) 395–5725. For specific questions on customs classification or implementation of the product exclusions identified in the Annexes to this notice, contact traderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: A. Background In the course of this investigation the U.S. Trade Representative has imposed additional duties on products of China in four tranches. See 83 FR 28719 (June 20, 2018); 83 FR 40823 (August 16, 2018); 83 FR 47974 (September 21, 2018), as modified by 83 FR 49153 (September 28, 2018); and 84 FR 43304 (August 20, 2019), as modified by 84 FR 69447 (December 18, 2019) and 85 FR 3741 (January 22, 2020). For each tranche, the U.S. Trade Representative established a process by which U.S. stakeholders could request the exclusion of particular products subject to the action. The U.S. Trade Representative later established a process by which U.S. stakeholders could request the extension of particular exclusions. Additionally, on March 25, 2020, the U.S. Trade Representative requested public comments on possible further modifications to remove Section 301 duties from additional medical-care products to address the COVID–19 pandemic. 85 FR 16987 (March 25, 2020). In light of the evolving nature of the battle against COVID–19, on December 29, 2020, USTR announced the extension of 80 product exclusions on medical-care and/or COVID response products; further modifications in the form of 19 product exclusions to remove Section 301 duties from additional medical-care and/or COVID response products; and that USTR might consider further extensions and/or modifications as appropriate. See 85 FR 85831 (the December 29 notice). B. Determination To Extend Certain Exclusions In light of the continuing efforts to combat COVID–19, the U.S. Trade Representative has determined that it is inappropriate to allow the exclusions VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Mar 09, 2021 Jkt 253001 for certain products to lapse. Accordingly, pursuant to sections 301(b), 301(c), and 307(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, the U.S. Trade Representative has determined to extend the 99 product exclusions included in the December 29 notice through September 30, 2021, as specified in the Annex to this notice. The U.S. Trade Representative’s decision to extend the 99 product exclusions takes into account public comments previously provided, and the advice of advisory committees the interagency Section 301 Committee. As provided in the December 29 notice, the exclusions are available for any product that meets the description in the product exclusion. The U.S. Trade Representative may continue to consider further extensions and/or additional modifications as appropriate. Annex Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 1, 2021, and before 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on September 30, 2021, each of the article descriptions of headings 9903.88.62, 9903.88.63, 9903.88.64 and 9903.88.65 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States are modified by deleting ‘‘March 31, 2021,’’ and by inserting ‘‘September 30, 2021,’’ in lieu thereof. Greta Peisch, General Counsel, Office of the United States Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 2021–04946 Filed 3–9–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3290–F0–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for nine 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. PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 Dockets Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. Public Participation A. Viewing Comments To view comments go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2012–0154, FMCSA– 2014–0106, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–2015–032, FMCSA–2017–0057, or FMCSA–2018–0136 in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ choose the first notice listed, and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001, 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 Dockets Operations. B. Privacy Act [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0154; FMCSA– 2014–0106; FMCSA–2014–0384; FMCSA– 2015–0328; FMCSA–2017–0057; FMCSA– 2018–0136] SUMMARY: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided below. DATES: 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 On January 15, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for nine individuals from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (86 FR 4175). The public comment period ended on February 16, 2021, and one comment was received. E:\FR\FM\10MRN1.SGM 10MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 10, 2021 / Notices FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with § 391.41(b)(11). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in § 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). III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment received was outside the scope of this notice. IV. Conclusion 17:22 Mar 09, 2021 Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–04958 Filed 3–9–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Based upon its evaluation of the nine renewal exemption applications and comment received, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of January and are discussed below: As of January 15, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following eight individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 4175): Stephen Goen (GA) Jerry Jones (TX) James Laughrey (KS) Christopher McKenzie (TX) Kathy Miller (IA) Lesley O’Rorke (IL) Gerson Ramirez (MT) Michael Wilkes (MA) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2012–0154, FMCSA– 2014–0106, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–2017–0057, or FMCSA–2018– 0136. Their exemptions were applicable VerDate Sep<11>2014 as of January 15, 2021, and will expire on January 15, 2023. As of January 22, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), Jaymes Haar (IA) has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers. This driver was included in docket number FMCSA–2015–0328. The exemption was applicable as of January 22, 2021, and will expire on January 22, 2023. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being 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). Jkt 253001 Office of Foreign Assets Control Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing the names of one or more persons that have been placed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) based on OFAC’s determination that one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for effective date(s). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: OFAC: Andrea Gacki, Director, tel.: 202–622–2480; Associate Director for Global Targeting, tel.: 202–622–2420; Assistant Director for Licensing, tel.: 202–622–2480; Assistant Director for Regulatory Affairs, tel.: 202–622–4855; or the Assistant Director for Sanctions SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13787 Compliance & Evaluation, tel.: 202–622– 2490. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Availability The SDN List and additional information concerning OFAC sanctions programs are available on OFAC’s website (www.treas.gov/ofac). Notice of OFAC Actions On March 5, 2021, OFAC updated the entry on the SDN List for the following person, whose property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction continue to be blocked under the relevant sanctions authority listed below. Individual 1. MORTEZAVI, Hasan (a.k.a. MORTEZAVI, Ali Hassan; a.k.a. MORTEZAVI, Majid; a.k.a. MORTEZAVI, Majid Mirali; a.k.a. ‘‘ALI, Hassan’’); DOB 28 Apr 1961; POB Ghazvin, Iran; citizen Iran; Additional Sanctions Information—Subject to Secondary Sanctions; Passport 7572775 (Iran) (individual) [SDGT] [IRGC] [IFSR]. —to— 1. MORTEZAVI, Hasan (a.k.a. MORTEZAVI, Ali Hassan; a.k.a. MORTEZAVI, Sayyed Hasan; a.k.a. ‘‘ALI, Hassan’’), Iran; DOB 23 Aug 1964; POB Ghazvin, Iran; citizen Iran; Additional Sanctions Information—Subject to Secondary Sanctions; Gender Male; Passport D9019576 (Iran) (individual) [SDGT] [IRGC] [IFSR]. Designated on August 3, 2010 pursuant to sections 1(c) of E.O. 13224 for acting for or on behalf of the ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS–QODS FORCE, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224 and 1(d)(i) of E.O. 13224 for providing financial, material, and technological support for, or financial or other services to or in support of, the TALIBAN, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224. Dated: March 5, 2021. Bradley T. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury. [FR Doc. 2021–04984 Filed 3–9–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing the names of one or more persons that have been placed on OFAC’s Specially Designated SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10MRN1.SGM 10MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13786-13787]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04958]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0154; FMCSA-2014-0106; FMCSA-2014-0384; FMCSA-
2015-0328; FMCSA-2017-0057; FMCSA-2018-0136]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for nine 
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: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates 
stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided 
below.

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 Dockets Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation

A. Viewing Comments

    To view comments go to https://www.regulations.gov. Insert the 
docket number, FMCSA-2012-0154, FMCSA-2014-0106, FMCSA-2014-0384, 
FMCSA-2015-032, FMCSA-2017-0057, or FMCSA-2018-0136 in the keyword box, 
and click ``Search.'' Next, sort the results by ``Posted (Newer-
Older),'' choose the first notice listed, and click ``Browse 
Comments.'' If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the 
docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12-140 on the 
ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001, 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 
Dockets 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.transportation.gov/privacy.

II. Background

    On January 15, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its 
decision to renew exemptions for nine individuals from the hearing 
standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in interstate 
commerce and requested comments from the public (86 FR 4175). The 
public comment period ended on February 16, 2021, and one comment was 
received.

[[Page 13787]]

    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of 
safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved 
by complying with Sec.  391.41(b)(11).
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in Sec.  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).

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment received 
was outside the scope of this notice.

IV. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the nine renewal exemption 
applications and comment received, FMCSA announces its decision to 
exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in Sec.  
391.41(b)(11).
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of January 
and are discussed below:
    As of January 15, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following eight individuals have satisfied the 
renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing 
requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 4175):

Stephen Goen (GA)
Jerry Jones (TX)
James Laughrey (KS)
Christopher McKenzie (TX)
Kathy Miller (IA)
Lesley O'Rorke (IL)
Gerson Ramirez (MT)
Michael Wilkes (MA)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2012-0154, FMCSA-
2014-0106, FMCSA-2014-0384, FMCSA-2017-0057, or FMCSA-2018-0136. Their 
exemptions were applicable as of January 15, 2021, and will expire on 
January 15, 2023.
    As of January 22, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), Jaymes Haar (IA) has satisfied the renewal conditions for 
obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for 
interstate CMV drivers.
    This driver was included in docket number FMCSA-2015-0328. The 
exemption was applicable as of January 22, 2021, and will expire on 
January 22, 2023.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid 
for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. 
The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 
prior to being 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).

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021-04958 Filed 3-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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