Department of Transportation June 9, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In response to several requests, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extends until July 9, 2008, the comment period for the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that was published on April 9, 2008.

As authorized by Public Law 105-383 and Public Law 107-295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.- build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket MARAD-2008-0048 at https:// www.regulations.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Pub. L. 105-383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR Part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter's interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in Sec. 388.4 of MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR Part 388.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require installation of hot short protector (HSP) support brackets and equipment for the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) fuel densitometer and other specified actions as applicable. This proposed AD would also require a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate AWL No. 28-AWL-07. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent the center tank fuel densitometer from overheating and becoming a potential ignition source inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a center fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of 1998 (TEA-21) established the Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) Program. The program authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue direct loans and loan guarantees to state and local governments, railroads, interstate compacts, and other specified organizations to finance the development of railroad infrastructure. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) amended and expanded the program. SAFETEA-LU increased the principal amount of the RRIF program up to $35.0 billion, and of that amount, $7.0 billion is reserved for freight railroads other than Class I carriers. This NPRM proposes amending eligibility and application form and content criteria to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program, promote competition in the railroad industry, and reduce the risk of default for applicants and the Government.

This document responds to petitions for reconsideration of a September 11, 2007 final rule that substantially upgraded Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, ``Side Impact Protection,'' by incorporating a vehicle-to-pole test into the standard, adopting technically-advanced test dummies and enhanced injury criteria, and incorporating the advanced dummies into the standard's moving deformable barrier test. To respond to petitioners' concerns about lead time as quickly as possible, the agency is publishing its response to the petitions in parts. Today's document addresses lead time issues, and other matters that need to be resolved or clarified concerning lead time and the phasing-in of the new requirements. A second document will be published subsequently that addresses the other issues raised by the petitions.