Department of Transportation October 15, 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to issue coastwise endorsement eligibility determinations for foreign-built vessels which will carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. A request for such a determination has been received by MARAD. By this notice, MARAD seeks comments from interested parties as to any effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

The Department of Transportation (DOT or Department) proposes to amend its regulations for conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing for the federally regulated transportation industry to allow, but not require, electronic signatures on documents required to be created and utilized under the regulations, the use of electronic versions of forms, and the electronic storage of forms and data. The regulatory changes would apply to DOT-regulated employers and their contractors ("service agents") who administer their DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing programs. Currently, employers and their service agents must use, sign and store paper documents exclusively, unless the employer is utilizing a laboratory's electronic Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (electronic CCF) system that has been approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). DOT is required by statute to amend its regulations to authorize, to the extent practicable, the use of electronic signatures or digital signatures executed to electronic forms instead of traditional handwritten signatures executed on paper forms. This rulemaking also responds to an April 2, 2020, petition for rulemaking from DISA Global Solutions, Inc. (DISA), requesting that DOT regulations be amended to allow the use of an electronic version of the alcohol testing form (ATF) for DOT-authorized alcohol testing. The proposed regulatory amendments are expected to provide additional flexibility and reduced costs for the industry while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality requirements of the drug and alcohol testing regulations. In addition, DOT proposes to amend the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulation for conformity and to make other miscellaneous technical changes and corrections.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) seeks public comment on potential changes to the list of organizations that are eligible to submit the names of individuals for appointment as Committee members to the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice and recommendations to FRA on railroad safety matters through a consensus process.

The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to issue coastwise endorsement eligibility determinations for foreign-built vessels which will carry no more than twelve passengers for hire. A request for such a determination has been received by MARAD. By this notice, MARAD seeks comments from interested parties as to any effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. Information about the requestor's vessel, including a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below.

The FHWA, on behalf of the FDOT, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by FDOT and other Federal Agencies that are final agency actions. These actions relate to the proposed Truck Parking Central FloridaWestbound Volusia County Site (Financial Management Number 446445-4). The Westbound Volusia County Site 1B is located along Interstate 4 (I-4) Westbound approximately 4.5 miles west of the I-95 interchange with I-4. The site will supply 253 truck parking spaces and a restroom building with restroom facilities, vending machines, and an office for security staff. The recommended site will provide needed truck parking facilities to address existing truck parking deficiencies and accommodate future truck parking demand within or near the I-4 corridor. These actions grant licenses, permits, or approvals for the project.

FMCSA announces that Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (Daimler) has requested a 5-year exemption for six drivers who hold foreign commercial driver's licenses (CDL) from the requirement to hold a CDL issued by a U.S. State when operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Daimler is requesting an exemption so that these drivers can test-drive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand product requirements in real-world environments and verify results. FMCSA requests public comment on the applicant's request for an exemption.

PHMSA is publishing this notice to solicit public comment on a request for a special permit received from TC Energy on behalf of Gas Transmission Northwest LLC (GTN). The special permit request is seeking relief from compliance with certain requirements in the federal pipeline safety regulations. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, PHMSA will review the comments received from this notice as part of its evaluation to grant or deny the special permit request.