Department of Transportation 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FHWA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for a new information collection, which is summarized below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The collection involves the submission of FAA Form 8710-3 for the certification process of agricultural aircraft operators, and other reporting and recordkeeping activities required of agricultural aircraft operators. The information to be collected is necessary to evaluate the applicants' qualifications for certification. This collection also involves the submission of information in petitions for exemption by agricultural aircraft operators, plans for operations over congested areas, and recordkeeping requirements for agricultural aircraft operators.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The collection involves the member of the public that may submit an Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) request to the FAA by using the Airworthiness Directives Development (ADD) External website. The information to be collected will be used to support publicly disseminated information to the FAA and/or is necessary because this information supports the Department of Transpiration's strategic goal to promote the public health and safety by working toward eliminating transportation-related deaths and injuries.

FMCSA announces that it has received an application from Vision Systems North America, Inc. (VSNA) for a renewal of its exemption allowing motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with the company's Smart-Vision high-definition camera monitoring system (Smart-Vision) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). VSNA currently holds an exemption for the period January 15, 2020, through January 15, 2025, and requests a five-year renewal of the exemption. FMCSA requests public comment on VSNA's request for exemption.

FMCSA announces its decision to deny applications from four individuals for an exemption from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces the extension of the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) until October 1, 2029, pursuant to Section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended. VISA is intended to make intermodal shipping services/systems, including ships, ships' space, intermodal facilities and equipment, and related management services, available to the Department of Defense (DoD) as required to support the emergency deployment and sustainment of U.S. Armed Forces through cooperation among the maritime industry, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and DoD. In addition to extending VISA for an additional 5 years for existing participants, MARAD is modifying VISA for new applicants by making certain modifications to the Agreement, including clarification of what is meant by shipping services/systems, and the required vessel certifications for program entry. MARAD has also updated references to authorities and statutory and regulatory citations.

This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Tallahassee, FL, as new instrument approach procedures have been designed for Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Heliport, Tallahassee, FL. Additionally, this action corrects the Tallahassee International Airport name along with correcting coordinates for Tallahassee International Airport and Quincy Municipal Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport.

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPS) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure procedures (ODPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the information collection and its expected burden. On July 30, 2024, FRA published a notice providing a 60-day period for public comment on the ICR. FRA received no comments in response to the notice.

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) published a document in the Federal Register on October 3, 2024, concerning the Board's intent to request from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval without change of the Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, EC225LP, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an unintentional activation of the hoist shear-button (shear-button) on the collective pitch handle during a night flight. This proposed AD would require checking the operation of the shear-button safety-cap on each applicable collective pitch handle and prohibit installing certain part-numbered collective pitch handles or collective sticks with those part-numbered collective pitch handles installed unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FHWA, on behalf of UDOT, is issuing this notice to announce the availability of the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) for the I-15; Farmington to Salt Lake City project, in Davis and Salt Lake Counties, Utah. In addition, this notice is being issued to announce actions taken by UDOT that are final Federal agency actions related to the project referenced above. Those actions grant licenses, permits and/or approvals for the project. The ROD provides details on the Selected Alternative for the proposed improvements.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the release of the Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) for the proposed airport improvements at the General Mitchell International Airport (MKE). The purpose of the Draft EA is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from the decommissioning of Runway 1R/19L and Runway 13/31; conversion of Runway 1R/19L south of Taxiway W into a parallel taxiway including lighting and pavement rehabilitation; removal of Taxiway G, Taxiway U, and Taxiway N connectors; and the removal of runway and taxiway pavement and electrical utilities. The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the Draft EA will be made available for public comment and a public workshop will be held as part of the public involvement process for this project. FAA is seeking comments on the Draft EA.

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.

The FHWA has forwarded the information collection request described in this notice to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a new information collection. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -800 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the protective spiral wrap used on certain galley wire bundles does not have the correct flammability properties. This AD requires inspecting certain galleys to determine part numbers, inspecting for an existing galley modification placard and marking on galleys with affected part numbers, and replacing wire bundle spiral wrap sleeving as applicable. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-02- 08, which applied to certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes. AD 2023-02-08 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023-02-08, and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This action proposes to modify the Class D airspace and establish Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area at San Bernardino International Airport, CA (KSBD). Additionally, this action proposes an administrative amendment to update the airport's existing Class D airspace legal description. These actions would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR) operations at the airport.