[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 23, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 84050-84053]
[FR Doc No: 2020-28317]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-90712; File No. SR-OCC-2020-013]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation;
Notice of Filing of Partial Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting
Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Partial
Amendment No. 1, To Update The Options Clearing Corporation's Recovery
and Orderly Wind-Down Plan

December 17, 2020.

I. Introduction

    On October 20, 2020, the Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'')
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the
proposed rule change SR-OCC-2020-013, (``Proposed Rule Change'')
pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Exchange Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 \2\ thereunder to make changes to
OCC's Recovery and Orderly Wind-Down Plan (``RWD Plan'').\3\ The
Proposed Rule Change was published for public comment in the Federal
Register on November 9, 2020.\4\ The Commission has received no
comments regarding the Proposed Rule Change.\5\ On October 20, 2020,
OCC filed a partial amendment (``Partial Amendment No. 1'') to modify
the Proposed Rule Change.\6\ The Commission is publishing this notice
to solicit comments on Partial Amendment No. 1 from interested persons
and is approving the proposed rule change, as modified by Partial
Amendment No. 1, on an accelerated basis.\7\
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Notice of Filing infra note 4, 85 FR at 71384.
    \4\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90315 (Nov. 3, 2020), 85
FR 71384 (Nov. 9, 2020) (File No. SR-OCC-2020-013) (``Notice of
Filing''). OCC also filed a related advance notice (SR-OCC-2020-806)
(``Advance Notice'') with the Commission pursuant to Section
806(e)(1) of Title VIII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act, entitled the Payment, Clearing, and
Settlement Supervision Act of 2010 and Rule 19b-4(n)(1)(i) under the
Exchange Act. 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1). 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1) and 17 CFR
240.19b-4, respectively. The Advance Notice was published in the
Federal Register on November 18, 2020. Securities Exchange Act
Release No. 90416 (Nov. 13, 2020), 85 FR 73553 (Nov. 18, 2020) (File
No. SR-OCC-2020-806).
    \5\ Since the proposal contained in the Proposed Rule Change was
also filed as an advance notice, all public comments received on the
proposal are considered regardless of whether the comments are
submitted on the Proposed Rule Change or the Advance Notice.
    \6\ In Partial Amendment No. 1, OCC corrects and updates a
confidential Exhibit 5 to the materials filed on October 20, 2020
regarding File No. SR-OCC-2020-013. Partial Amendment No. 1 corrects
an error in the proposed rule text and updates the list of vendor
agreements attached to the RWD Plan, but did not change the purpose
of or basis for the Proposed Rule Change.
    \7\ References to the Proposed Rule Change from this point
forward refer to the Proposed Rule Change as modified by Partial
Amendment No. 1.
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II. Background \8\
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    \8\ Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the
meanings specified in OCC's Rules and By-Laws, available at https://www.theocc.com/about/publications/bylaws.jsp.
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    The Proposed Rule Change concerns changes to OCC's RWD Plan. As
described in greater detail below, OCC proposes to (1) update the RWD
Plan to reflect changes to OCC's capital structure resulting from the
disapproval of OCC's previously approved ``Capital Plan'' \9\ and the
subsequent approval of OCC's ``Capital Management Policy,'' \10\ and
(2) implement changes identified during OCC's annual review of the RWD
Plan. The changes arise out of OCC's annual review of the RWD Plan and
include factual updates (e.g., market share and contract volume data)
and streamlined discussions in the RWD Plan (e.g., replacement of
detailed overview of OCC's risk management program with a more concise
summary).
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    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 85121 (Feb. 13,
2019), 84 FR 5157 (Feb. 20, 2019) (File No. SR-OCC-2015-02).
    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 86725 (Aug. 21,
2019), 84 FR 44952 (Aug. 27, 2019) (File No. SR-OCC-2019-007).
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    Capital Management Policy Updates. As a result of the
implementation of the Capital Management Policy, OCC is proposing
changes to Chapters 2, 5, and 6 of its RWD Plan. In Chapter 2, OCC is
proposing to revise its discussion of fee management for consistency
with the Capital Management Policy. In Chapter 5, OCC is proposing to
(i) replace its discussion of the Replenishment Plan established under
the disapproved Capital Plan with a discussion of the replenishment
structure adopted under the Capital Management Policy; (ii) replace
references to the discretionary use of OCC's current and/or retained
earnings with references to the mandatory contribution--immediately
following the use of margin, deposits in lieu of margin and the
Clearing Fund deposits of the suspended Clearing Member--of OCC's
current and retained earnings greater than 110% of OCC's annually-
established ``Target Capital Requirement;'' (iii) update the
description of how OCC could increase the minimum required cash
contribution to the Clearing Fund to reflect enhancements to OCC's
liquidity risk management framework that the

Commission approved in 2020; \11\ and (iv) include a discussion of the
mandatory contribution of any unvested portions of OCC's Executive
Deferred Compensation Plan (``EDCP'') in proportion to any charges
against the mutualized portion of OCC's Clearing Fund. OCC also
proposes to revise the list of ``Recovery Trigger Events'' in Chapter 5
to: (a) Delete one of the Recovery Trigger Events that was derived from
a defined term in the Capital Plan; (b) consolidate two other Recovery
Trigger Events into a single, operational loss-related recovery
trigger; and (c) add a qualification onto an existing liquidity loss-
related recovery trigger. In Chapter 6, OCC is proposing to update
discussion of the tools by which OCC could recapitalize in certain
recovery and wind-down scenarios. Further, OCC is proposing to revise
the list of Wind-Down Plan Trigger Events (``WDP Triggers''):
Specifically, OCC proposes to consolidate two current WDP Triggers into
a single WDP Trigger related to OCC's financial resource requirements
and to consolidate two other WDP Triggers into a single WDP Trigger
related to operational disruption. Similar to the changes OCC proposes
in Chapter 5, the changes proposed in Chapter 6 would be designed to
reflect OCC's current replenishment plan under the Capital Management
Policy.
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    \11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89014 (Jun. 4,
2020), 85 FR 35446 (Jun. 10, 2020) (File No. SR-OCC-2020-003).
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    Annual Review Updates. As a result of its annual review and update
process, OCC is proposing changes to Chapters 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of
its RWD Plan. In Chapter 2, OCC is proposing to update (i) market share
and contract volume data; (ii) lists of the securities options
exchanges and other markets for which OCC provides clearing services;
(iii) organizational charts, headcount numbers, discussions of OCC's
management structure and descriptions of management roles and
responsibilities; (iv) updated descriptions of OCC's Board's
responsibilities and procedures, lists of Board members and
descriptions of OCC's Board committees' roles and responsibilities; and
(v) graphs of total monthly deposits to OCC's Clearing Fund. OCC is
also proposing revisions to reflect certain program changes that have
occurred at OCC since the initial approval of the RWD Plan in 2018
(e.g., changes to cross-margining arrangements, credit facilities,
investment counterparties, and vendors) as well as changes to OCC's
retirement plan obligations. In Chapter 3, the RWD Plan lists OCC's
internal support functions. OCC is proposing the addition of two new
internal support functions to that list and the removal of the Office
of the Corporate Executive from the list. The net result of the
proposed changes would bring the total number of internal support
functions listed from fourteen to sixteen. OCC also proposes to update
the descriptions of all OCC's internal support functions so they align
with OCC's internal descriptions of such functions.
    In Chapter 6, OCC is proposing to (i) update references to OCC's
internal support functions; and (ii) certain references to headcount.
In Chapter 7, OCC is proposing to update staff titles to reflect
changes in related office titles. In Chapter 8, OCC is proposing to
update lists of (i) Clearing Members; (ii) Board participation; (iii)
settlement bank and letter of credit bank; (iv) OCC's vendors and
service providers; (v) updates to the extreme hypothetical scenarios
designed by OCC that, if such scenarios occurred, could cause OCC to
activate the RWD Plan; and (vi) key agreements.
    Administrative and Streamlining Changes. In addition to the updates
described above, OCC is also proposing several administrative and
streamlining changes throughout the RWD Plan. OCC proposes to align the
executive summary and overview section of the RWD Plan with the changes
described above. OCC also proposes moving annual report excerpts from
Chapter 2 to an appendix to the RWD Plan, replace the current overview
of OCC's risk management program with a more concise summary, and
update a summary description of OCC's interconnections with external
vendors and a list of vendors that provide OCC critical technology and
information reporting services. In Chapter 4, OCC proposes to update
certain factual references and make other minor changes to reflect the
use of a single term for Critical Services that are currently
identified separately. OCC also proposes to revise the mapping of
Critical Services to Support Functions in Chapter 4 to reflect the
categorization of Support Functions as either ``primary,''
``secondary,'' or ``non-critical.'' In Chapter 5, OCC proposes to (i)
clean up references to its by-laws that are now rules; (ii) consolidate
two recovery triggers into a single, operational loss-related recovery
trigger; and (iii) add qualifying language to an existing liquidity
loss-related recovery trigger.

III. Discussion and Commission Findings

    Section 19(b)(2)(C) of the Exchange Act directs the Commission to
approve a proposed rule change of a self-regulatory organization if it
finds that such proposed rule change is consistent with the
requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder applicable to such organization.\12\ After carefully
considering the Proposed Rule Change, the Commission finds that the
proposal is consistent with the requirements of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to OCC. More
specifically, the Commission finds that the proposal is consistent with
Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Exchange Act \13\ and Rule17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii)
thereunder.\14\
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    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C).
    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \14\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii).
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A. Consistency With Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Exchange Act

    Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Exchange Act requires, among other
things, that the rules of a clearing agency be designed to promote the
prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions
and assure the safeguarding of securities and funds which are in the
custody or control of the clearing agency or for which it is
responsible.\15\ As a central counterparty, it is important for OCC to
have a plan in place to address extreme stresses or crises with the aim
of maintaining OCC's viability and ability to provide critical
services. In the event that OCC's recovery efforts are not successful,
the RWD Plan would seek to increase the possibility that a resolution
of OCC's operations could be conducted in an orderly manner. The
Commission continues to believe that OCC specifying the steps that it
would take in either a recovery or orderly wind-down would enhance
OCC's ability to address circumstances specific to an extreme stress
event. The Commission also continues to believe that, by increasing the
likelihood that recovery would be orderly, efficient, and successful,
the RWD Plan enhances OCC's ability to maintain the continuity of its
critical services (including clearance and settlement services) during,
through, and following periods of extreme stress giving rise to the
need for recovery, thereby promoting the prompt and accurate clearance
and settlement of

securities transactions.\16\ Further, the Commission continues to
believe that the RWD Plan is designed to assure the safeguarding of
securities or funds in the custody or control of OCC by reducing the
likelihood of a disorderly or unsuccessful recovery or wind-down, which
could otherwise disrupt access to such securities or funds.\17\
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    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \16\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83918 (Aug. 23,
2018), 83 FR 44091, 44094 (Aug. 29, 2018) (File No. SR-OCC-2017-
021); Securities Exchange Release No. 83928 (Aug. 23, 2018), 83 FR
44109, 44112 (Aug. 29, 2018) (File No. SR-OCC-2017-810).
    \17\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83918 (Aug. 23,
2018), 83 FR 44091, 44094 (Aug. 29, 2018) (File No. SR-OCC-2017-
021).
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    As described above, OCC proposes to (1) update the RWD Plan to
reflect changes to OCC's capital structure resulting from the
disapproval of OCC's previously approved ``Capital Plan'' \18\ and the
subsequent approval of OCC's ``Capital Management Policy,'' \19\ and
(2) implement changes identified during OCC's annual review of the RWD
Plan. Consistent with the Commission's prior statements regarding
disclosure of documents describing a covered clearing agency's recovery
and wind-down plans, the Commission believes that such recovery and
wind-down plans should be updated regularly or more frequently as
necessary.\20\ OCC also proposes to update and streamline the data and
descriptions provided in the RWD Plan.\21\ The Commission believes that
keeping the RWD Plan updated with current information, and refining the
descriptions to make it more concise, makes it a more accurate and
useful document. As such, the Commission believes, therefore, that the
Proposed Rule Change is consistent with the requirements of Section
17A(b)(3)(F) of the Exchange Act.\22\
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    \18\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 85121 (Feb. 13,
2019), 84 FR 5157 (Feb. 20, 2019) (File No. SR-OCC-2015-02).
    \19\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 86725 (Aug. 21,
2019), 84 FR 44952 (Aug. 27, 2019) (File No. SR-OCC-2019-007).
    \20\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-78961 (Oct. 13,
2016), 81 FR 70786, 70808 (Oct. 13, 2016) (File No. S7-03-14).
    \21\ For example, OCC is proposing to update its market share
and contract volume data, lists of the securities options exchanges
and other markets for which OCC provides clearing services,
organizational charts, and headcount numbers. OCC also proposes to
replace the detailed overview of OCC's risk management program with
a more concise summary.
    \22\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
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B. Consistency With Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) Under the Exchange Act

    Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) under the Exchange Act requires that a
covered clearing agency establish, implement, maintain, and enforce
written policies and procedures reasonably designed to maintain a sound
risk management framework for comprehensively managing legal, credit,
liquidity, operational, general business, investment, custody, and
other risks that arise in or are borne by the covered clearing agency,
which includes plans for the recovery and orderly wind-down of the
covered clearing agency necessitated by credit losses, liquidity
shortfalls, losses from general business risk, or any other losses.\23\
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    \23\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii).
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    The Commission continues to believe that the RWD Plan (i) clearly
describes OCC's recovery tools, which enhance OCC's ability to recover
from credit losses, liquidity shortfalls, general business risk losses,
or other losses, consistent with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii); and (ii)
supports OCC's ability to use risk management and recovery tools
effectively to bring about a recovery by identifying in advance which
tools may be most effective for different situations or needs,
consistent with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii).\24\ As described above, the RWD
Plan sets forth OCC's plans to recover or wind-down its operations as a
result of severe financial or operational stress in an orderly fashion.
The proposed updates will make the information provided in the RWD Plan
more accurate and useful. The revised RWD Plan would, in turn, provide
a more accurate and usable playbook for OCC or source of information
for a resolution authority. Accordingly, the Commission believes that
the proposed changes to the RWD Plan are consistent with Rule 17Ad-
22(e)(3)(ii) under the Exchange Act.\25\
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    \24\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83918 (Aug. 23,
2018), 83 FR 44091, 44095 (Aug. 29, 2018) (File No. SR-OCC-2017-
021); Securities Exchange Release No. 83928 (Aug. 23, 2018), 83 FR
44109, 44113 (Aug. 29, 2018) (File No. SR-OCC-2017-810).
    \25\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii).
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IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change, as modified by Partial Amendment No. 1, is consistent with the
Exchange Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following
methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Please include
File Number SR-OCC-2020-013 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-OCC-2020-013. This file
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently,
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on
the Commission's internet website (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml).
Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written
statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with
the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed
rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those
that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions
of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for website viewing and printing in
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC
20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection
and copying at the principal office of OCC and on OCC's website at
https://www.theocc.com/Company-Information/Documents-and-Archives/By-Laws-and-Rules.
    All comments received will be posted without change. Persons
submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit
personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly.
    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-OCC-2020-013 and
should be submitted on or before January 13, 2021.

V. Accelerated Approval of the Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by
Partial Amendment No. 1

    The Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of
the Exchange Act,\26\ to approve the proposed rule change prior to the
30th day after the date of publication of Partial Amendment No. 1 in
the Federal Register. As discussed above, Partial Amendment No. 1
corrects an error in the proposed rule text and updates the list of
vendor agreements attached to the RWD Plan. Correcting typographical
errors Partial Amendment No. 1

improves the efficiency of the filing process by obviating the need for
OCC to propose another change to its rules to resolve the error in the
future while not changing the purpose of or basis for the Proposed Rule
Change. Updating the list of vendor agreements as part of the immediate
proposal would similarly reduce the need for future filings without
changing the purpose of or basis for the Proposed Rule Change.
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    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
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    For similar reasons as discussed above, the Commission finds that
Partial Amendment No. 1 is consistent with the requirement that OCC's
rules be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and
settlement of securities transactions and assure the safeguarding of
securities and funds which are in the custody or control of the
clearing agency or for which it is responsible under Section
17A(b)(3)(F) of the Exchange Act.\27\ Accordingly, the Commission finds
good cause for approving the proposed rule change, as modified by
Partial Amendment No. 1, on an accelerated basis, pursuant to Section
19(b)(2) of the Exchange Act.\28\
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    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \28\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
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VI. Conclusion

    On the basis of the foregoing, the Commission finds that the
Proposed Rule Change is consistent with the requirements of the
Exchange Act, and in particular, the requirements of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act \29\ and the rules and regulations thereunder.
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    \29\ In approving this Proposed Rule Change, the Commission has
considered the proposed rules' impact on efficiency, competition,
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
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    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Exchange Act,\30\ that the Proposed Rule Change (SR-OCC-2020-013), as
modified by Partial Amendment No. 1, be, and hereby is, approved.
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    \30\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\31\
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    \31\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-28317 Filed 12-22-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 101 (Thursday, May 24, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24146-24149]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11122]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-1999-6480; FMCSA-2001-11426; FMCSA-2002-11714; FMCSA-
2002-12844; FMCSA-2003-15268; FMCSA-2003-16564; FMCSA-2004-19477;
FMCSA-2006-23773; FMCSA-2006-24015; FMCSA-2007-0071; FMCSA-2007-27897;
FMCSA-2008-0021; FMCSA-2009-0011; FMCSA-2009-0291; FMCSA-2009-0321;
FMCSA-2010-0050; FMCSA-2011-0140; FMCSA-2011-0365; FMCSA-2011-0366;
FMCSA-2011-0379; FMCSA-2011-0380; FMCSA-2012-0039; FMCSA-2013-0027;
FMCSA-2013-0030; FMCSA-2013-0165; FMCSA-2013-0166; FMCSA-2013-0167;
FMCSA-2013-0168; FMCSA-2013-0169; FMCSA-2013-0170; FMCSA-2013-0174;
FMCSA-2014-0002; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0004; FMCSA-2015-0049;
FMCSA-2015-0053; FMCSA-2015-0056; FMCSA-2015-0070; FMCSA-2015-0072;
FMCSA-2015-0345; FMCSA-2015-0347; FMCSA-2015-0351; FMCSA-2016-0024;
FMCSA-2016-0025]

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 119
individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to
operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision
requirements in one eye.

DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates
stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in
the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before June 25,
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-1999-6480; FMCSA-2001-11426;
FMCSA-2002-11714; FMCSA-2002-12844; FMCSA-2003-15268; FMCSA-2003-16564;
FMCSA-2004-19477; FMCSA-2006-23773; FMCSA-2006-24015; FMCSA-2007-0071;
FMCSA-2007-27897; FMCSA-2008-0021; FMCSA-2009-0011; FMCSA-2009-0291;
FMCSA-2009-0321; FMCSA-2010-0050; FMCSA-2011-0140; FMCSA-2011-0365;
FMCSA-2011-0366; FMCSA-2011-0379; FMCSA-2011-0380; FMCSA-2012-0039;
FMCSA-2013-0027; FMCSA-2013-0030; FMCSA-2013-0165; FMCSA-2013-0166;
FMCSA-2013-0167;

FMCSA-2013-0168; FMCSA-2013-0169; FMCSA-2013-0170; FMCSA-2013-0174;
FMCSA-2014-0002; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0004; FMCSA-2015-0049;
FMCSA-2015-0053; FMCSA-2015-0056; FMCSA-2015-0070; FMCSA-2015-0072;
FMCSA-2015-0345; FMCSA-2015-0347; FMCSA-2015-0351; FMCSA-2016-0024;
FMCSA-2016-0025 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; 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.,
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the
docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will
be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below
for further information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12-140
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, e.t.,
365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting
comments online.
    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 http://www.regulations.gov, as described in
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed
at http://www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief,
Medical Programs Division,<PHONE_NUMBER>, [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.,
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket,
contact Docket Services, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption
for five years 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 five-year period. FMCSA
grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-year period to align with
the maximum duration of a driver's medical certification.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding vision
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) states that a person is physically
qualified to driver a CMV if that person has distant visual acuity of
at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or
visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with
corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of a least 20/40 (Snellen)
in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at
least 70[deg] in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability
to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing red,
green, and amber.
    The 119 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of
their exemptions from the vision standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), 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 two-year period.

II. 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, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the
exemption of a driver.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon
application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of
the 119 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining
an exemption from the vision requirement (64 FR 68195; 65 FR 20251; 67
FR 10471; 67 FR 15662; 67 FR 17102; 67 FR 19798; 67 FR 37907; 67 FR
68719; 68 FR 2629; 68 FR 37197; 68 FR 48989; 68 FR 74699; 69 FR 10503;
69 FR 17267; 69 FR 19611; 69 FR 26206; 69 FR 64806; 69 FR 71100; 70 FR
2705; 70 FR 42615; 71 FR 6826; 71 FR 6829; 71 FR 14566; 71 FR 16410; 71
FR 19602; 71 FR 19604; 71 FR 26602; 71 FR 30227; 72 FR 1053; 72 FR
1054; 72 FR 39879; 72 FR 40360; 72 FR 52419; 73 FR 6242; 73 FR 11989;
73 FR 15567; 73 FR 16950; 73 FR 27014; 73 FR 27015; 73 FR 27017; 73 FR
76440; 74 FR 26464; 74 FR 34632; 74 FR 41971; 74 FR 49069; 74 FR 64124;
74 FR 65842; 75 FR 1835; 75 FR 9477; 75 FR 9480; 75 FR 9482; 75 FR
13653; 75 FR 14656; 75 FR 19674; 75 FR 22176; 75 FR 27621; 75 FR 27622;
75 FR 28684; 76 FR 37169; 76 FR 50318; 76 FR 54530; 76 FR 62143; 76 FR
70212; 76 FR 78729; 77 FR 3552; 77 FR 5874; 77 FR 7233; 77 FR 10604; 77
FR 13689; 77 FR 13691; 77 FR 15184; 77 FR 17107; 77 FR 17108; 77 FR
17117; 77 FR 20879; 77 FR 23797; 77 FR 23800; 77 FR 26816; 77 FR 27849;
77 FR 27850; 77 FR 31427; 78 FR 24798; 78 FR 41975; 78 FR 46407; 78 FR
47818; 78 FR 56986; 78 FR 62935; 78 FR 63302; 78 FR 63307; 78 FR 64271;
78 FR 64274; 78 FR 67454; 78 FR 67460; 78 FR 76395; 78 FR 77778; 78 FR
77780; 78 FR 77782; 78 FR 78477; 79 FR 1908; 79 FR 2247; 79 FR 2748; 79
FR 4803; 79 FR 10602; 79 FR 10607; 79 FR 10609; 79 FR 10611; 79 FR
13085; 79 FR 14331; 79 FR 14333; 79 FR 14571; 79 FR 17641; 79 FR 17642;
79 FR 17643; 79 FR 18391; 79 FR 18392; 79 FR 21996; 79 FR 22000; 79 FR
22003; 79 FR 23797; 79 FR 28588; 79 FR 29498; 80 FR 31636; 80 FR 40122;
80 FR 48413; 80 FR 59230; 80 FR 62163; 80 FR 63839; 80 FR 67476; 80 FR
67481; 80 FR 70060; 80 FR 79414; 80 FR 80443; 81 FR 1284; 81 FR 1474;
81 FR 15401; 81 FR 15404; 81 FR 16265; 81 FR 17237; 81 FR 20433; 81 FR
20435; 81 FR 21647; 81 FR 21655; 81 FR 44680; 81 FR 48493; 81 FR 52516;
81 FR 66718; 81 FR 91239; 81 FR 96196). They have submitted evidence
showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the
requirement specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision
impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety
while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two
years indicates each applicant continues to

meet the vision exemption requirements. These factors provide an
adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability to continue to
drive safely in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that
extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two
years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing
without the exemption.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the following
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of May and
are discussed below:
    As of May 7, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 46 individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (68 FR 37197; 68 FR 48989; 69 FR
64806; 70 FR 2705; 70 FR 42615; 71 FR 6826; 71 FR 19602; 72 FR 1054; 72
FR 39879; 72 FR 40360; 72 FR 52419; 73 FR 6242; 73 FR 11989; 73 FR
16950; 74 FR 26464; 74 FR 34632; 74 FR 41971; 74 FR 49069; 74 FR 64124;
74 FR 65842; 75 FR 1835; 75 FR 9477; 75 FR 9480; 75 FR 9482; 75 FR
13653; 75 FR 22176; 76 FR 37169; 76 FR 50318; 76 FR 54530; 76 FR 62143;
76 FR 70212; 76 FR 78729; 77 FR 3552; 77 FR 5874; 77 FR 7233; 77 FR
10604; 77 FR 13689; 77 FR 13691; 77 FR 17107; 77 FR 17108; 77 FR 17117;
78 FR 24798; 78 FR 41975; 78 FR 46407; 78 FR 47818; 78 FR 56986; 78 FR
62935; 78 FR 63302; 78 FR 63307; 78 FR 64271; 78 FR 64274; 78 FR 67454;
78 FR 67460; 78 FR 76395; 78 FR 77778; 78 FR 77780; 78 FR 77782; 78 FR
78477; 79 FR 1908; 79 FR 2247; 79 FR 2748; 79 FR 4803; 79 FR 10602; 79
FR 10607; 79 FR 10609; 79 FR 10611; 79 FR 13085; 79 FR 14331; 79 FR
14333; 79 FR 17641; 79 FR 17642; 79 FR 17643; 79 FR 18391; 79 FR 22003;
80 FR 31636; 80 FR 40122; 80 FR 48413; 80 FR 59230; 80 FR 62163; 80 FR
63839; 80 FR 67476; 80 FR 67481; 80 FR 70060; 80 FR 79414; 80 FR 80443;
81 FR 1284; 81 FR 1474; 81 FR 15401; 81 FR 15404; 81 FR 16265; 81 FR
17237; 81 FR 20433; 81 FR 20435; 81 FR 44680; 81 FR 48493; 81 FR 52516;
81 FR 91239):

David R. Alford (UT)
Bradley T. Alspach (IL)
Otto J. Ammer, Jr. (PA)
Terry L. Baker (KY)
Morris R. Beebe, II (CO)
Eugenio V. Bermudez (MA)
Dominic A. Berube (MA)
Troy C. Blackburn (OH)
Lester E. Burnes (NM)
Thomas F. Caithamer (IL)
Bruce A. Cameron (ND)
Freddie A. Carrasquillo (TX)
Mark Castleman (MN)
James A. Champion (WA)
Loren D. Chapman (MN)
Larry Chinn (WI)
Charles W. Cox (AR)
Walter F. Crean, III (CT)
Bryan K. Dalton (NC)
Vincent DeMedici (PA)
Johnny Dillard (SC)
John T. Edmondson (AL)
Kenneth J. Fisk (MI)
Brian W. Gillund (MN)
Patrick W. Griffin (OK)
Matt A. Guilmain (NH)
Raymond L. Herman (NY)
Elvin M. Hursh (PA)
James R. Leoffler (CO)
Melvin L. Lester (MS)
Jerry P. Lindesmith (OK)
Juan J. Luna (CA)
Stephen R. Marshall (MS)
Dale A. McCoy (ME)
Cole W. McLaughlin (SD)
John D. Morgan (PA)
Russell L. Moyers, Sr. (WV)
Ryan R. Ross (SC)
Steven C. Sheeder (IA)
Charles H. Strople (MA)
Eric Taniguchi (HI)
Robert L. Thies (IN)
Ronald L. Walker (FL)
Charles G. Warshun, Jr. (NY)
Alan T. Watterson (MA)
Oscar M. Wilkins (ME)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2003-15268;
FMCSA-2004-19477; FMCSA-2006-23773; FMCSA-2007-0071; FMCSA-2007-27897;
FMCSA-2009-0011; FMCSA-2009-0291; FMCSA-2009-0321; FMCSA-2011-0140;
FMCSA-2011-0365; FMCSA-2011-0366; FMCSA-2013-0027; FMCSA-2013-0030;
FMCSA-2013-0165; FMCSA-2013-0166; FMCSA-2013-0167; FMCSA-2013-0168;
FMCSA-2013-0169; FMCSA-2013-0170; FMCSA-2013-0174; FMCSA-2014-0002;
FMCSA-2015-0049; FMCSA-2015-0053; FMCSA-2015-0056; FMCSA-2015-0070;
FMCSA-2015-0072; FMCSA-2015-0345; FMCSA-2015-0347; FMCSA-2015-0351.
Their exemptions are applicable as of May 7, 2018, and will expire on
May 7, 2020.
    As of May 11, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following six individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (77 FR 15184; 77 FR 27850; 79 FR
21996; 81 FR 91239):

Robert L. Brauns (IA)
Clifford W. Doran, Jr. (NC)
Gelnn C. Grimm (NJ)
Richard A. Pucker (WI)
John M. Riley (AL)
Jeffery A. Sheets (AR)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2011-0379; FMCSA-
2011-0380. Their exemptions are applicable as of May 11, 2018, and will
expire on May 11, 2020.
    As of May 12, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (67 FR 68719; 68 FR 2629; 68 FR
74699; 69 FR 10503; 69 FR 71100; 71 FR 6826; 71 FR 6829; 71 FR 19602;
72 FR 1053; 73 FR 11989; 73 FR 15567; 73 FR 27015; 73 FR 76440; 75 FR
13653; 75 FR 19674; 77 FR 23797; 79 FR 23797; 81 FR 91239):

Leo G. Becker (KS)
Stanley W. Davis (TX)
Ray L. Emert (PA)
John W. Forgy (ID)
Neil W. Jennings (MO)
David A. Miller (NE)
Aaron S. Taylor (WI)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2002-12844;
FMCSA-2003-16564; FMCSA-2006-23773; FMCSA-2008-0021. Their exemptions
are applicable as of May 12, 2018, and will expire on May 12, 2020.
    As of May 13, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 11 individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (81 FR 21647; 81 FR 21655; 81 FR
66718):

Jose O. Arroyo (CA)
Ronald H. Carey (PA)
James T. Curtis (NM)
Mark E. Dow (VT)
Danny R. Floyd (OH)
William J. Krysinski (MN)
Bradley K. Linde (IA)
Scott A. Palmer (NY)
Colby T. Smith (UT)
Carl J. Warnecke (OH)
Edwin E. West (MO)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2016-0024; FMCSA-
2016-0025. Their exemptions are applicable as of May 13, 2018, and will
expire on May 13, 2020.
    As of May 16, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 23 individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (79 FR 14571; 79 FR 28588; 81 FR
91239; 81 FR 96196):

Luis A. Agudo (MN)
Dmitriy D. Bayda (WA)
Billy D. Devine (WA)
James G. Donze (MO)
Jeffrey D. Duncan (IN)

Dennis A. Feather (SC)
Robert E. Johnston, Jr. (WA)
Gregory J. Kuhn (NE)
David W. Leach (IL)
Jason S. Logue (GA)
David F. Martin (NJ)
Martin L. Mayes (GA)
Daniel A. McNabb, Jr. (KS)
Phillip L. Mello (CA)
Robert L. Murray (IL)
Steve W. Quenzer (SD)
Bradley W. Reed (AL)
Erik M. Rice (TX)
Tatum R. Schmidt (IA)
Harry J. Scholl (PA)
Jacob A. Shaffer (PA)
James S. Smith (AR)
Steven S. Smith, Jr. (PA)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2014-0003. Their
exemptions are applicable as of May 16, 2018, and will expire on May
16, 2020.
    As of May 21, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following three individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (75 FR 9480; 75 FR 14656; 75 FR
22176; 75 FR 28684; 77 FR 23800; 79 FR 22000; 81 FR 91239): Herbert C.
Hirsch, (MO); Douglas L. Norman, (NC); Wayne J. Savage, (VA).
    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2009-0011; FMCSA-
2010-0050. Their exemptions are applicable as of May 21, 2018, and will
expire on May 21, 2020.
    As of May 22, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 13 individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (79 FR 18392; 79 FR 29498; 81 FR
91239):

James E. Baker (OH)
Aaron D. Barnett (IA)
Danny J. Goss (MO)
James P. Griffin (WA)
Dennis P. Hart (OR)
James D. Kessler (SD)
Sherell J. Landry (TX)
Ronald N. Lindgren (MN)
Rodney J. McMorran (IA)
John L. Meese (MO)
Michael E. Schlachter (WY)
Kenneth W. Sigl (WI)
Elmer F. Winters (NC)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2014-0004. Their
exemptions are applicable as of May 22, 2018, and will expire on May
22, 2020.
    As of May 25, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (64 FR 68195; 65 FR 20251; 67 FR
10471; 67 FR 17102; 67 FR 19798; 69 FR 17267; 69 FR 19611; 71 FR 14566;
71 FR 16410; 71 FR 19604; 71 FR 30227; 73 FR 27014; 75 FR 27622; 77 FR
20879; 77 FR 26816; 77 FR 31427; 81 FR 91239):

Edward W. Hosier (MO)
Craig T. Jorgensen (WI)
Jose A. Lopez (CT)
Earl E. Martin (VA)
Joseph C. Powell (VA)
David L. Schachle (PA)
Mark Sobczyk (WI)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-1999-6480; FMCSA-
2001-11426; FMCSA-2006-24015; FMCSA-2012-0039. Their exemptions are
applicable as of May 25, 2018, and will expire on May 25, 2020.
    As of May 30, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following three individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (67 FR 15662; 67 FR 37907; 69 FR
26206; 71 FR 26602; 73 FR 27017; 75 FR 27621; 77 FR 27849; 81 FR
91239): Joe W. Brewer, (SC); James W. Ellis, 4th, (NC); Kevin R.
Stoner, (PA).
    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2002-11714. Their
exemptions are applicable as of May 30, 2018, and will expire on May
30, 2020.

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions:
(1) Each driver must undergo an annual physical examination (a) by an
ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the
better eye continues to meet the requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10),
and (b) by a certified Medical Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5,
who attests that the driver is otherwise physically qualified under 49
CFR 391.41; (2) each driver must provide a copy of the
ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the Medical Examiner at
the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) each driver must
provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for
retention in the driver's qualification file or keep a copy of his/her
driver's qualification if he/her is self- employed. The driver must
also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a
duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. 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.

V. 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.

VI. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 119 exemption applications, FMCSA
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the vision
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited
above. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption
will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.

    Issued on: May 16, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-11122 Filed 5-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 141 (Tuesday, July 25, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Page 34564]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15573]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Certification Service Organizational Changes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice informs the American public and aviation industry
of organizational changes in the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR)
of the FAA Aviation Safety Office (AVS). AIR is eliminating product
directorates, and will be composed of six functional divisions: The
Organizational Performance Division (AIR-300), the International
Division (AIR-400), the Policy and Innovation Division (AIR-600), the
Compliance and Airworthiness Division (AIR-700), the System Oversight
Division (AIR-800) and the Enterprise Operations Division (AIR-900).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Organizational Performance
Division (AIR-300), Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone
(781) 238-7101; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AIR is transitioning to a functionally
aligned organizational structure on July 23, 2017. AIR's functional
realignment will establish an infrastructure that will enable a
comprehensive approach to becoming more efficient and effective known
as ``AIR Transformation.'' As a result of realignment, all product
directorates will be eliminated and replaced with functional divisions.
Field offices will be realigned under new routing codes, but will stay
intact and continue to provide the public the same service they do
today. For further details on this reorganization, please refer to
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/air/transformation/ and https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=21315.
    You can obtain more information on the new AIR organization and the
responsibilities and functions of the AIR divisions in FAA Order
8100.5C, ``Aircraft Certification Service--Organizational Structure and
Functions.'' AIR also created a new order, FAA Order 8100.18,
``Aircraft Certification Service Organizational Realignment
References,'' to facilitate the use of existing AIR policy and guidance
under the functionally aligned organization. These orders are available
online at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/. All
AIR-issued advisory circulars, orders, notices, and other guidance will
remain in effect until revised, changed, or deleted.

Dorenda D. Baker,
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15573 Filed 7-24-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register: September 4, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 172)]
[Notices]
[Page 51643]
[DOCID:fr04se08-53]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2008-0856]

National Maritime Security Advisory Committee; Meeting

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) will
meet in Washington, DC to discuss various issues relating to national
maritime security. This meeting will be open to the public.

DATES: The Committee will meet on Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. This meeting may close early if all business is
finished. Written material and requests to make oral presentations
should reach the Coast Guard on or before September 15, 2008. Requests
to have a copy of your material distributed to each member of the
committee should reach the Coast Guard on or before September 15, 2008.

ADDRESSES: The Committee will meet at the Association of American
Railroads Conference Center, Conference Room C, 50 F Street, NW., 4th
Floor, Washington, DC 20001. Additionally, this meeting will be
broadcast via a web enabled interactive online format. Send written
material and requests to make oral presentations to Mr. Ryan Owens,
Assistant to Designated Federal Officer of the National Maritime
Security Advisory Committee, 2100 2nd Street, SW.; Room 5302;
Washington, DC 20593. You may also e-mail material to
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>This notice may be viewed in our online docket,
USCG-2008-0856, at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ryan Owens, Assistant to DFO of
NMSAC, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER> or<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. (Pub. L. 92-463).

Agenda of Meeting

    The agenda for the September 18, 2008 Committee meeting is as
follows:
    (1) Briefing on Sensitive Security Information.
    (2) Presentation and Discussion of the Seafarer's Access Working
Group report.
    (3) Briefing and discussion on the USCG/CBP Senior Guidance Team.
    (4) Briefing and Discussion on the USCG/CBP Joint Command Center
Initiatives.

Procedural

    This meeting is open to the public and will also be conducted via
an online meeting format. Please note that the meeting may close early
if all business is finished. Seating is very limited, and members of
the public wishing to attend should register with Mr. Ryan Owens,
Assistant to DFO of NMSAC, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER> or
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>no later than September 15, 2008. Additionally,
if you would like to participate in this meeting via the online web
format, please log onto https://fedgov.webex.com/fedgov/onstage/
g.php?t=a&d=697687813 and follow the online instructions to register
for this meeting. At the Chair's discretion, members of the public may
make oral presentations during the meeting. If you would like to make
an oral presentation at a meeting, please notify the assistant to the
DFO no later than Monday, September 8, 2008. Written material for
distribution at a meeting should reach the Coast Guard no later than
Monday, September 15, 2008. If you would like a copy of your material
distributed to each member of the committee in advance of a meeting,
please submit 25 copies to the assistant to the DFO no later than
September 15, 2008.

Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities

    For information on facilities or services for individuals with
disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact
the assistant to the DFO as soon as possible.

    Dated: August 28, 2008.
Mark P. O'Malley,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Port and Facility
Activities, Designated Federal Official, NMSAC.
[FR Doc. E8-20482 Filed 9-3-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-15-P


[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 203 (Monday, October 23, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72754-72755]
[FR Doc No: 2023-23295]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-11456-01-OA]

Science Advisory Board Environmental Justice Science and Analysis
Review Panel; Nominations Request

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory
Board (SAB) Staff Office requests public nominations of scientific
experts to form a panel to review the revised Technical Guidance for
Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis (Environmental
Justice Technical Guidance or EJTG) and develop a self-initiated
commentary outlining recommendations on advancing environmental justice
science in rulemaking. The SAB Environmental Justice Science and
Analysis Review Panel will review the revised EJTG to be released
publicly in 2023, as well as other information to be provided by the
EPA. The Panel will provide recommendations and expert input on both
advisory activities.

DATES: Nominations should be submitted by November 13, 2023 per the
instructions below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any member of the public wishing
further information regarding this Notice and the request for
nominations may contact Dr. Suhair Shallal, Designated Federal Officer
(DFO), EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office by telephone/voice mail
(202) 564-2057, or email at [email protected]. General information
concerning the EPA SAB can be found at the EPA SAB website at https://sab.epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Background: The SAB (42 U.S.C. 4365) is a chartered Federal
Advisory Committee that provides independent scientific and technical
peer review, advice, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on
the technical basis for EPA actions. As a Federal Advisory Committee,
the SAB conducts business in accordance with the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S. Code 10) and related regulations. The SAB
Staff Office is forming an expert panel, the Environmental Justice
Science and Analysis Review Panel, under the auspices of the Chartered
SAB. The Environmental Justice Science and Analysis Review Panel will
provide advice through the chartered SAB. The SAB and the Environmental
Justice Science and Analysis Review Panel will comply with the
provisions of FACA and all appropriate SAB Staff Office procedural
policies.
    The SAB Environmental Justice Science and Analysis Review Panel
will conduct a review of the revised Technical Guidance for Assessing
Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis (Environmental Justice
Technical Guidance or EJTG) and develop a self-initiated commentary
outlining recommendations on advancing environmental justice science in
rulemaking. The SAB Environmental Justice Science and Analysis Review
Panel will consider the revised EJTG as well as other information to be
provided by the EPA. The Panel will provide recommendations and expert
input on both advisory activities.
    The revised EJTG is a document that provides EPA analysts with
broad guidance on how to assess disproportionate and adverse human
health and environmental impacts of proposed rules and actions on
vulnerable and overburdened populations in a variety of regulatory
contexts. The 2016 EJ Technical Guidance was peer reviewed by the SAB
in 2014. EPA is currently revising the EJ Technical Guidance, that will
be released publicly in late 2023. The Panel will also identify key
findings about the current state of environmental justice science
utilized across EPA in the context of regulations and develop a
commentary with actionable recommendations for potential methodological
and technical improvements of environmental justice analyses utilized
to support regulatory actions.
    Request for Nominations: The SAB Staff Office is seeking
nominations of nationally and internationally recognized scientists
with demonstrated expertise in the following disciplines: environmental
exposure, fate and transport, human health risk assessment, toxicology,
public health, social and behavioral sciences, data visualization,
environmental justice screening tools and modeling; environmental
pollution and/or contaminants; environmental economics, including cost-
benefit analysis; sociology; environmental stressors; exposure and
dose-response assessment; epidemiology; demographics; geospatial
analyses; spatial mathematics or distributional analysis; decision-
making science; statistics; traditional ecological knowledge, and risk
communication. Specifically, we are seeking experts with experience in
assessing impacts related to environmental justice concerns, and
conducting scientific analyses conducted to inform regulatory impacts.
Strongest consideration will be given to individuals with demonstrated
experience working with overburdened and vulnerable communities, or
communities with EJ concerns in addition to the disciplines listed
above (as documented in their curriculum vitae, resume, and/or
publication history).
    Process and Deadline for Submitting Nominations: Any interested
person or organization may nominate qualified individuals in the areas
of expertise described above for possible service on the SAB Panel.
Individuals may self-nominate. Nominations should be submitted in
electronic format (preferred) using the online nomination form on the
SAB website at https://sab.epa.gov (see the ``Public Input on
Membership'' list under ``Committees, Panels, and Membership''
following the

instructions for ``Nominating Experts to Advisory Panels and Ad Hoc
Committees Being Formed,'' provided on the SAB website (see the
``Nomination of Experts'' link under ``Current Activities'' at https://sab.epa.gov). To be considered, nominations should include the
information requested below. EPA values and welcomes diversity. All
qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of sex, race,
disability, or ethnicity. Nominations should be submitted in time to
arrive no later than November 13, 2023.
    The following information should be provided on the nomination
form: contact information for the person making the nomination; contact
information for the nominee; and the disciplinary and specific areas of
expertise of the nominee. Nominees will be contacted by the SAB Staff
Office and will be asked to provide a recent curriculum vitae and a
narrative biographical summary that includes current position,
educational background; research activities; sources of research
funding for the last two years; and recent service on other national
advisory committees or national professional organizations. Persons
having questions about the nomination procedures, or who are unable to
submit nominations through the SAB website, should contact the DFO at
the contact information noted above. The names and biosketches of
qualified nominees identified by respondents to this Federal Register
Notice, and additional experts identified by the SAB Staff Office, will
be posted in a List of Candidates for the Panel on the SAB website at
https://sab.epa.gov. Public comments on the List of Candidates will be
accepted for 21 days. The public will be requested to provide relevant
information or other documentation on nominees that the SAB Staff
Office should consider in evaluating candidates.
    For the EPA SAB Staff Office, a balanced review panel includes
candidates who possess the necessary domains of knowledge, the relevant
scientific perspectives (which, among other factors, can be influenced
by work history and affiliation), and the collective breadth of
experience to adequately address the charge. In forming the expert
panel, the SAB Staff Office will consider public comments on the Lists
of Candidates, information provided by the candidates themselves, and
background information independently gathered by the SAB Staff Office.
Selection criteria to be used for panel membership include: (a)
scientific and/or technical expertise, knowledge, and experience
(primary factors); (b) availability and willingness to serve; (c)
absence of financial conflicts of interest; (d) absence of an
appearance of a loss of impartiality; (e) skills working in committees,
subcommittees and advisory panels; and (f) for the panel as a whole,
diversity of expertise and scientific points of view.
    The SAB Staff Office's evaluation of an absence of financial
conflicts of interest will include a review of the ``Confidential
Financial Disclosure Form for Environmental Protection Agency Special
Government Employees'' (EPA Form 3110-48). This confidential form is
required and allows government officials to determine whether there is
a statutory conflict between a person's public responsibilities (which
include membership on an EPA federal advisory committee) and private
interests and activities, or the appearance of a loss of impartiality,
as defined by federal regulation. The form may be viewed and downloaded
through the ``Ethics Requirements for Advisors'' link on the SAB
website at https://sab.epa.gov. This form should not be submitted as
part of a nomination.

V. Khanna Johnston,
Deputy Director, Science Advisory Board Staff Office.
[FR Doc. 2023-23295 Filed 10-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 14406]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06337]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2015-0001; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-B-1436

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Lee County, Illinois,
and Incorporated Areas and Ogle County, Illinois, and Incorporated
Areas

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Proposed notice; withdrawal.

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is withdrawing
its proposed notices concerning proposed flood hazard determinations,
which may include the addition or modification of any Base Flood
Elevation, base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area boundary or zone
designation, or regulatory floodway (herein after referred to as
proposed flood hazard determinations) on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps
and, where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study reports
for Lee County, Illinois, and Incorporated Areas and Ogle County,
Illinois, and Incorporated Areas.

DATES: These withdrawals are effective March 19, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. FEMA-B-
1436 to Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering Management Branch, Federal
Insurance and Mitigation Administration, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472,<PHONE_NUMBER>, or
(email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering
Management Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC
20472,<PHONE_NUMBER>, or (email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 3, 2014, FEMA published proposed
notices at 79 FR 65231, proposing flood hazard determinations for Lee
County, Illinois, and Incorporated Areas and Ogle County, Illinois, and
Incorporated Areas. FEMA is withdrawing the proposed notices.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4104; 44 CFR 67.4.

    Dated: February 23, 2015.
Roy E. Wright,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Mitigation, Department of Homeland
Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2015-06337 Filed 3-18-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-12-P


0 1 2 3 4 5  6  4  2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Pe Q q p p S e e = +

2 p P I e a =   0 1 2 3 4 5  4  2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Effective Precipitation ( cm)

Observed Runoff (

cm) b) Forested sub basin S = 24 cm; CN = 51 0 1 2 3 4 5  2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Effective Precipitation ( cm)

Observed Runoff (

cm ) c) Tarrawarra watershed S = 8 cm; CN = 76 ZEF Bonn GLOWA Volta GLOWA Volta Small mall Reservoirs eservoirs Reservoir inventory with Reservoir inventory with Landsat Landsat ETM ( RGB 432)

ETM ( RGB 432)

Nov 7, 1999 ( after   wet  year)

Nov 7, 1999 ( after   wet  year) Small Reservoirs Project Small Reservoirs Project Small mall Reservoirs eservoirs Solution:

Solution:

RADAR RS RADAR RS 30 ERS SAR 30 ERS SAR images & 30 images & 30 ENVISAT ENVISAT images images ESA PI: Region wide Assessment and Monitoring of Reservoir Storage Volumes. A satellite based tool for efficient Water Management and Drought Mitigation. PENETRATES PENETRATES CLOUDS CLOUDS ZEF Bonn GLOWA Volta GLOWA Volta Small mall Reservoirs eservoirs Result from 61 measured reservoirs Result from 61 measured reservoirs A V reservoir log *

4367 .

1 067 .

2 log +

=

Volume = 0.00857 * Area 1.4367 [ m ³ ] A f V pyramid half log 2 3 1 log 6 1 log log +

+

=

Compare with theoretically Compare with theoretically derived equation:

derived equation:

Explains 97.5 % of the measured variance Explains 97.5 % of the measured variance ( Nash/

( Nash/ Sutcliffe Sutcliffe)