[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 178 (Friday, September 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63633-63636]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19948]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-98349; File No. SR-FINRA-2023-011]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a
Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Implementation Date of Certain
Amendments to FINRA Rule 4210 Approved Pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036

September 11, 2023.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that
on August 29, 2023, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
(``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC''
or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and
II below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA has designated
the proposed rule change as constituting a ``non-controversial'' rule
change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 under the Act,\3\ which
renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by the
Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).

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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change

    FINRA is proposing to extend, to May 22, 2024, the implementation
date of the amendments to FINRA Rule 4210 (Margin Requirements)
pursuant to SR-FINRA2015-036, other than the amendments pursuant to SR-
FINRA-2015-036 that were implemented on December 15, 2016. The proposed
rule change would not make any changes to the text of FINRA rules.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's
website at http://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA and
at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, FINRA included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A,
B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    On October 6, 2015, FINRA filed with the Commission proposed rule
change SR-FINRA-2015-036, which proposed to amend FINRA Rule 4210 to
establish margin requirements for (1) To Be Announced (``TBA'')
transactions, inclusive of adjustable rate mortgage (``ARM'')
transactions; (2) Specified Pool Transactions; and (3) transactions in
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (``CMOs''), issued in conformity
with a program of an agency or Government-Sponsored Enterprise
(``GSE''), with forward settlement dates, as defined more fully in the
filing (collectively, ``Covered Agency Transactions''). The Commission
approved SR-FINRA-2015-036 on June 15, 2016 (the ``Approval Date'').\4\
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    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78081 (June 15,
2016), 81 FR 40364 (June 21, 2016) (Notice of Filing of Amendment
No. 3 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval to a Proposed Rule
Change to Amend FINRA Rule 4210 (Margin Requirements) to Establish
Margin Requirements for the TBA Market, as Modified by Amendment
Nos. 1, 2, and 3; File No. SR-FINRA-2015-036).
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    Pursuant to Partial Amendment No. 3 to SR-FINRA-2015-036, FINRA
announced in Regulatory Notice 16-31 that the rule change would become
effective on December 15, 2017, 18 months from the Approval Date,
except that the risk limit determination requirements as set forth in
paragraphs (e)(2)(F), (e)(2)(G) and (e)(2)(H) of Rule 4210 and in new
Supplementary Material .05, each as respectively amended or established
by SR-FINRA-2015-036 (collectively, the ``risk limit determination
requirements''), would become effective on December 15, 2016, six
months from the Approval Date.\5\
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    \5\ See Partial Amendment No. 3 to SR-FINRA-2015-036 and
Regulatory Notice 16-31 (August 2016), both available at:
www.finra.org.
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    Industry participants sought clarification regarding the
implementation of the requirements pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036.
Industry participants also requested additional time to make system
changes necessary to comply with the requirements, including time to
test the system changes, and requested additional time to update or
amend margining agreements and related documentation. In response,
FINRA made available a set of Frequently Asked Questions & Guidance \6\
and, pursuant to SR-FINRA-2017-029,\7\ extended the implementation date
of the requirements of SR-FINRA-2015-036 to June 25, 2018, except for
the risk limit determination requirements, which, as announced in
Regulatory Notice 16-31, became effective on December 15, 2016.
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    \6\ See Responses to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
Covered Agency Transactions Under FINRA Rule 4210, at: <https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/guidance/faqs/responses-frequently-asked-questions-regarding-covered-agency-transactions-under-finra-rule>. Further, staff of the SEC's Division of Trading and Markets
made available a set of Frequently Asked Questions regarding
Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1 and Rule 15c3-3 in connection with Covered
Agency Transactions under FINRA Rule 4210, also available at:
<https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/guidance/faqs/responses-frequently-asked-questions-regarding-covered-agency-transactions-under-finra-rule>.
    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 81722 (September 26,
2017), 82 FR 45915 (October 2, 2017) (Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Delay the Implementation
Date of Certain Amendments to FINRA Rule 4210 Approved Pursuant to
SR-FINRA-2015-036; File No. SR-FINRA-2017-029); see also Regulatory
Notice 17-28 (September 2017).
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    Industry participants requested that FINRA reconsider the potential
impact of certain requirements pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036 on smaller
and mid-sized firms. Industry participants also requested that FINRA
extend the implementation date pending such reconsideration. In
response to these concerns, FINRA further extended the implementation
date of the requirements of SR-FINRA-2015-036, other than the risk
limit determination requirements, most recently to October 25, 2023
(the ``October 25, 2023 implementation date''),\8\ and, informed by
extensive dialogue, both with industry participants and other
regulators, including the staff of the SEC and the Federal Reserve
System, FINRA proposed amendments to the requirements of SR-FINRA-2015-
036 (the ``Proposed Amendments'').\9\
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    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 97062 (March 7,
2023), 88 FR 15473 (March 13, 2023) (Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Extend the Implementation
Date of Certain Amendments to FINRA Rule 4210 Approved Pursuant to
SR-FINRA-2015-036; File No. SR-FINRA-2023-002).
    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91937 (May 19,
2021), 86 FR 28161 (May 25, 2021) (Notice of Filing of a Proposed
Rule Change to Amend the Requirements for Covered Agency
Transactions Under FINRA Rule 4210 (Margin Requirements) as Approved
Pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036; File No. SR-FINRA-2021-010). See also
Partial Amendment No. 1 to SR-FINRA-2021-010, and Letter from Adam
Arkel, Associate General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, FINRA,
to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, SEC, dated September 16, 2021,
both available at: <www.finra.org>.
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    The SEC approved the Proposed Amendments on July 27, 2023.\10\ As
FINRA stated in Partial Amendment No. 1 to SR-FINRA-2021-010, and
consistent with the SEC Approval Order,\11\ FINRA has issued Regulatory
Notice 23-14 \12\ announcing May 22, 2024, as the implementation date
of the Proposed Amendments (the ``Amendments Implementation Date'').
FINRA believes it is appropriate, in the interest of regulatory
clarity, to adjust the implementation date of the requirements pursuant
to SR-FINRA-2015-036 in alignment with the Amendments Implementation
Date. To that end, FINRA is proposing to extend the October 25, 2023
implementation date to May 22, 2024. FINRA notes that the risk limit
determination requirements pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036 became
effective on December

15, 2016, and, as such, are not affected by the proposed rule
change.\13\
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    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 98003 (July 27,
2023), 88 FR 50205 (August 1, 2023) (Order Setting Aside Action by
Delegated Authority and Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule Change,
as Modified by Amendment No. 1, to Amend the Requirements for
Covered Agency Transactions under FINRA Rule 4210 (Margin
Requirements) as Approved Pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036; File No.
SR-FINRA-2021-010) (the ``SEC Approval Order''); see also Securities
Exchange Act Release No. 94013 (January 20, 2022), 87 FR 4076
(January 26, 2022) (Order Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule
Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, to Amend the Requirements
for Covered Agency Transactions under FINRA Rule 4210 (Margin
Requirements) as Approved Pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036; File No.
SR-FINRA-2021-010).
    \11\ FINRA stated, and the SEC noted, that the amendments would
become effective between nine and ten months following the SEC's
approval. See Partial Amendment No. 1; see also SEC Approval Order,
supra note 10, 88 FR 50205, 50229.
    \12\ Regulatory Notice 23-14 (August 2023), available at:
<www.finra.org>.
    \13\ The Proposed Amendments make certain revisions to the risk
limit determination requirements as originally approved pursuant to
SR-FINRA-2015-036. As announced in Regulatory Notice 23-14, these
revisions will become effective on May 22, 2024, as with all the
other amendments approved pursuant to the SEC Approval Order.
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    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate
effectiveness and has requested that the Commission waive the
requirement that the proposed rule change not become operative for 30
days after the date of the filing. The operative date will be the date
of filing of the proposed rule change.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the
provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\14\ which requires, among
other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent
and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable
principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the
public interest. FINRA believes that the proposed rule change serves
the interest of regulatory clarity in the Covered Agency Transaction
market by aligning the implementation of the requirements pursuant to
SR-FINRA-2015-036, other than the risk limit determination
requirements, with the Amendments Implementation Date. FINRA believes
that this will thereby protect investors and the public interest by
helping to promote stability in the Covered Agency Transaction market.
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. FINRA believes that aligning
the implementation date of the requirements pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-
036, other than the risk limit determination requirements, with the
Amendments Implementation Date will help to provide clarity to industry
participants and to promote stability in the Covered Agency Transaction
market, thereby benefiting all parties.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i)
significantly affect the protection of investors or the public
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii)
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \15\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\16\
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    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \16\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \17\ normally
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing.
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-(f)(6)(iii),\18\ the Commission may
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. FINRA has requested
that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay so that the
proposal may become operative upon filing. FINRA has stated it believes
that immediate operation of the proposed rule change is appropriate
because alignment of the implementation date of the requirements
pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036, other than the risk limit determination
requirements, with the Amendments Implementation Date will help to
promote stability in the Covered Agency Transaction market.
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    \17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the
Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule
change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule
change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of
the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the
Commission. FINRA has satisfied this requirement.
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    The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest
because the proposal to align the implementation date of the amendments
to Rule 4210 pursuant to SR-FINRA-2015-036, other than the risk limit
determination requirements, with the Amendments Implementation Date
does not raise any new or novel issues and will reduce any potential
uncertainty in the Covered Agency Transaction market. Therefore, the
Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay requirement and
designates the proposed rule change as operative upon filing.\19\
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    \19\ For purposes of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the
Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C.
78c(f).
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the 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 protected]. Please include
File Number SR-FINRA-2023-011 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-FINRA-2023-011. 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 a.m. and 3
p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and
copying at the principal office of FINRA. Do not include personal
identifiable information in submissions; you should submit only
information that you wish to make available

publicly. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication
submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection.
All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2023-011 and
should be submitted on or before October 6, 2023.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\20\
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    \20\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-19948 Filed 9-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 1 (Thursday, January 2, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72-74]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31301]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-1070; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-175-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700,
701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24
(Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000)
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by the finding of an
uncertified main landing gear (MLG) inboard retraction actuator bracket
pin installed on an in-service airplane, which could result in pin
failure. This proposed AD would require inspection of the MLG inboard
retraction actuator bracket for a part number, and replacement if
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct uncertified
pins in the MLG inboard retraction actuator bracket, which could result
in pin failure, leading to an MLG extension without damping, and a
potential for MLG structural damage and possible collapse during
landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 18,
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec
H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the MCAI, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800)
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luke Walker, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE 171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-1070;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-175-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2013-23, dated August 13, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    An uncertified main landing gear (MLG) inboard retraction
actuator bracket pin, part number (P/N) 49131-1, was found installed
on an in-service aeroplane. Five other uncertified pins were also
returned to the manufacturer. The uncertified pin, P/N 49131-1, is
weaker than the approved pin, P/N 49131-3. An MLG inboard retraction
actuator bracket pin failure could result in an MLG extension
without damping, and a potential for MLG structural damage and
possible collapse during landing.
    This [TCCA] AD mandates the inspection for and removal of the
uncertified pins.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2013-1070.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-32-044, dated May 29,
2013. The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 416 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $35,360, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $0, for a cost of $85
per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that
might need this action.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-1070; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-175-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 18, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700,
701, & 702) airplanes, serial number (S/N) 10002 and subsequent.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series
705); and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; S/N 15001
and subsequent.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series
1000) airplanes, S/N 19001 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the finding of an uncertified main
landing gear (MLG) inboard retraction actuator bracket pin installed
on an in-service airplane, which could result in pin failure. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct uncertified pins in the MLG
inboard retraction actuator bracket, which could result in pin
failure, leading to an MLG extension without damping, and a
potential for MLG structural damage and possible collapse during
landing.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.

(g) Inspection

    Within 6,600 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date
of this AD, whichever

occurs first, do an inspection of the MLG inboard retraction
actuator bracket for any uncertified pin having part number (P/N)
49131-1, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-044, dated May 29, 2013.

(h) Replacement

    If any uncertified pin having P/N 49131-1 is found during the
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further
flight, replace all uncertified pins, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-32-
044, dated May 29, 2013.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANE-
170, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>;
fax<PHONE_NUMBER>, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate.
If sending information directly to the NYACO, send it to ATTN:
Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-
228-7300; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district
office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter
must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer, use these actions if they
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its
delegated agent, or by the DAH with a State of Design Authority's
design organization approval). For a repair method to be approved,
the repair approval must specifically refer to this AD. You are
required to ensure the product is airworthy before it is returned to
service.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-23, dated August 13, 2013,
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-1070.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax 514-855-
7401; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 20, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-31301 Filed 12-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 8, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12159-12160]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05044]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[SEC File No. 270-297, OMB Control No. 3235-0336]

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange
Commission, Office of FOIA Services, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC
20549-2736.

Extension:
    Form N-14.

    Notice is hereby given that, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (``Paperwork Reduction Act''), the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') has submitted
to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') a request for
extension of the previously approved collection of information
discussed below.
    Form N-14 (17 CFR 239.23) is the form for registration under the
Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.) (``Securities Act'') of
securities issued by management investment companies registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.)
(``Investment Company Act'') and business development companies as
defined by Section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act in: (1) A
transaction of the type specified in rule 145(a) under the Securities
Act (17 CFR 230.145(a)); (2) a merger in which a vote or consent of the
security holders of the company being acquired is not required pursuant
to applicable state law; (3) an exchange offer for securities of the
issuer or another person; (4) a public reoffering or resale of any
securities acquired in an offering registered on Form N-14; or (5) two
or more of the transactions listed in (1) through (4) registered on one
registration statement. The principal purpose of Form N-14 is to make
material information regarding securities to be issued in connection
with business combination transactions available to investors. The
information required to be filed with the Commission permits
verification of compliance with securities law requirements and assures
the public availability and dissemination of such information. Without
the registration statement requirement, material information may not
necessarily be available to investors.
    We estimate that approximately 124 funds each file one new
registration statement on Form N-14 annually, and that 68 funds each
file one amendment to a registration statement on Form N-14 annually.
Based on conversations with fund representatives, we estimate that the
reporting burden is approximately 620 hours per respondent for a new
Form N-14 registration statement and 300 hours per respondent for
amending the Form N-14 registration statement. This time is spent, for
example, preparing and reviewing the registration statements.
Accordingly, we calculate the total estimated annual internal burden of
responding to Form N-14 to be approximately 97,280 hours. In addition
to the burden hours, based on conversations with fund representatives,
we estimate that the total cost burden of compliance with the
information collection requirements of Form N-14 is approximately
$27,500 for preparing and filing an initial registration statement on
Form N-14 and approximately $16,000 for preparing and filing an
amendment to a registration statement on Form N-14. This includes, for
example, the cost of goods and services purchased to prepare and update
registration statements on Form N-14, such as for the services of
outside counsel. Accordingly, we calculate the total estimated annual
cost burden of responding to Form N-14 to be approximately $4,498,000.
    Estimates of the average burden hours are made solely for the
purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act and are not derived from a
comprehensive or even representative survey or study of the costs of
Commission rules and forms. The collection of information under Form N-
14 is mandatory. The information provided under Form N-14 will not be
kept confidential. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person
is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    The public may view the background documentation for this
information collection at the following Web site, www.reginfo.gov.
Comments should be directed to: (i) Desk Officer for the Securities and
Exchange Commission, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Office of Management and Budget, Room 10102, New Executive Office
Building, Washington, DC 20503, or by sending an email to:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>and (ii) Pamela Dyson, Director/Chief
Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Remi
Pavlik-Simon, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549 or send an email
to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Comments must be submitted to OMB within 30
days of this notice.

    Dated: March 1, 2016.
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-05044 Filed 3-7-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 92 (Friday, May 11, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27765-27766]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11356]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP12-164-000]

Texas Eastern Transmission, LP; Notice of Intent To Prepare an
Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Line 11-AUX-1 Abandonment
Project and Request for Comments on Environmental Issues

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or
Commission) will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) that will
discuss the environmental impacts of the Line 11-Aux-1 Abandonment
Project involving abandonment of facilities by Texas Eastern
Transmission, LP (Texas Eastern) in Montgomery County, Texas. The
Commission will use this EA in its decision-making process to determine
whether the project is in the public convenience and necessity.
    This notice announces the opening of the scoping process the
Commission will use to gather input from the public and interested
agencies on the project. Your input will help the Commission staff
determine what issues they need to evaluate in the EA. Please note that
the scoping period will close on June 4, 2012.
    This notice is being sent to the Commission's current environmental
mailing list for this project. State and local government
representatives should notify their constituents of this proposed
project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern.
    Texas Eastern provided landowners with a fact sheet prepared by the
FERC entitled ``An Interstate Natural Gas Facility On My Land? What Do
I Need To Know?''. This fact sheet addresses a number of typically-
asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how to
participate in the Commission's proceedings. It is also available for
viewing on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov).

Summary of the Proposed Project

    Texas Eastern proposes to abandon in place approximately 5.7 miles
of its 24-inch-diameter Line 11 pipeline currently located under Lake
Conroe in Montgomery County, Texas. Texas Eastern originally
constructed Line 11 in 1952 and the 5.7-mile-long segment is between
Milepost 97.54 and 103.21. Texas Eastern re-designated this segment as
Line 11-Auxndash;1 in 1971 when it installed a new parallel segment of
pipeline to serve as the primary crossing of Lake Conroe. Texas Eastern
has not provided service for several years on Line 11-Auxndash;1 and it
is not necessary to meet Texas Eastern's firm service obligations.
Texas Eastern would fill Line 11-Auxndash;1 with water and cap it below
ground. Texas Eastern would also remove related ancillary pipe casing
vents and piping components, and disconnect a related rectifier.
    The general location of the project facilities is shown in appendix
1.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The appendices referenced in this notice will not appear in
the Federal Register. Copies of appendices were sent to all those
receiving this notice in the mail and are available at www.ferc.gov
using the link called ``eLibrary'' or from the Commission's Public
Reference Room, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call
(202) 502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to
the last page of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Land Requirements for Construction

    Abandonment of the proposed facilities would disturb approximately
0.5 acre of land, including 10,500 square feet at the southern end of
the 5.7-mile-long segment and 11,250 square feet at the northern end.
All construction areas would be within Texas Eastern's existing,
maintained right-of-way. Following abandonment activities, Texas
Eastern would retain rights to the permanent easement associated with
the Line 11-Aux-1 pipeline.

The EA Process

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the
Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could
result from an action whenever it considers the issuance of a
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. NEPA also requires us
\2\ to discover and address concerns the public may have about
proposals. This process is referred to as ``scoping.'' The main goal of
the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EA on the important
environmental issues. By this notice, the Commission requests public
comments on the scope of the issues to address in the EA. We will
consider all filed comments during the preparation of the EA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ ``We,'' ``us,'' and ``our'' refer to the environmental staff
of the Commission's Office of Energy Projects.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the EA we will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of
the construction and operation of the proposed project under these
general headings:
     Geology and soils;
     Land use;
     Water resources, fisheries, and wetlands;
     Cultural resources;
     Vegetation and wildlife;
     Air quality and noise;
     Endangered and threatened species; and
     Public safety.
    We will also evaluate reasonable alternatives to the proposed
project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to
lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas.
    The EA will present our independent analysis of the issues. The EA
will be available in the public record through eLibrary. Depending on
the comments received during the scoping process, we may also publish
and distribute the EA to the public for an allotted comment period. We
will consider all comments on the EA before making our recommendations
to the Commission. To ensure we have the opportunity to consider and
address your comments, please carefully follow the instructions in the
Public Participation section beginning on page 4.
    With this notice, we are asking agencies with jurisdiction by law
and/or special expertise with respect to the environmental issues of
this project to formally cooperate with us in the

preparation of the EA.\3\ Agencies that would like to request
cooperating agency status should follow the instructions for filing
comments provided under the Public Participation section of this
notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing
cooperating agency responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 1501.6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consultations Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act

    In accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
implementing regulations for section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act, we are using this notice to initiate consultation
with the applicable State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and to
solicit their views and those of other government agencies, interested
Indian tribes, and the public on the project's potential effects on
historic properties.\4\ We will define the project-specific Area of
Potential Effects (APE) in consultation with the SHPO as the project
develops. On natural gas facility projects, the APE at a minimum
encompasses all areas subject to ground disturbance (examples include
construction right-of-way, contractor/pipe storage yards, compressor
stations, and access roads). Our EA for this project will document our
findings on the impacts on historic properties and summarize the status
of consultations under section 106.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations
are at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 800. Those
regulations define historic properties as any prehistoric or
historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in
or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Participation

    You can make a difference by providing us with your specific
comments or concerns about the project. Your comments should focus on
the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and
measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. The more specific
your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your
comments are timely and properly recorded, please send your comments so
that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before June
4, 2012.
    For your convenience, there are three methods which you can use to
submit your comments to the Commission. In all instances please
reference the project docket number (CP12-164-000) with your
submission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and
has expert staff available to assist you at<PHONE_NUMBER> or
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment
feature on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to
Documents and Filings. This is an easy method for interested persons to
submit brief, text-only comments on a project;
    (2) You can file your comments electronically using the eFiling
feature on the Commission's Web site (www.ferc.gov) under the link to
Documents and Filings. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a
variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission.
New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on
``eRegister.'' You must select the type of filing you are making. If
you are filing a comment on a particular project, please select
``Comment on a Filing''; or
    (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to
the following address:

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
First Street NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426.

Environmental Mailing List

    The environmental mailing list includes federal, state, and local
government representatives and agencies; elected officials;
environmental and public interest groups; Native American Tribes; other
interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. This list also
includes all affected landowners (as defined in the Commission's
regulations) who are current right-of-way grantors, whose property may
be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within
certain distances of aboveground facilities, and anyone who submits
comments on the project. We will update the environmental mailing list
as the analysis proceeds to ensure that we send the information related
to this environmental review to all individuals, organizations, and
government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the
proposed project.
    If we publish and distribute the EA, copies will be sent to the
environmental mailing list for public review and comment. If you would
like to remove your name from the mailing list, please return the
attached Information Request (appendix 2).

Becoming an Intervenor

    In addition to involvement in the EA scoping process, you may want
to become an ``intervenor'' which is an official party to the
Commission's proceeding. Intervenors play a more formal role in the
process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard
by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling.
An intervenor formally participates in the proceeding by filing a
request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are in
the User's Guide under the ``e-filing'' link on the Commission's Web
site.

Additional Information

    Additional information about the project is available from the
Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the
FERC Web site at www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary'' link. Click on the
eLibrary link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the docket number,
excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., CP12-
164). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For
assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or toll free at<PHONE_NUMBER>, or for TTY,
contact<PHONE_NUMBER>. The eLibrary link also provides access to the
texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders,
notices, and rulemakings.
    In addition, the Commission now offers a free service called
eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances
and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time
you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to
the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.
    Finally, public meetings or site visits will be posted on the
Commission's calendar located at www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along with other related information.

    Dated: May 4, 2012.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012-11356 Filed 5-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register: August 24, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 163)]
[Notices]
[Page 52063-52064]
[DOCID:fr24au10-120]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2008-0231]

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the
vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for
15 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not
compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these
exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent
to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the
exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

DATES: This decision is effective September 23, 2010. Comments must be
received on or before September 23, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2008-0231, using any of the
following methods.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line 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 or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the
docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments
received without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act
heading below.
    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., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 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 on-line.
    Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review DOT's Privacy Act Statement for the FDMS published in
the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-785.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical
Programs,<PHONE_NUMBER><EMAIL_ADDRESS>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. Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption
from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to
drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period 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 procedures for requesting an exemption (including
renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381.

Exemption Decision

    This notice addresses 15 individuals who have requested renewal of
their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has
evaluated these 15 applications for renewal on their merits and decided
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

William C. Ball, Terrence L. Benning, Robert S. Bowen, Dennis R.
Buszkiewicz, Larry Byrley, Eldon D. Cochran, James R. Corley, Alfred A.
Constantino, Larry D. Curry, Kelly M. Greene, John H. Holmberg, Garry
R.

Lomen, Leonardo Lopez, Jr., James A. Rapp, Thomas P. Shank.

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions:
(1) That each individual has a physical examination every year (a) by
an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the
better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), and
(b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise
physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual
provides a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the
medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (3)
that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification
to the employer for retention in the driver's qualification file and
retains a copy of the certification on his/her person while driving for
presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement
official. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded
earlier by FMCSA. 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.

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 for additional two year periods. In accordance with 49
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 15 applicants has satisfied the
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision
requirements (73 FR 46973; 73 FR 54888) Each of these 15 applicants has
requested renewal of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing
that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard
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
standards. 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.

Request for Comments

    FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a
particular driver's safety record and determine if the continuation of
the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with
specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit
comments by September 23, 2010.
    FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption
under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially
granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed,
subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated
above, the Agency previously published notices of final disposition
announcing its decision to exempt these 15 individuals from the vision
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant an
exemption to each of these individuals was made on the merits of each
case and made only after careful consideration of the comments received
to its notices of applications. The notices of applications stated in
detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each
applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That
information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register
publications.
    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.

    Issued on: August 17, 2010.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2010-20986 Filed 8-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P