[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 13, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 41238]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17586]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PR11-115-000]

Regency Intrastate Gas LP; Notice of Filing

    Take notice that on July 7, 2011, Regency Intrastate Gas LP,
(Regency) filed to revise its Operating Statement. Regency states this
version supersedes and replaces the version filed in Docket No. PR11-
114-000 on June 7, 2011, as more fully described in the filing.
    Any person desiring to participate in this rate filing must file in
accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice
and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered
by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken,
but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any
person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or
motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests
must be filed on or before the date as indicated below. Anyone filing
an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the
Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the
intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or
protests on persons other than the Applicant.
    The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper using the ``eFiling'' link at http://www.ferc.gov. Persons unable to file electronically should submit an
original and 7 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC
20426.
    This filing is accessible on-line at http://www.ferc.gov, using the
``eLibrary'' link and is available for review in the Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an ``eSubscription''
link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail
notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For
assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call<PHONE_NUMBER> (toll free). For
TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

    Dated: July 7, 2011.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-17586 Filed 7-12-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register: March 5, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 43)]
[Notices]
[Page 10259-10261]
[DOCID:fr05mr10-69]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0097; FRL-8811-8]

Pesticide Products; Registration Applications

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: EPA has received applications to register new uses for
pesticide products containing previously registered active ingredients.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 3(c)(4) of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is hereby
providing notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these
applications.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 5, 2010.

ADDRESSES:  Submit your comments, identified by the docket
identification (ID) number specified in Unit II. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION, by one of the following methods:

     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only
accepted during the Docket Facility's normal hours of operation (8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays).
Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed
information. The Docket Facility telephone number is<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to the docket ID number
specified for the pesticide of interest as shown in the registration
application summaries. EPA's policy is that all comments received will
be included in the docket without change and may be made available on-
line at http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-
mail. The regulations.gov website is an ``anonymous access'' system,
which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-
mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov,
your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part
of the comment that is placed in the docket and made available on the
Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you
include your name and other contact information in the body of your
comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the docket index
available at http://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index,
some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet
and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly
available docket materials are available either in the electronic
docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard
copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac
Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The hours of
operation of this Docket Facility are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone
number is<PHONE_NUMBER>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A contact person is listed at the end
of each registration application summary and may be contacted by
telephone or e-mail. The mailing address for each contact person listed
is: Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed at the end of the relevant
registration application summary using the instructions provided under
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through
regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or
CD-ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket.
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments,
remember to:
    i. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying
information (subject heading, Federal Register date, and page number).
If you are commenting on a docket that addresses multiple products,
please indicate to which Registration Number(s)/File Symbol(s) your
comment applies.
    ii. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to
specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.
    iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and
substitute language for your requested changes.
    iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information
and/or data that you used.
    v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you
arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be
reproduced.
    vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and
suggest alternatives.
    vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of
profanity or personal threats.
    viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period
deadline identified.

II. Registration Applications

    EPA has received applications to register new uses for pesticide
products containing previously registered active ingredients. Pursuant
to the provisions of section 3(c)(4) of FIFRA, EPA is hereby providing
notice of receipt and opportunity to comment on these applications.
Notice of receipt of these applications does not imply a decision by
the Agency on the applications.
    1. Registration Numbers: 70051-17, 70051-19. Docket Number: EPA-HQ-
OPP-2010-0088. Company Name and Address: Certis USA LLC, 9145 Guilford

Road, Suite 175, Columbia, MD 21046. Active Ingredient: Paecilomyces
fumosoroseus var. Apopka strain 97. Proposed Uses: All food
commodities. Contact: Shanaz Bacchus,<PHONE_NUMBER>,
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    2. Registration Number: 70051-44. Docket Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-
0059. Company Name and Address: Certis USA LLC, 9145 Guilford Road,
Suite 175, Columbia, MD 21046. Active Ingredient: Cydia pomonella
granulovirus. Proposed Uses: Residential uses. Contact: Jeannine
Kausch,<PHONE_NUMBER><EMAIL_ADDRESS>    3. Registration Numbers: 70127-7, 70127-8, 70127-10. Docket Number:
EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0081. Company Name and Address: Novozymes Biologicals
Incorporated, 5400 Corporate Circle, Salem, VA 24153. Active
Ingredient: Metarhizium anisopliae F52. Proposed Uses: All food
commodities. Contact: Shanaz Bacchus,<PHONE_NUMBER>,
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    4. File Symbol: 73049-UTR. Docket Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0091.
Company Name and Address: Valent BioSciences Corporation, 870
Technology Way, Suite 100, Libertyville, IL 60048-6316. Active
Ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain ABTS-351.
Proposed Uses: Ornamental fruit, nut, and citrus trees; forests, shade
trees, and sugar maple. Contact: Kathleen Martin,<PHONE_NUMBER>,
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    5. File Symbol: 84418-E. Docket Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0105.
Company Name and Address: New Century Channel Group, d/b/a Pignx
Incorporated, 1150 Connecticut Avenue NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC
20036. Active Ingredient: Capsaicin. Proposed Uses: Rodenticide.
Contact: Cheryl Greene,<PHONE_NUMBER><EMAIL_ADDRESS>    6. File Symbol: 85004-G. Docket Number: EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0060.
Company Name and Address: MacIntosh and Associates Incorporated, 1203
Hartford Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116-1622 (on behalf of Pasteuria
Bioscience Incorporated, 12085 Research Drive, Suite 185, Alachua, FL
32615). Active Ingredient: Pasteuria usgae. Proposed Uses:
Strawberries. Contact: Jeannine Kausch,<PHONE_NUMBER>,
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests.

    Dated: February 24, 2010.
Keith A. Matthews,
Acting Director, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division,
Office of Pesticide Programs.

[FR Doc. 2010-4718 Filed 3-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S


[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 58 (Monday, March 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12933-12937]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05788]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter B

[Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0037]

Request for Comments Concerning Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSRs) Which May Be a Barrier to the Safe Testing and
Deployment of Automated Driving Systems-Equipped Commercial Motor
Vehicles on Public Roads

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

ACTION: Request for comments.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA requests public comments on existing Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that may need to be updated,
modified, or eliminated to facilitate the safe introduction of
automated driving systems (ADS) equipped commercial motor vehicles
(CMVs) onto our Nation's roadways. To assist in this undertaking, FMCSA
commissioned the U.S. Department of Transportation's John A. Volpe
National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe) to conduct a preliminary
review of the FMCSRs to identify regulations that may relate to the
development and safe introduction of ADS. The Agency requests comments
on this report, including whether any of FMCSA's current safety
regulations may hinder the testing and safe integration of ADS-equipped
CMVs. Further, FMCSA requests comment on certain specific regulatory
requirements that are likely to be affected by an increased integration
of ADS-equipped CMVs. However, the Agency is not seeking comments on
its financial responsibility requirements because they are not directly
related to CMV technologies and because future insurance requirements
will depend in part on the evolution of State tort law with respect to
liability for the operation of ADS-equipped vehicles. In addition, to
support FMCSA's effort to understand future impacts on the FMCSR's,
FMCSA requests information, including from companies engaged in the
design, development, testing, and integration of ADS-equipped CMVs into
the fleet. Specifically, the Agency requests information about: The
scenarios and environments where entities expect that ADS will soon be
tested and integrated into CMVs operating on public roads or in
interstate commerce; the operational design domains (ODD) in which
these systems are being operated or would be tested and eventually
deployed; and,

measures they believe are required to ensure the protection of any
proprietary or confidential business information they intend to share
with the Agency.

DATES: Public Comments: Comments on this notice must be received on or
before May 10, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket Number FMCSA-
2018-0037 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 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. E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Huntley, Division Chief,
Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver,
and Vehicle Safety, MC-PSV,<PHONE_NUMBER>, [email protected],
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
notice (FMCSA-2018-0037), indicate the specific section of this
document and the Volpe report to which each comment applies, provide a
reason for each suggestion or recommendation, and identify the source
of any data informing your comment. You may submit your comments and
material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only
one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and
mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of
your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions
regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov,
put the docket number, FMCSA-2018-0037, in the keyword box, and click
``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on the ``Comment Now!''
button and type your comment into the text box on the following screen.
Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on
behalf of a third party and then submit.
    If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them
in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for
copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would
like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped,
self-addressed postcard or envelope.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this
preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA-2018-0037, in the
keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, click the ``Open Docket
Folder'' button and choose the document to review. If you do not have
access to the internet, you may view the docket by visiting the Docket
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Privacy Act

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) solicits comments from the
public to better inform its decision-making processes. DOT posts these
comments, without edit, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy.

I. Background

    On September 12, 2017, the Department published the Automated
Driving Systems (ADS): A Vision for Safety 2.0. (Publication No. DOT HS
812 442) (the Voluntary Guidance). The Voluntary Guidance offers a path
forward for the safe integration of automated vehicles by:
     Encouraging new entrants and ideas that deliver safer
vehicles;
     Making the Departmental regulatory processes more nimble
to help match the pace of private sector innovation; and,
     Supporting industry innovation and encouraging open
communication with the public and with stakeholders.
    The Voluntary Guidance is rooted in the Department's view that ADS-
equipped vehicles hold enormous potential benefits for safety,
mobility, and the efficiency of our transportation system. The primary
focus of the Voluntary Guidance is on levels of ADS that can take full
control of the driving tasks in at least some circumstances. Portions
of the Voluntary Guidance also apply to lower levels of automation,
including some of the driver assistance systems already being deployed
by automakers today. The full document can be found at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/13069a-ads2.0_090617_v9a_tag.pdf.
    The Voluntary Guidance adopts the SAE International (SAE) J3016
standard's definitions for levels of automation. The SAE definitions
divide vehicles into levels based on ``who does what, when.''
Generally:
     SAE Level 0, No Driving Automation; the driver performs
all driving tasks.
     SAE Level 1, Driver Assistance; the vehicle is controlled
by the driver, but some driving assist features may be included in the
vehicle design.
     SAE Level 2, Partial Driving Automation; the vehicle has
combined automated functions, like acceleration and steering, but the
driver must remain engaged with the driving task and monitor the
environment at all times.
     SAE Level 3, Conditional Driving Automation; the driver is
a necessity, but is not required to monitor the environment. The driver
must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times with notice.
     SAE Level 4, High Driving Automation; the vehicle is
capable of performing all driving functions under certain conditions.
The driver may have the option to control the vehicle.
     SAE Level 5, Full Driving Automation: the vehicle is
capable of performing all driving functions under all conditions.
    Using the SAE levels described above, the Department draws a
distinction between Levels 0-2 and 3-5 based on whether the human
driver or the automated system is primarily responsible for monitoring
the driving environment. For the purposes of this Federal Register
notice, the Agency's primary focus is SAE Levels 3-5 ADS.
    FMCSA encourages the development of these advanced safety
technologies for use on CMVs, and at the same time, recognizes the need
to work with the States to ensure that, from an operations standpoint,
all testing and use of these advanced safety systems is conducted in a
manner that ensures the safe operation of ADS-equipped commercial
vehicles.
    FMCSA is responsible for the safety oversight of motor carriers
operating CMVs in interstate commerce, the drivers of CMVs, and the
vehicles. The Agency works with its State partners to deliver programs
intended to prevent CMV crashes, and the associated injuries and
fatalities.
    The FMCSRs provide rules to ensure the safe operation of CMVs, as
defined

in 49 CFR 390.5, which includes vehicles with a gross vehicle weight/
gross combination weight or gross vehicle weight rating/gross
combination weight rating, whichever is greater, of 10,001 pounds or
more; passenger-carrying vehicles designed or used to transport 9 to 15
passengers for direct compensation; passenger-carrying vehicles
designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers; and any size
vehicle transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring
placards.
    On April 24, 2017, FMCSA held a public listening session to solicit
information on issues relating to the design, development, testing, and
integration of ADS-equipped commercial motor vehicles (82 FR 18096,
April 17, 2017). The listening session provided interested parties an
opportunity to share their views and any data or analysis on this topic
with Agency representatives. The Agency also invited interested parties
to submit written comments by July 17, 2017. A full transcript of the
listening session and all written comments is available in public
docket, FMCSA-2017-0114, at www.regulations.gov.

II. Request for Public Comments: The Applications of the FMCSRs to ADS-
Equipped CMVs

    In addition to the public listening session discussed above, FMCSA
commissioned Volpe to conduct a preliminary review of the FMCSRs to
identify regulations that relate to the development and safe
introduction of automated driving systems. FMCSA subsequently received
from Volpe its final report, ``Review of the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations for Automated Commercial Vehicles: Preliminary
Assessment of Interpretation and Enforcement Challenges, Questions, and
Gaps,'' report number MCSA-RRT-17-013, August 2017. A copy of the
report is included in the docket referenced at the beginning of this
notice.
    Volpe found several provisions in the FMCSRs that might present
challenges for automated CMVs that continue to require a human driver.
Additionally, Volpe indicated that automated CMVs either requiring an
onboard (non-driving) human technician or not requiring an onboard
human at all may face compliance challenges. Volpe noted, however, that
the nature and extent of these challenges will depend on how key terms
and applicability statements are interpreted.
    Notwithstanding the findings of the Volpe analysis, the Policy
released on September 12, 2017, indicated (see page 2 of the
publication) that FMCSA believes its regulations require that ``a
trained commercial driver must be behind the wheel at all times,
regardless of any automated driving technologies available on the CMV,
unless a petition for a waiver or exemption has been granted.'' In
light of the comments the Agency received in response to its April 17,
2017, request for public comments and the remarks of those in
attendance at the April 24, 2017, public listening session, the Agency
is reconsidering its views on this matter. The absence of specific
regulatory text requiring a driver be behind the wheel may afford the
Agency the flexibility to allow, under existing regulations, ADS to
perform the driver's functions in the operational design domain in
which the system would be relied upon, without the presence of a
trained commercial driver in the driver's seat.
    FMCSA notes that in the event regulatory relief is necessary to
allow the operation of a commercial motor vehicle without a person in
the driver's seat, the Agency has authority to grant waivers for up to
three months, grant exemptions for up to five years (with the
possibility of renewals of the exemptions), or allow pilot programs for
up to three years, provided certain conditions are satisfied [see 49
CFR part 381].
    To that end, the Agency seeks information concerning the extent to
which the public, including industry, safety advocates, the motoring
public, and those engaged in the design, development, testing, and
integration of ADS for CMVs believe any of FMCSA's current safety
regulations may hinder the testing and safe deployment of ADS-equipped
CMVs, including, but not limited to, the regulations preliminarily
identified by Volpe. In particular, the agency is interested in
comments concerning how different interpretations of the applicability
of FMCSRs to ADS-equipped CMVs could represent a barrier, e.g., whether
the FMCSRs, under certain conditions, could be read to require, or not
require, the presence of a trained commercial driver in the driver's
seat. To the extent commenters do identify unnecessary barriers, how
could FMCSA use its available regulatory relief mechanism to
appropriately remove or reduce those barriers?
    In addition to the issues in the Volpe Report, the agency also
requests comment on how ADS-equipped CMVs could interact with certain
specific regulations.

Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

    The FMCSRs require all CMVs to be systematically inspected,
repaired, and maintained. All parts must be in safe and proper
operating condition at all times. With limited exceptions, motor
carriers are prohibited from operating a CMV unless there is proof that
it has passed an annual inspection.
    How should motor carriers ensure the proper functioning of ADS
prior to operating in an automated mode?
    Should the Agency consider minimum requirements for motor carrier
personnel responsible for maintaining the equipment used to achieve
certain levels of automated operations (for example, a requirement that
technicians be trained by the ADS developers, etc.)?
    What Information Technology (IT) security/safety assurances can be
provided by maintenance personnel and CMV drivers/operators that the
ADS systems are functioning properly?
    For State representatives with experience inspecting traditional
CMVs, what types of malfunctions or damage on an ADS-equipped CMV
should be considered an imminent hazard? Do you have any additional
comments regarding inspection, repair, and maintenance?

Roadside and Annual Inspections

    FMCSA and its State partners conduct roadside inspections of CMVs
to identify and remove from service unsafe drivers and vehicles. The
inspection criteria represent enforcement tolerances, which are
thresholds for determining whether the level of noncompliance with the
applicable safety regulations is severe enough to warrant placing the
vehicle or driver out-of-service.
    How could an enforcement official identify CMVs capable of various
levels of automated operation? For example, should CMVs with ADS be
visibly marked to indicate the level of automated operation they are
designed to achieve, or would making these vehicles so easily
identifiable cause other road users to interact unfavorably with CMVs
with ADS?
    Do you have any additional comments regarding roadside and annual
inspections?

Distracted Driving (Prohibition Against Texting and Using Handheld
Wireless Phones) and Driver Monitoring

    This section applies to situations involving a Level 3 human-
monitored ADS. Current regulations prohibit individuals from texting
and using hand-held wireless phones while driving CMVs in interstate
commerce.

    What changes, if any, should be made to the distracted driving
regulations for human drivers of CMVs with ADS while in automated mode?
For example, should a human driver in a CMV with ADS be allowed to use
a hand-held wireless phone while the ADS is in complete control of the
vehicle?
    Should driver fatigue monitoring be required, and if so, what
method(s) should be used to conduct such monitoring? For example, the
Trucking Fatigue Meter [See https://pulsarinformatics.com/products/trucking] samples data throughout the day and alerts fleet managers
once a human driver exceeds a company-determined fatigue threshold.
    Additionally, should these systems be required to provide
``alertness assistance'' to human drivers? For example, should these
systems be required to periodically request input from human drivers,
or should they be required to request input from human drivers only
when the driver appears to be losing focus or when the ADS in control
of the vehicle is confronted with situations outside its parameters?
    What level of human driver inattentiveness (or how long a period of
inattentiveness) should be allowed in a vehicle controlled by an ADS
before the vehicle is required to enter its minimal risk condition? How
long after entering the minimal risk condition must a human driver wait
to re-engage an ADS (e.g., a minimum 30-minute break may provide the
driver an opportunity to rest)? What should the requirements be for re-
engaging the CMV with ADS in an automated mode in this scenario?

Medical Qualifications

    FMCSA's regulations include physical qualification standards for
humans driving CMVs to ensure that they are medically qualified to do
so. As technology advances, humans may be required only to monitor the
operation of CMVs with ADS on public roadways, or they may not be
required at all. Thus, as technology develops, changes to the physical
qualification rules will be required, and some medical conditions may
become inapplicable.
    What medical conditions currently precluding issuance of a medical
card could become inapplicable as ADS technology develops?
    What medical conditions currently precluding issuance of a medical
card should NOT be considered disqualifying for a human driver who is
simply monitoring a CMV with ADS?

Hours of Service for Drivers

    FMCSA's regulations include requirements intended to reduce the
risk of driver fatigue and fatigue-related crashes. Generally, the
rules for truck drivers allow up to 11 hours driving time in the work
day, following 10 consecutive hours off-duty. And all driving must be
completed within 14 hours of the beginning of the work day. The rules
prohibit driving after a driver has accumulated a certain amount of on-
duty time (which includes the time spent driving and time spent
performing other work) during the work week. Current regulations
require that all time spent at the operating controls of the CMV be
recorded as on-duty, driving time. Given the SAE levels of automation
discussed above, FMCSA seeks public comments on how drivers' hours of
service should be recorded if the ADS is relied upon to perform some or
all of the driving tasks.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Endorsements

    FMCSA requires all drivers of CMVs to have the knowledge and skills
necessary to operate a CMV safely. States are required to include
specific items in the knowledge and skills tests administered to CDL
applicants. CDL applicants wishing to obtain specific endorsements must
satisfy additional knowledge and skill test requirements. Existing
endorsements include: Double/triple trailers, passenger, tank vehicle,
hazardous materials, and school bus.
    Due to potential variations in ADS technology across various
providers, FMCSA seeks to ensure that human drivers and operators of
CMVs with ADS receive training for the specific technologies present in
the vehicles they operate.
    Should an endorsement be considered for human drivers and operators
of CMVs with ADS to ensure they (1) understand the capabilities and
limitations of the advanced technologies, and (2) know when it is
appropriate to rely on automatic rather than manual operation? If so,
what types of tests--knowledge, skills, or both--should be required to
obtain such an endorsement; and should there be separate endorsements
for different types of ADS?
    If an ADS-equipped CMV is to be deployed without a human driver
onboard, should the computer system be required to demonstrate
autonomous capabilities for the same maneuvers included on the CDL
skills test?

III. Request for Information: Current Testing and Operation of CMVs
With ADS

Data Sharing

    FMCSA would like to ensure that the Agency is able to receive and
review data and information from the private sector to understand a
driver's experience with ADS technologies in real-world settings.
    If you are a developer or tester of ADS technologies, what types of
data and/or safety measures are you currently collecting--or do you
plan to collect--during testing? How often is this data collected?
    How can FMCSA ensure that data and/or safety measures collected are
presented in a comparable format?
    How can FMCSA assess whether a CMV equipped with an ADS is being
operated as safely as a traditional CMV operating on a public roadway?
    What pieces of information are entities using to evaluate how a
driver is using an ADS- equipped commercial vehicle?

Testing and Interstate Operations of CMVs With ADS on Public Roadways

    What type of ADS-equipped CMVs are currently being tested? Are they
Level 4 ADS-equipped vehicles that can only operate on certain
roadways, Level 4 vehicles with more extensive ODDs, or full Level 5
vehicles?
    Do vehicles currently being tested have operational limitations to
ensure safe operations? Examples of operational limitations might
include time of day, weather conditions, types of roads, specific
routes within an ODD, maximum allowable operational speed, markings
showing that the vehicle is capable of highly automated operations,
etc.
    In moving forward what actions, if any, should FMCSA consider to
ensure the safe operation of ADS-equipped CMV's in various ODDs?
    How can FMCSA assess whether a CMV with ADS operating within its
ODD can perform on certain maneuvers, such as emergency brake
performance, crash avoidance maneuvers, etc.?
    Should FMCSA consider approaching CMVs that carry persons or
hazardous materials differently than other CMVs?
    For State representatives, would you consider changing certain
requirements (for example, higher versus lower levels of insurance) for
an ADS-equipped CMV? If yes, based on what factors; and how would you
implement such requirements?

Beyond Compliance Program

    On April 23, 2015, FMCSA issued an initial Federal Register notice
seeking

comment on the impacts of a possible ``Beyond Compliance Program'' to
consider a company's voluntary implementation of state-of-the-art best
practices and technologies when evaluating a carrier's safety (80 FR
22770).
    The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act mandated
that the Agency provide recognition to motor carriers for voluntary use
of advanced technologies or safety programs (Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat.
1312, Dec. 4, 2012). Per section 5222, FMCSA may authorize qualified
entities to monitor motor carriers that receive ``Beyond Compliance''
recognition (129 Stat. 1540).
    To what extent, if any, should the various levels of automation be
considered as part of the Beyond Compliance Program?

Regulation of Manufacturing Versus Operation

    The regulation of CMVs is a function shared by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and FMCSA, with manufacturing
regulated by NHTSA and operation regulated by FMCSA (and its State
partners). Does this separation of functions create unique problems, or
perhaps offer unique solutions, for operators of ADS-equipped CMVs?

Confidentiality of Shared Information

    FMCSA acknowledges that companies may be reluctant to share certain
proprietary data or information with the Agency, either as part of the
waiver, exemption, or pilot program application process, or during the
pendency of a regulatory relief period. The Agency notes that 49 CFR
389.3 provides protection for ``confidential business information''
which includes trade secrets or commercial or financial information
that is privileged or confidential, as described in 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4).
Commercial or financial information is considered confidential if it is
voluntarily submitted to the Agency and constitutes the type of
information not customarily released to the general public. FMCSA has
established standards and procedures by which the Agency will solicit,
receive, and protect confidential information from public disclosure.
The Agency is seeking information from interested parties on how it
might further protect non-public information necessary to assess
whether ADS-equipped CMVs meet performance standards and accurately
document safety-related events during a waiver, temporary exemption, or
pilot program.
    What measures would original equipment manufacturers and developers
expect of FMCSA before sharing confidential business information?
    How might the Agency obtain information sufficient to assess the
safety performance of CMVs with ADS without collecting confidential
business information?
    Do you have any additional comments regarding the confidentiality
of shared information?

    Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.87 on: March 16,
2018.
Raymond P. Martinez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2018-05788 Filed 3-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 57 (Thursday, March 24, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15781-15785]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06583]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA 2016-0002-N-8]

Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its
implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
hereby announces that it is seeking an extension of the following
currently approved information collection activities. On February 19,
2016, FRA published in the Federal Register its request for Emergency
Clearance for new Form FRA F 6180.167, Bridge Inspection Report Public
Version Request Form. See 81 FR 8588. The information collection
activities associated with Form FRA F 6180.167 received a six-month
emergency approval from OMB on February 25, 2016. FRA seeks a regular
clearance (extension of the current approval for three years) to
continue this effort to provide a means for a State or a political
subdivision of a State to obtain a public version of a bridge
inspection report generated by a railroad for a bridge located within
their respective jurisdiction. Before submitting these information
collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of
the activities identified below.

DATES: Comments must be received no later than May 23, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following
proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Railroad Safety, Regulatory
Safety Analysis Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200
New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 17, Washington, DC 20590, or Ms.
Kimberly Toone, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of
Information Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200
New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters
requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must
include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, ``Comments on OMB
control number 2130-0586.'' Alternatively, comments may be transmitted
via facsimile to<PHONE_NUMBER> or<PHONE_NUMBER>, or via email to Mr.
Brogan at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or to Ms. Toone at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence
submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this
notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information
collection submission to OMB for approval.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Mr. Robert Brogan, Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Regulatory Safety Analysis Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC
20590 (telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>) or Ms. Kimberly Toone, Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology, RAD-20,
Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop
35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>). (These telephone
numbers are not toll-free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13, sec.
2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520),
and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal
agencies to provide notice to the public for comment on information
collection activities before seeking approval for reinstatement or
renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1),
1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites interested
respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed information
collection activities regarding (i) whether the information collection
activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions,
including whether the activities will have practical utility; (ii) the
accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden of the information collection
activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions
used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways for FRA to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and
(iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection
activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). See
44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(I)-(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(I)-(iv). FRA
believes that soliciting public comment will promote its efforts to
reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the
collection of information mandated by Federal regulations. In summary,
FRA reasons that comments received will advance three objectives: (i)
Reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure that it organizes information
collection requirements in a ``user friendly'' format to improve the
use of such information; and (iii) accurately assess the resources
expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C.
3501.
    Below is a brief summary of the currently approved information
collection request that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as
required under the PRA:

    Title: Bridge Safety Standards.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0586.
    Abstract: On December 4, 2015, President Obama signed into law the
Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) (Pub. L. 114-
94). Section 11405, ``Bridge Inspection Reports,'' provides a means for
a State or a political subdivision of a State to obtain a public
version of a bridge inspection report generated by a railroad for a
bridge located within their respective jurisdiction. While the FAST Act
specifies that requests for such reports are to be filed with the
Secretary of Transportation, the responsibility for fulfilling these
requests is delegated to FRA.
    FRA has revised its currently approved information collection to
account for the additional burden that will be incurred by States and
political subdivisions of States requesting a public version of a
bridge inspection report generated by a railroad for a bridge located
within their respective jurisdiction. FRA developed a new form titled
``Bridge Inspection Report Public Version Request Form'' (see below) to
facilitate such requests by States and their political subdivisions.
Additionally, FRA has revised its currently approved information
collection to account for the additional burden that will be incurred
by railroads to provide the public version of a bridge inspection
report upon agency request to FRA.
    As background, on July 15, 2010, FRA published its Bridge Safety
Standards Final Rule. See 75 FR 41281. The final rule on bridge safety
standards normalized and established federal requirements for railroad
bridges. The final rule established minimum requirements to assure the
structural integrity of railroad bridges and to protect the safe
operation of trains over those bridges. The final rule required
railroads/track owners to implement bridge management programs to
prevent the deterioration of railroad bridges and to reduce the risk of
human casualties, environmental damage, and disruption to the Nation's
transportation system that would result from a catastrophic bridge
failure. Bridge management programs were required to include annual
inspection of bridges as well as special inspections, which must be
conducted if natural or accidental events cause conditions that warrant
such inspections. Lastly, the final rule required railroads/track
owners to audit bridge management programs and bridge inspections and
to keep records mandated under 49 CFR part 237. This final rule
culminated FRA's efforts to develop and promulgate bridge safety
regulations and fulfilled the Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008
(Pub. L. 110-432, Division A) mandate.
    The information collected is used by FRA to ensure that railroads/
track owners meet Federal standards for bridge safety and comply with
all the requirements of this regulation. In particular, the collection
of information is used by FRA to confirm that railroads/track owners
adopt and implement bridge management programs to properly inspect,
maintain, modify, and repair all bridges that carry trains over them
for which they are responsible. Railroads/track owners must conduct
annual inspections of railroad bridges. Further, railroads/track owners
must incorporate provisions for internal audit into their bridge
management program and must conduct internal audits of bridge
inspection reports. The internal audit information is used by
railroads/track owners to verify that the inspection provisions of the
bridge management program are being followed and to continually
evaluate the effectiveness of their bridge management program and
bridge inspection activities. FRA uses this information to ensure that
railroads/track owners implement a safe and effective bridge management
program and bridge inspection regime.
    Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.167.
    Affected Public: States/Political Subdivisions of States and
Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 50 States/State Political Subdivisions and 693
Railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Respondent          Total annual       Average time per    Total annual
           CFR Section                   universe            responses             response        burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW FAST ACT REQUIREMENTS........  50 States/State....  75 forms...........  5 minutes..........               6
    --Form FRA F 6180.167........  Political
                                    Subdivision.
    --Railroad Submission to FRA   693 Railroads......  75 reports.........  60 minutes.........              75
     of Bridge Inspection Report--
     Public Version.
    --237.3--Notifications to FRA  693 Railroads......  15 notifications...  90 minutes.........            22.5
     of Assignment of Bridge
     Responsibility.
    --Signed Statement by          693 Railroads......  15 signed            30 minutes.........             7.5
     Assignee Concerning Bridge                          statements.
     Responsibility.
237.9--Waivers--Petitions........  693 Railroads......  6 petitions........  4 hours............              24
23731/33--Development/Adoption of  693 Railroads......  5 plans............  24 hours...........             120
 Bridge Management Program.
237.57--Designation of Qualified   693 Railroads......  1,000 designations.  30 minutes.........             400
 Individuals.
237.71--Determination of Bridge    693 Railroads......  2,000                8 hours............          16,000
 Load Capacities.                                        determinations.
237.73--Issuance of Instructions   693 Railroads......  2,000 instructions.  2 hours............           4,000
 to Railroad Personnel by Track
 Owner.
237.105--Special Bridge            693 Railroads......  7,500 insp. and      12.50 hours........          93,750
 Inspections and Reports/Records.                        reports/records.
    --Special Underwater           693 Railroads......  50 insp. and         40 hours...........           2,000
     Inspections.                                        Reports/rcds..
237.107 and 237.109--Nationwide    693 Railroads......  15,450 insp. &       4 hours............          61,800
 Annual Bridge Inspections--                             reports.
 Reports.
    --Records....................  693 Railroads......  15,450 records.....  1 hour.............          15,450
    --Report of Deficient          693 Railroads......  50 reports.........  30 minutes.........              25
     Condition on a Bridge.
237.111--Review of Bridge          693 Railroads......  2,000 insp. rpt.     30 minutes.........           1,000
 Inspection Reports by RR Bridge                         reviews.
 Engineers.
    --Prescription of Bridge       693 Railroads......  200 insp. proc.      30 minutes.........             100
     Insp. Procedure                                     modifications.
     Modifications After Review.
237.131--Design of Bridge          693 Railroads......  1,250 designs......  16 hours...........          20,000
 Modifications or Bridge Repairs.

    --Bridge Modification Repair   693 Railroads......  1,250 br. mod.       1.50 hours.........           1,875
     Reviews/Supervisory Efforts.                        repair reviews.
    --Common Standard Designed by  693 Railroads......  50 standards.......  24 hours...........           1,200
     Railroad Bridge Engineer.
237.153--Audits of Inspections...  693 Railroads......  725 insp. audits...  80 hours/24 hours/6           5,534
                                                                              hours.
237.155--Documents and Records...  693 Railroads......  5 systems..........  80 hours...........             400
    --Establishment of RR
     Monitoring and Info.
     Technology Security Systems
     for Electronic Recordkeeping.
    --Employees Trained in System  693 Railroads......  100 employees......  8 hours............             800
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Estimated Responses for New FAST Act Requirements: 150.
    Total Estimated Responses for Entire Information Collection:
49,271.
    Total Estimated Total Annual Burden for New FAST Act Requirements:
81 hours.
    Total Estimated Total Annual Burden Entire Information Collection:
224,689 hours.
    Type of Request: Extension without change of a currently approved
information collection under regular clearance procedures.
    Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b),
1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not
conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.

    Authority:  44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

    Issued in Washington, DC on March 18, 2016.
Amit Bose,
Chief Counsel.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24MR16.001

FAST Act Bridge Inspection Report Requests

    The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) (Pub. L.
114-94) (Dec. 4, 2015), Section 11405, ``Bridge Inspection Reports,''
provides a means for a State or a political subdivision of a State to
obtain a public version of a bridge inspection report generated by a
railroad for a bridge located within their respective jurisdiction.
While the FAST Act specifies that requests for such reports are to be
filed with the Secretary of Transportation, the responsibility for
fulfilling these requests is delegated to the Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA). See 49 CFR 1.89. The text of Section 11405 of the
FAST Act is provided in attachment 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Q. Who can make a request for a bridge inspection report under
Section 11405 of the FAST Act?
    A. Section 11405 of the FAST Act permits a State or a political
subdivision of a State to file a request for a public version of a
bridge inspection report for a bridge located in that State or
political subdivision's jurisdiction. Thus, any duly elected or
appointed official of a State or political subdivision of a State,
acting in his or her official capacity, may file a request. This
includes officials of a State, city, county, town, municipality or
other political subdivision of a State.
    Q. What information do I need to provide in my request?
    A. Go to FRA's Web site (www.fra.dot.gov) and click on the

Bridge Inspection Report link and fill out the ``Bridge Inspection
Report Public Version Request Form'' (FRA F 6180.167) in its entirety
(a link to the form is provided at the end of these questions). Please
provide the following information:
     Your name and title;
     Official address;
     Email address;
     Telephone number;
     Identification of the individual bridge(s) for which you
are requesting a public version of a bridge inspection report(s).
Bridge identification information could include a street name, a nearby
intersecting street, a waterway or a recognizable land feature where
appropriate;
     Name of the railroad that owns and/or operates over the
requested bridge(s) (if known); and
     An indication that the request is being made in your
official capacity as a representative of a State or a political
subdivision of a State. The bridge(s) for which the inspection
report(s) is sought must be within the jurisdiction of the political
subdivision of the State you represent.
    Q. How do I file my request?
    A. You can file a request by going to FRA's Web site
(www.fra.dot.gov) and clicking on the Bridge Inspection Report link.
There you will find the ``Bridge Inspection Report Public Version
Request Form'' (FRA F 6180.167). Please complete this pdf fillable form
by providing all of the information listed in the question above and
click on the ``submit'' box when completed. This will automatically
create an email that will send the completed form directly to FRA. A
link to the form has also been provided at the end of these questions
below.
    If you are unable to submit the form to FRA directly, please fill
out the ``Bridge Inspection Report Public Version Request Form'' (FRA F
6180.167) and attach it in an email to
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Requests will only be
accepted through this email address with the proper form completely
filled out and attached.
    Q. How will FRA handle a request?
    A. FRA will evaluate the request and, if found to be compliant with
law, FRA will promptly request that the railroad responsible for the
bridge provide a public version of the most recent inspection report(s)
to FRA. Once FRA has received the report(s), FRA will review the
report(s) to ensure that at least the minimum information required by
law has been provided. Once determined to be satisfactory, the
report(s) will be sent to the requester electronically by reply to the
request unless the requester provides an alternate email address to
send the report to.
    Q. What information must a railroad include in the public version
of the bridge inspection report provided to FRA?
    A. The FAST Act requires the following information to be included
in a public version of a bridge inspection report:
    1. The date of the last inspection;
    2. Length of bridge;
    3. Location of bridge;
    4. Type of bridge (superstructure);
    5. Type of structure (substructure);
    6. Features crossed by the bridge;
    7. Railroad contact information; and
    8. A general statement on the condition of the bridge.
    Q. How much time does a railroad have to provide the public version
of a bridge inspection report to FRA?
    A. FRA interprets the statute to require a railroad to provide a
requested report containing at least the minimum specified information
within a reasonable amount of time. FRA believes that a reasonable time
for a railroad to provide a requested report is within 30 days of
receipt of FRA's request.
    Q. How long will it take FRA to produce a public version of a
bridge inspection report to a requester?
    A. FRA will handle these requests as expeditiously as possible and
generally expects to respond to most requests by providing the
requester with a public version of a bridge inspection report within 45
days of receipt of the request.
    (Link to Form will be located here)

Attachment 1 to Frequently Asked Questions

FAST Act--Section 11405--Bridge Inspection Reports

    Section 417(d) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (49
U.S.C. 20103 note) is amended--(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following: ``(1) IN GENERAL.--The Secretary''; and (2) by
adding at the end the following: ``(2) AVAILABILITY OF BRIDGE
CONDITION.--
    ``(A) IN GENERAL.--A State or political subdivision of a State may
file a request with the Secretary for a public version of a bridge
inspection report generated under subsection (b)(5) for a bridge
located in such State or political subdivision's jurisdiction.
    ``(B) PUBLIC VERSION OF REPORT.--If the Secretary determines that
the request is reasonable, the Secretary shall require a railroad to
submit a public version of the most recent bridge inspection report,
such as a summary form, for a bridge subject to a request under
subparagraph (A). The public version of a bridge inspection report
shall include the date of last inspection, length of bridge, location
of bridge, type of bridge, type of structure, feature crossed by
bridge, and railroad contact information, along with a general
statement on the condition of the bridge.
    ``(C) PROVISION OF REPORT.--The Secretary shall provide to a State
or political subdivision of a State a public version of a bridge
inspection report submitted under subparagraph (B).
    ``(D) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.--The Secretary, upon the reasonable
request of State or political subdivision of a State, shall provide
technical assistance to such State or political subdivision of a State
to facilitate the understanding of a bridge inspection report.''

[FR Doc. 2016-06583 Filed 3-23-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P