Regulatory Update – Sept. 20, 2019

September 20, 2019

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Extends Comment Period on Hours-of-Service NPRM
On Sept. 19, 2019, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a 14-day extension of the comment period for the hours-of-service notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), originally published on Aug. 22, 2019. The notice seeks comments on proposed changes to the hours-of-service regulations. On Aug. 22, 2019, CVSA petitioned the agency for an extension to gather stakeholder input. Comments are now due by Oct. 21.

PHMSA Publishes Updates on Special Permits
On Sept. 17, 2019, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published updates on special permit applications:

NRC Extends Comment Period on Greater-than-Class-C and Transuranic Waste Disposal Draft Regulatory Basis
On Sept. 13, 2019, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced a 60-day extension of the comment period for the draft regulatory basis on greater-than-Class-C and Transuranic Waste disposal, originally published on July 22, 2019. Comments are now due by Nov. 19.

FMCSA Publishes Final Rule on Hours-of-Service Restart Requirement
On Sept. 12, 2019, FMCSA published a final rule amending the hours-of-service requirements to remove a provision requiring that a 34-hour restart require two periods between 1-5 a.m. and limiting the use of a restart to once every 168 hours. The final rule was effective on Sept. 12, 2019.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Licensing Applications ICR
On Sept. 11, 2019, FMCSA published a notice and request for comments on an information collection request (ICR) on licensing applications for motor carrier operating authority. The ICR is used to collect information from existing registrants who are applying for additional authority and Mexico-domiciled motor carriers who wish to operate beyond the U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones. Comments are due by Nov. 12.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Unified Registration System ICR
Also on Sept. 11, 2019, FMCSA published a notice and request for comments on an ICR on the unified registration system. The ICR is used to collect information from motor carriers requesting new operating authority. Comments are due by Nov. 12.

Update on Exemptions

CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. Members can access the information by logging into their CVSA member portal and clicking on the “Exemptions” tab at the top of the page.