[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 63306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31114]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Parts 171, 172 and 175

[Docket HM-224A; Notice No. 97-15]
RIN 2137-AC92


Hazardous Materials: Prohibition of Oxidizers Aboard Aircraft; 
Notice of Public Meeting and Reopening of Comment Period

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rules; public meeting and reopening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: RSPA is inviting additional comments concerning proposals to 
prohibit the transportation of oxidizers in passenger-carrying aircraft 
and in inaccessible locations on cargo aircraft, as issued by RSPA in a 
notice of proposed rulemaking on December 30, 1996, and a supplemental 
notice of proposed rulemaking on August 20, 1997. RSPA and FAA will 
hold a public meeting on January 14, 1998, in Washington, DC. In 
addition, RSPA is reopening the comment period for Docket HM-224A until 
February 13, 1998.

DATES: Comments. Comments must be received by February 13, 1998.
    Public meeting The public meeting will be held on January 14, 1998 
beginning at 9:00 a.m.

ADDRESSES: Comments. Address comments to the Dockets Unit, Research and 
Special Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
room 8421, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20590-0001. 
Comments should identify the docket number and be submitted in five 
copies. Persons wishing to receive confirmation of receipt of their 
comments should include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. Comments 
may also be submitted by e-mail to the following address: 
[email protected]. The Dockets Unit is located in the Department of 
Transportation headquarters building (Nassif Building) at the above 
address on the eighth floor. Public dockets may be reviewed there 
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    Public meeting The public meeting will be held at the Federal 
Aviation Administration Auditorium, Third floor, 800 Independence 
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20591. Any person planning to present a 
statement at the public meeting should notify Diane LaValle, by 
telephone or by e-mail before January 9, 1998. Oral statements should 
be limited to 10 minutes in length.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane LaValle or John Gale, Office of 
Hazardous Materials Standards, (202) 366-8553, Research and Special 
Programs Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-
0001. E-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 30, 1996, RSPA published a 
notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register [61 FR 68955] 
which proposed to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 
CFR parts 171-180) to prohibit the carriage of oxidizers, including 
compressed oxygen, in passenger-carrying aircraft and in inaccessible 
locations on cargo aircraft. The December 30, 1996 notice of proposed 
rulemaking analyzed Class D cargo compartments. On August 20, 1997 a 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking was published in the Federal 
Register [62 FR 44374] which specifically analyzed the prohibition of 
oxidizers in other than Class D cargo compartments.
    Nine associations requested that RSPA schedule a public meeting to 
more fully explore issues relating to the necessity and effect of the 
proposed ban on transportation of oxidizers aboard aircraft. RSPA 
believes the request has merit and will hold a public meeting on 
January 14, 1998 to provide an opportunity for oral comment on the 
proposed action. RSPA is also reopening the comment period to provide 
additional time for submission of written comments.

    Issued in Washington, DC on November 21, 1997 under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR, Part 106.
Alan I. Roberts,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 97-31114 Filed 11-26-97; 8:45 am]
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