[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 21, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69884-69886]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-29574]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

49 CFR Parts 219 and 225

[FRA-98-4898, Notice No. 3]
RIN 2130-AB30


Annual Adjustment of Monetary Threshold for Reporting Rail 
Equipment Accidents/Incidents--Calendar Year 2001

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule establishes at $6,600 the monetary threshold 
for reporting railroad accidents/incidents involving railroad property 
damage that occur during calendar year 2001. There is no change from 
the reporting threshold for calendar year 2000. This action is needed 
to ensure and maintain comparability between different years of data by 
having the threshold keep pace with any increases or decreases in 
equipment and labor costs so that each year accidents involving the 
same minimum amount of railroad property damage are included in the 
reportable accident counts. The reporting threshold was last reviewed 
in 1999.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert L. Finkelstein, Staff Director, 
Office of Safety Analysis, RRS-22, Mail Stop 17, Office of Safety 
Assurance and Compliance, FRA, 1120 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20590 (telephone 202-493-6280); or Nancy L. Friedman, Trial 
Attorney, Office of Chief Counsel, RCC-12, Mail Stop 10, FRA, 1120 
Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 (telephone 202-493-6034).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Each rail equipment accident/incident must be reported to FRA using 
the Rail Equipment Accident/Incident Report (Form FRA F 6180.54). 49 
CFR 225.19(b), (c). As revised in 1997, paragraphs (c) and (e) of 49 
CFR 225.19, provide that the dollar figure that constitutes the 
reporting threshold for rail equipment accidents/incidents will be 
adjusted, if necessary, every year in accordance with the procedures 
outlined in appendix B to part 225, to reflect any cost increases or 
decreases. 61 FR 30942, 30969 (June 18, 1996); 61 FR 60632, 60634 (Nov. 
29, 1996); 61 FR 67477, 67490 (Dec. 23, 1996).

New Reporting Threshold

    Approximately one year has passed since the rail equipment 
accident/incident reporting threshold was last reviewed, and 
approximately three years since it was revised. 64 FR 69193 (Dec. 10, 
1999); 63 FR 71790 (Dec. 30, 1998); 62 FR 63675 (Dec. 2, 1997). 
Consequently, FRA has recalculated the threshold, as required by 
Sec. 225.19(c), based on decreased costs for labor and increased costs 
for equipment. FRA has determined that the current reporting threshold 
of $6,600, which applies to rail equipment accidents/incidents that 
occur during calendar year 2000, should remain the same for rail 
equipment accidents/incidents that occur during calendar year 2001, 
effective January 1, 2001.
    Accordingly, Secs. 225.5 and 225.19 and appendix B have been 
amended to state the reporting threshold for calendar year 2001 and the 
most recent cost figures and the calculations made to determine that 
threshold. Finally, the alcohol and drug regulations (49 CFR part 219) 
have also been amended to reflect that the reporting threshold for 
calendar year 2001 is $6,600.

Notice and Comment Procedures

    In this rule, FRA has recalculated the monetary reporting threshold 
based on the formula adopted, after notice and comment, in the final 
rule published June 18, 1996, 61 FR 30959, 30969, and discussed in 
detail in the final rule published November 29, 1996, 61 FR 30632. FRA 
has found that both the current cost data inserted into this pre-
existing formula and the original cost data that they replace were 
obtained from reliable Federal government sources. FRA has found that 
this rule imposes no additional burden on any person, but rather 
provides a benefit by permitting the valid comparison of accident data 
over time. Accordingly, FRA has concluded that notice and comment 
procedures are impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public 
interest. As a consequence, FRA is proceeding directly to this final 
rule.

Regulatory Impact

Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This final rule has been evaluated in accordance with existing 
regulatory policies and procedures and is considered to be a 
nonsignificant regulatory action under DOT policies and procedures. 44 
FR 11034 (Feb. 26, 1979). This final rule also has been reviewed under 
Executive Order 12866 and is also considered ``nonsignificant'' under 
that Order.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
requires a review of rules to assess their impact on small entities, 
unless the Secretary certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Pursuant to Section 312 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), FRA has published an interim 
policy that formally establishes ``small entities'' as being railroads 
that meet the line-haulage revenue requirements of a Class III 
railroad. 62 FR 43024 (Aug. 11, 1997). For other entities, the same 
dollar limit in revenues governs whether a railroad, contractor, or 
other respondent is a small entity. About 645 of the approximately 700 
railroads in the United States are considered small businesses by FRA. 
FRA certifies that this final rule will have no significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. To the extent that 
this rule has any impact on small entities, the impact will be neutral 
because the rule is maintaining, rather than increasing, their 
reporting burden. The American Shortline and Regional Railroad 
Association (ASLRRA) represents the interests of most small freight 
railroads and some excursion railroads operating in the United States. 
FRA field offices and the ASLRRA engage in various outreach activities 
with small railroads. For instance, when new regulations are issued 
that affect small railroads, FRA briefs the ASLRRA, which in turn 
disseminates the information to its members and

[[Page 69885]]

provides training as appropriate. When a new railroad is formed, FRA 
safety representatives visit the operation and provide information 
regarding applicable safety regulations. The FRA regularly addresses 
questions and concerns regarding regulations raised by railroads. 
Because this rule is not anticipated to affect small railroads, FRA is 
not providing alternative treatment for small railroads under this 
rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    There are no new information collection requirements associated 
with this final rule. Therefore, no estimate of a public reporting 
burden is required.

Federalism Implications

    Executive Order 13132, entitled, ``Federalism,'' issued on August 
4, 1999, requires that each agency ``in a separately identified portion 
of the preamble to the regulation as it is to be issued in the Federal 
Register, provide[] to the Director of the Office of Management and 
Budget a federalism summary impact statement, which consists of a 
description of the extent of the agency's prior consultation with State 
and local officials, a summary of the nature of their concerns and the 
agency's position supporting the need to issue the regulation, and a 
statement of the extent to which the concerns of the State and local 
officials have been met * * *.'' This rulemaking action has been 
analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in 
Executive Order 13132. This rule will not have a substantial direct 
effect on States, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States, or on the distribution of power and the 
responsibilities among the various levels of government, as specified 
in the Executive Order 13132. Accordingly, FRA has determined that this 
rule will not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
consultation with State and local officials or the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. Accordingly, a Federalism Assessment has not 
been prepared.

Environmental Impact

    FRA has evaluated this regulation in accordance with its 
``Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts'' (FRA's Procedures) 
(64 FR 28545, May 26, 1999) as required by the National Environmental 
Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), other environmental statutes, 
Executive Orders, and related regulatory requirements. FRA has 
determined that this regulation is not a major FRA action (requiring 
the preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental 
assessment) because it is categorically excluded from detailed 
environmental review pursuant to section 4(c)(20) of FRA's Procedures. 
64 FR 28545, 28547, May 26, 1999. Section 4(c)(20) reads as follows:

    (c) Actions Categorically Excluded. Certain classes of FRA 
actions have been determined to be categorically excluded from the 
requirements of these Procedures as they do not individually or 
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. * * 
* The following classes of FRA actions are categorically excluded:

* * *

    (20) Promulgation of railroad safety rules and policy statements 
that do not result in significantly increased emissions of air or 
water pollutants or noise or increased traffic congestion in any 
mode of transportation.

In accordance with section 4(c) and (e) of FRA's Procedures, the agency 
has further concluded that no extraordinary circumstances exist with 
respect to this regulation that might trigger the need for a more 
detailed environmental review. As a result, FRA finds that this 
regulation is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the 
quality of the human environment.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Pursuant to Section 201 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
(Pub. L. 104-4, 2 U.S.C. 1531), each federal agency ``shall, unless 
otherwise prohibited by law, assess the effects of Federal regulatory 
actions on State, local, and tribal governments, and the private sector 
(other than to the extent that such regulations incorporate 
requirements specifically set forth in law).'' Section 202 of the Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1532) further requires that ``before promulgating any general 
notice of proposed rulemaking that is likely to result in the 
promulgation of any rule that includes any Federal mandate that may 
result in expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted 
annually for inflation) in any 1 year, and before promulgating any 
final rule for which a general notice of proposed rulemaking was 
published, the agency shall prepare a written statement'' detailing the 
effect on State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. 
The final rule would not result in the expenditure, in the aggregate, 
of $100,000,000 or more in any one year, and thus preparation of such a 
statement is not required.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 219

    Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, Drug testing, Penalties, Railroad 
safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Safety, 
Transportation.

49 CFR Part 225

    Investigations, Penalties, Railroad safety, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

The Final Rule

    In consideration of the foregoing, FRA amends parts 219 and 225, 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 219--CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

    1. The authority citation for part 219 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20111, 20112, 20113, 20140, 
21301, 21304; and 49 CFR 1.49.


    2. By amending Sec. 219.5 by revising the first sentence in the 
definition of Impact accident and by revising the definitions of 
Reporting threshold and Train accident to read as follows:


Sec. 219.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Impact accident means a train accident (i.e., a rail equipment 
accident involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold, 
$6,300 for calendar years 1991 through 1996, $6,500 for calendar year 
1997, and $6,600 for calendar years 1998 through 2001) consisting of a 
head-on collision, a rear-end collision, a side collision (including a 
collision at a railroad crossing at grade), a switching collision, or 
impact with a deliberately-placed obstruction such as a bumping post. * 
* *
* * * * *
    Reporting threshold means the amount specified in Sec. 225.19(e) of 
this chapter, as adjusted from time to time in accordance with appendix 
B to part 225 of this chapter. The reporting threshold for calendar 
years 1991 through 1996 is $6,300. The reporting threshold for calendar 
year 1997 is $6,500. The reporting threshold for calendar years 1998 
through 2001 is $6,600.
* * * * *
    Train accident means a passenger, freight, or work train accident 
described in Sec. 225.19(c) of this chapter (a ``rail equipment 
accident'' involving damage in excess of the current reporting 
threshold, $6,300 for calendar years 1991 through 1996, $6,500 for 
calendar year 1997, $6,600 for calendar years 1998 through 2001), 
including an accident involving a switching movement.
* * * * *

[[Page 69886]]


    3. By amending Sec. 219.201 by revising the introductory text of 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2), and by revising paragraph (a)(4) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 219.201  Events for which testing is required.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Major train accident. Any train accident (i.e., a rail 
equipment accident involving damage in excess of the current reporting 
threshold, $6,300 for calendar years 1991 through 1996, $6,500 for 
calendar year 1997, $6,600 for calendar years 1998 through 2001) that 
involves one or more of the following:
* * * * *
    (2) Impact accident. An impact accident (i.e., a rail equipment 
accident defined as an ``impact accident'' in Sec. 219.5 of this part 
that involves damage in excess of the current reporting threshold, 
$6,300 for calendar years 1991 through 1996, $6,500 for calendar year 
1997, and $6,600 for calendar years 1998 through 2001) resulting in--
* * * * *
    (4) Passenger train accident. Reportable injury to any person in a 
train accident (i.e., a rail equipment accident involving damage in 
excess of the current reporting threshold, $6,300 for calendar years 
1991 through 1996, $6,500 for calendar year 1997, and $6,600 for 
calendar years 1998 through 2001) involving a passenger train.
* * * * *

PART 225--RAILROAD ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS: REPORTS CLASSIFICATION, AND 
INVESTIGATIONS [AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 225 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20901, 20902, 21302, 21311; 
49 U.S.C. 103; 49 CFR 1.49.


    2. By amending Sec. 225.19 by revising the first sentence of 
paragraph (c) and paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec. 225.19  Primary groups of accidents/incidents.

* * * * *
    (c) Rail equipment accidents/incidents are collisions, derailments, 
fires, explosions, acts of God, and other events involving the 
operation of on-track equipment (standing or moving) that result in 
damages higher than the current reporting threshold (i.e., $6,300 for 
calendar years 1991 through 1996, $6,500 for calendar year 1997, and 
$6,600 for calendar years 1998 through 2001) to railroad on-track 
equipment, signals, tracks, track structures, or roadbed, including 
labor costs and the costs for acquiring new equipment and material. * * 
*
* * * * *
    (e) The reporting threshold is $6,300 for calendar years 1991 
through 1996. The reporting threshold is $6,500 for calendar year 1997 
and $6,600 for calendar years 1998 through 2001. The procedure for 
determining the reporting threshold for calendar year 1997 and later 
appears as appendix B to part 225.
* * * * *

    4. Part 225 is amended by revising paragraphs 8 and 9 of appendix B 
to read as follows:

Appendix B to Part 225--Procedure for Determining Reporting 
Threshold

* * * * *
    8. Formula:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21NO00.002
    
Where:

Prior Threshold = $6,600 (for rail equipment accidents/incidents 
that occur during calendar year 2000)
Wn = New average hourly wage rate ($) = 17.763333
Wp = Prior average hourly wage rate ($) = 17.888333
En = New equipment average PPI value ($) = 135.63333
Ep = Prior equipment average PPI value ($) = 134.89166

    9. The result of these calculations is $6,601.4157. Since the 
result is rounded to the nearest $100, the new reporting threshold 
for rail equipment accidents/incidents that occur during calendar 
year 2001 is $6,600, which is the same as for calendar years 1998 
through 2000.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 9, 2000.
Jolene M. Molitoris,
Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 00-29574 Filed 11-20-00; 8:45 am]
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