[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18455-18459]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08941]



[[Page 18455]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

49 CFR Part 243

[Docket No. FRA-2009-0033, Notice No. 6]
RIN 2130-AC70


Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related 
Railroad Employees

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In response to a petition for reconsideration of a final rule, 
FRA is amending its regulations on Training, Qualification, and 
Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees by delaying the 
regulations' implementation dates an additional year. FRA previously 
delayed the regulations' implementation dates for one year in a final 
rule published May 3, 2017 (May 2017 Final Rule).

DATES: This regulation is effective June 26, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by docket number FRA-2009-
0033 and RIN 2130-AC70, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments;
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. DOT, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, W12-140, Washington, DC 20590;
     Hand Delivery: The Docket Management Facility is located 
in Room W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, U.S. DOT, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays; or
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and 
docket number (Federal Railroad Administration, FRA-2009-0033) or 
Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) for this rulemaking (2130-AC70). 
All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov; this includes any personal information. Please see 
the Privacy Act heading in the ``Supplementary Information'' section of 
this document for Privacy Act information related to any submitted 
comments or materials.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, 
petitions for reconsideration, or comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for accessing 
the docket or visit the Docket Management Facility described above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert J. Castiglione, Staff 
Director--Human Performance Division, Federal Railroad Administration, 
4100 International Plaza, Suite 450, Fort Worth, TX 76109-4820 
(telephone: 817-447-2715); or Alan H. Nagler, Senior Trial Attorney, 
Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Chief Counsel, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: 202-493-6038).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 7, 2014, FRA published a final 
rule (2014 Final Rule) that established minimum training standards for 
each category and subcategory of safety-related railroad employees and 
required railroad carriers, contractors, and subcontractors to submit 
training programs to FRA for approval. See 79 FR 66459. The 2014 Final 
Rule was required by section 401(a) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act 
of 2008 (RSIA), Public Law 110-432, 122 Stat. 4883 (Oct. 16, 2008), 
codified at 49 U.S.C. 20162. The Secretary of Transportation delegated 
the authority to conduct this rulemaking and implement the rule to the 
Federal Railroad Administrator. 49 CFR 1.89(b).
    In the preamble to the 2014 Final Rule, FRA noted the importance of 
establishing implementation dates and providing incentives for the 
early filing of model programs to improve the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the review process. FRA recognized it was paramount to 
give model program developers sufficient time to develop programs and 
receive FRA approval. FRA also recognized that employers would not use 
those model programs unless the employers were given reasonable time to 
consider those programs before the employers' deadline for 
implementation. Consequently, the 2014 Final Rule provided model 
program developers with an incentive to file all model programs by May 
1, 2017--eight months before the first employers would have been 
required to submit model programs and two years before smaller 
employers (i.e., those employers with less than 400,000 total employee 
work hours annually) would have been required to submit their model 
programs. See 79 FR 66459, 66503-66504. The incentive to submit early 
was a guarantee from FRA that the model program would be considered 
approved so it could be implemented within 180 days after the date of 
submission unless FRA identified that all or part of the program did 
not conform to the rule's requirements.
    After publishing the 2014 Final Rule, FRA took significant steps to 
educate the regulated community on its requirements and assist with the 
development of model training plans. For example, on March 20, 2017, 
FRA added information to its website to more broadly disseminate 
information about the 2014 Final Rule's requirements. See https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P1023.\1\ Moreover, when the American Short Line 
and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) requested FRA's help in 
developing its model programs for its members, FRA shared training 
documents it uses to train the agency's personnel on Federal rail 
safety requirements. FRA then made those same FRA training documents 
available on FRA's website because others in the regulated community 
would likely find them useful.
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    \1\ Additional details about each of those steps are contained 
in the May 2017 Final Rule. See 82 FR 20549 (May 3, 2017).
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    During FRA outreach on the 2014 Final Rule, FRA heard concerns from 
ASLRRA and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance 
Association, Inc. (NRC), which were two of the associations identified 
in the 2014 Final Rule's Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) as likely 
model program developers. These two associations represent most of the 
1,459 employers FRA projected would adopt model training programs 
rather than develop their own.\2\ Although ASLRRA had submitted several 
model training programs to FRA, and had made significant strides 
towards completing some programs, ASLRRA still had a significant number 
of training programs left to develop and submit.
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    \2\ The RIA for the 2014 Final Rule provided the estimated costs 
and benefits, and explained FRA based this analysis on the premise 
that ``most small railroads and contractors will use consortiums or 
model training programs developed by industry associations . . . 
thereby minimizing costs.'' RIA at 15. In the RIA, FRA estimated 
that 1,459 railroads and contractors would use model programs.
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    Based on ASLRRA's and NRC's concerns about their ability to submit 
their model training programs by the May 1, 2017, deadline, and the 
significant impact that not meeting the deadline would have on the 
costs associated with the rule and FRA's approval process, FRA issued 
the May 2017 Final Rule extending each of the implementation dates in 
the 2014 Final Rule by one year.

Petition for Reconsideration

    On May 22, 2017, ASLRRA filed a petition for reconsideration of the 
May 2017 Final Rule. ASLRRA's petition was

[[Page 18456]]

the only petition FRA received, and FRA did not receive any comments on 
the May 2017 Final Rule or ASLRRA's petition.
    In the petition, ASLRRA states that the association will need more 
than a one-year delay on each of the implementation dates in the 2014 
Final Rule and requested that the one-year extension be extended 
further by another year. In the petition, ASLRRA states that it 
represents over 500 Class II and III railroads and has assumed the 
responsibility for preparing model training programs for its member 
railroads' use. ASLRRA asserts that it still has a significant number 
of model programs left to develop and submit.
    ASLRRA states in its petition that it is utilizing a large group of 
volunteer safety professionals from the ranks of its Safety and 
Training Committee to develop the model programs. ASLRRA is using these 
volunteers because the association asserts it would not otherwise have 
the resources to complete the task. With the commitments it received 
from volunteers, ASLRRA has mapped out a schedule to complete the model 
training programs by fall 2018.\3\ ASLRRA's estimated completion date 
would mean that many of its model programs would likely not be 
completed by the May 1, 2018, deadline afforded by the May 2017 Final 
Rule.
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    \3\ Interested parties can view that schedule at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FRA-2009-0033-0039.
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    Further, ASLRRA's petition states that extending the one-year delay 
will allow adequate time to comply with FRA's review and approval 
process and thereby assure its members that its model programs have 
been approved by FRA. According to ASLRRA the additional one-year 
extension will also allow each railroad adequate time to consider how 
it will implement each of the model programs it will adopt and whether 
it will need to adapt the programs to address any unique aspects of its 
operations.

FRA's Response

    In response to ASLRRA's petition, FRA published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking on December 20, 2017. See 82 FR 60355. In that 
notice, FRA proposed to delay each of the implementation dates in the 
May 2017 Final Rule by an additional year, thereby delaying each of the 
implementation dates in the 2014 Final Rule by a total of two years. 
FRA provided a 30-day period for filing written comments; however, the 
only comment received during the comment period was from ASLRRA in 
support of its petition and the proposed rule. No adverse comments were 
received.
    In the proposed rule, FRA's response to ASLRRA's petition explained 
how delaying each of the implementation dates would improve compliance, 
reduce significant cost impacts associated with the rule, and prevent 
complicating the approval process. The basis for the proposed rule is 
the same basis for this final rule.
    In sum, the additional one-year delay of the implementation dates 
should allow all model training program developers and other regulated 
entities to meet the rule's deadlines. FRA understands that many 
regulated entities were on schedule to meet the original deadlines in 
the 2014 Final Rule, or were preparing to meet the deadlines delayed by 
the May 2017 Final Rule. For those regulated entities that are prepared 
to move forward in advance of any deadline, there is certainly no 
prohibition against doing so and implementing a more robust training 
program should benefit the overall safety of those employers who are 
early adopters.
    In consideration of the foregoing, FRA delays each of the 
implementation dates in the May 2017 Final Rule by an additional year, 
thereby delaying each of the implementation dates in the 2014 Final 
Rule by a total of two years.

Section-by-Section Analysis

Subpart B--Program Components and Approval Process

Section 243.101 Employer Program Required
    The implementation dates in this section are delayed by a total of 
two years from the 2014 Final Rule so all employers have additional 
time to develop and submit training programs. Specifically, in 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (b) the implementation dates are changed to 
January 1, 2020, and likewise, in paragraph (a)(2) the implementation 
date is changed to May 1, 2021. This final rule thereby delays each 
implementation date an additional year from the May 2017 Final Rule.
Section 243.105 Optional Model Program Development
    The implementation date in paragraph (a)(3) of this section is 
delayed by a total of two years from the 2014 Final Rule so that all 
model program developers have additional time to submit model programs, 
while also potentially benefiting from an expedited FRA review process. 
As amended, each model program submitted to FRA before May 1, 2019, is 
considered approved and may be implemented 180 days after the date of 
the submission, unless FRA otherwise advises that all or part of the 
program does not conform to the rule's requirements. This final rule 
thereby delays the implementation date an additional year from the May 
2017 Final Rule.
Section 243.111 Approval of Programs Filed by Training Organizations or 
Learning Institutions
    FRA is amending paragraph (b) of this section so that each training 
organization or learning institution that has provided training 
services to employers covered by this part has in total an additional 
two years from the 2014 Final Rule to continue to offer such training 
services without FRA approval. As amended, a training organization or 
learning institution that has provided training services to employers 
covered by this part before January 1, 2019, may continue to offer such 
training services without FRA approval until January 1, 2020. This 
final rule thereby delays both dates an additional year from the May 
2017 Final Rule.

Subpart C--Program Implementation and Oversight Requirements

Section 243.201 Employee Qualification Requirements
    The implementation dates in this section are delayed by a total of 
two years from the 2014 Final Rule so all employers have additional 
time to designate each of their existing safety-related railroad 
employees by occupational category or subcategory, and only permit 
designated employees to perform safety-related service in such 
occupational category or subcategory.
    In paragraph (a)(1), the implementation date is changed to 
September 1, 2020, and likewise, in paragraph (a)(2) the implementation 
date is changed to January 1, 2022. This final rule thereby delays each 
implementation date an additional year from the May 2017 Final Rule. 
Further, the dates used for referencing total employee work hours for 
purposes of applying each paragraph are modified accordingly by adding 
an additional year from the May 2017 Final Rule.
    In paragraph (b), the implementation date is changed to January 1, 
2020--an additional year from the May 2017 Final Rule.
    In paragraphs (e)(1) and (2), the implementation dates for 
refresher training are also delayed by a total of two years from the 
2014 Final Rule. Thus, the implementation date in

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paragraph (e)(1) is changed to January 1, 2022, and the completion of 
that refresher training for each employee is required no later than 
December 31, 2024. In paragraph (e)(2), each employer with less than 
400,000 total employee work hours annually is required to implement a 
refresher training program by May 1, 2023, and complete that refresher 
training for each employee by no later than December 31, 2025. This 
final rule thereby delays each implementation date in this paragraph an 
additional year from the May 2017 Final Rule.

Regulatory Impact and Notices

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 13771, and DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures

    This final rule is a non-significant regulatory action within the 
meaning of Executive Order 12866 and DOT policies and procedures. See 
44 FR 11034 (Feb. 26, 1979). The final rule also follows the direction 
of Executive Order 13563, which emphasizes the importance of 
quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, 
and promoting flexibility. Finally, the final rule follows the guidance 
of Executive Order 13771 (``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs''), which directs agencies to reduce regulation and 
control regulatory costs and provides that ``for every one new 
regulation issued, at least two prior regulations be identified for 
elimination, and that the cost of planned regulations be prudently 
managed and controlled through a budgeting process.'' FRA identified 
this final rule as a deregulatory effort to comply with E.O. 13771. For 
more information on Executive Order 13771, see the Office of Management 
and Budget's (OMB) April 5, 2017 ``Memorandum: Implementing Executive 
Order 13771, Titled `Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs.' ''
    In 2014, FRA published a Final Rule which established minimum 
training standards for each category and subcategory of safety-related 
railroad employee, as required by section 401(a) of the RSIA. FRA 
believes that by delaying the implementation dates of the 2014 Final 
Rule, this final rule will reduce the regulatory burden on the railroad 
industry. In May 2017, FRA issued a Final Rule which delayed each of 
the implementation dates in the 2014 Final Rule by one year. This final 
rule will extend the implementation deadlines by a total of two years 
from the 2014 Final Rule, one year of which has already been granted in 
the May 2017 Final Rule. This final rule will be beneficial for 
regulated entities by granting additional time to comply with the 2014 
Final Rule.
    The costs arising from part 243 over the 20-year period evaluated 
include: The costs of revising training programs to include ``hands-
on'' training where appropriate, as well as the costs of creating 
entirely new training programs for any employer that does not have one 
already; the costs of customizing model training programs for those 
employers that choose to adopt a model program rather than create a new 
program; the costs of annual data review and analysis required in order 
to refine training programs; the costs of revising programs in later 
years; the costs of additional time new employees may have to spend in 
initial training; the costs of additional periodic oversight tests and 
inspections; the costs of additional qualification tests; and the costs 
of additional time all safety-related railroad employees may have to 
spend in refresher training.
    FRA believes that additional hands-on and refresher training found 
in the 2014 Final Rule will reduce the frequency and severity of some 
future accidents and incidents. Expected safety benefits were 
calculated using full accident costs, which are based on past accident 
history, the values of preventing future fatalities and injuries 
sustained, and the cost of property damage. (Full accident costs are 
determined by the number of fatalities and injuries multiplied by their 
respective prevention valuations, and the cost of property damage.)
    By delaying the implementation dates of the 2014 Final Rule a total 
of two years, railroads and other entities subject to the rule will 
realize a cost savings. These entities will not incur costs during the 
first two years of this analysis. Also, costs incurred in future years 
will be discounted an extra two years, which will decrease the present 
value burden. The present value of costs will be less than if these 
entities were required to adhere to the original implementation dates. 
FRA has estimated this cost savings to be approximately $40.6 million, 
at a 3-percent discount rate, and $37.2 million, at a 7-percent 
discount rate. The table below shows the costs estimated at the 2014 
Final Rule stage as well as the costs with the two-year implementation 
delay.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Present value   Present value
                                               (3%)            (7%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total costs (2-year delay)..............    $250,309,438    $169,902,295
2014 Final Rule costs...................     290,932,418     207,068,184
Two-year-delay cost savings.............      40,622,980      37,165,889
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272; Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Assessment

    FRA has determined and certifies that this final rule is not 
expected to have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The requirements of this final rule apply to employers of 
safety-related railroad employees, whether the employers are railroads, 
contractors, or subcontractors. Although a substantial number of small 
entities are subject to this final rule, it provides relief by 
extending all of the implementation dates in the 2014 Final Rule, as 
amended by the May 2017 Final Rule. Thus, the economic impact of this 
final rule is not significant because it provides only additional time 
for all entities to comply with the 2014 Final Rule.
    This final rule has no direct impact on small units of government, 
businesses, or other organizations. State rail agencies are not 
required to participate in this program. State owned railroads will 
receive a positive impact by having additional time to comply.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    There are no new collection of information requirements contained 
in this final rule and, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., the recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements already contained in the 2014 Final Rule have been 
approved by OMB. The OMB approval number is OMB No. 2130-0597. Thus, 
FRA is not required to seek additional OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act.

Federalism Implications

    This final rule will not have a substantial effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national

[[Page 18458]]

government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Thus in 
accordance with Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, 
Aug. 10, 1999), preparation of a Federalism Assessment is not 
warranted.

International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreement Act of 1979 prohibits Federal agencies from 
engaging in any standards or related activities that create unnecessary 
obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States. Legitimate 
domestic objectives, such as safety, are not considered unnecessary 
obstacles. The statute also requires consideration of international 
standards and where appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. 
standards.
    This final rule is purely domestic in nature and is not expected to 
affect trade opportunities for U.S. firms doing business overseas or 
for foreign firms doing business in the United States.

Environmental Impact

    FRA has evaluated this final rule 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 final rule 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. 
See 64 FR 28547 (May 26, 1999).
    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 final rule that might trigger the need for a more 
detailed environmental review. As a result, FRA finds that this final 
rule 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. 
This final rule will not result in such an expenditure, and thus 
preparation of such a statement is not required.

Energy Impact

    Executive Order 13211 requires Federal agencies to prepare a 
Statement of Energy Effects for any ``significant energy action.'' 66 
FR 28355 (May 22, 2001). FRA evaluated this final rule in accordance 
with Executive Order 13211, and determined that this regulatory action 
is not a ``significant energy action'' within the meaning of the 
Executive Order.
    Executive Order 13783, ``Promoting Energy Independence and Economic 
Growth,'' requires Federal agencies to review regulations to determine 
whether they potentially burden the development or use of domestically 
produced energy resources, with particular attention to oil, natural 
gas, coal, and nuclear energy resources. 82 FR 16093 (March 31, 2017). 
FRA determined this final rule will not burden the development or use 
of domestically produced energy resources.

Privacy Act

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the 
public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these 
comments, without edit, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice, DOT/ALL-14 FDMS, accessible through 
www.dot.gov/privacy. In order to facilitate comment tracking and 
response, we encourage commenters to provide their name, or the name of 
their organization; however, submission of names is completely 
optional. Whether or not commenters identify themselves, all timely 
comments will be fully considered. If you wish to provide comments 
containing proprietary or confidential information, please contact the 
agency for alternate submission instructions.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 243

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Railroad 
employees, Railroad safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

The Final Rule

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, FRA is amending 49 CFR 
part 243 as follows:

PART 243--TRAINING, QUALIFICATION, AND OVERSIGHT FOR SAFETY-RELATED 
RAILROAD EMPLOYEES [AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 243 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20131-20155, 20162, 20301-
20306, 20701-20702, 21301-21304, 21311; 28 U.S.C. 2461, note; and 49 
CFR 1.89.

Subpart B--Program Components and Approval Process--[Amended]

0
2. In Sec.  243.101, revise paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  243.101  Employer program required.

    (a)(1) Effective January 1, 2020, each employer conducting 
operations subject to this part with 400,000 total employee work hours 
annually or more shall submit, adopt, and comply with a training 
program for its safety-related railroad employees.
    (2) Effective May 1, 2021, each employer conducting operations 
subject to this part with less than 400,000 total employee work hours 
annually shall submit, adopt, and comply with a training program for 
its safety-related railroad employees.
    (b) Except for an employer subject to the requirement in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, an employer commencing operations subject to 
this part after January 1, 2020, shall submit a training program for 
its safety-related railroad employees before commencing operations. 
Upon commencing operations, the employer shall adopt and comply with 
the training program.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  243.105, revise paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  243.105  Optional model program development.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Each model training program submitted to FRA before May 1, 
2019, is considered approved and may be implemented 180 days after the 
date of submission unless the Associate Administrator advises the 
organization, business, or association that developed

[[Page 18459]]

and submitted the program that all or part of the program does not 
conform.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  243.111, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  243.111  Approval of programs filed by training organizations or 
learning institutions.

* * * * *
    (b) A training organization or learning institution that has 
provided training services to employers covered by this part before 
January 1, 2019, may continue to offer such training services without 
FRA approval until January 1, 2020. The Associate Administrator may 
extend this period at any time based on a written request. Such written 
requests for an extension of time to submit a program should contain 
any factors the training organization or learning institution wants the 
Associate Administrator to consider before approving or disapproving 
the extension.
* * * * *

Subpart C--Program Implementation and Oversight Requirements--
[Amended]

0
5. In Sec.  243.201, revise paragraphs (a)(1) and (2), (b), and (e)(1) 
and (2) to read as follows:


Sec.  243.201  Employee qualification requirements.

    (a) * * *
    (1) By no later than September 1, 2020, each employer with 400,000 
total employee work hours annually or more in operation as of January 
1, 2020, shall declare the designation of each of its existing safety-
related railroad employees by occupational category or subcategory, and 
only permit designated employees to perform safety-related service in 
that occupational category or subcategory. The Associate Administrator 
may extend this period based on a written request.
    (2) By no later than January 1, 2022, each employer with less than 
400,000 total employee work hours annually in operation as of January 
1, 2021, shall declare the designation of each of its existing safety-
related railroad employees by occupational category or subcategory, and 
only permit designated employees to perform safety-related service in 
that occupational category or subcategory. The Associate Administrator 
may extend this period based on a written request.
    (b) Except for an employer subject to the requirement in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, an employer commencing operations after January 
1, 2020, shall declare the designation of each of its existing safety-
related railroad employees by occupational category or subcategory 
before beginning operations, and only permit designated employees to 
perform safety-related service in that category or subcategory. Any 
person designated shall have met the requirements for newly hired 
employees or those assigned new safety-related duties in accordance 
with paragraph (c) of this section.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Beginning January 1, 2022, each employer with 400,000 total 
employee work hours annually or more shall deliver refresher training 
at an interval not to exceed 3 calendar years from the date of an 
employee's last training event, except where refresher training is 
specifically required more frequently in accordance with this chapter. 
If the last training event occurs before FRA's approval of the 
employer's training program, the employer shall provide refresher 
training either within 3 calendar years from that prior training event 
or no later than December 31, 2024. Each employer shall ensure that, as 
part of each employee's refresher training, the employee is trained and 
qualified on the application of any Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders the person is required to comply with, as well 
as any relevant railroad rules and procedures promulgated to implement 
those Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, and orders.
    (2) Beginning May 1, 2023, each employer with less than 400,000 
total employee work hours annually shall deliver refresher training at 
an interval not to exceed 3 calendar years from the date of an 
employee's last training event, except where refresher training is 
specifically required more frequently in accordance with this chapter. 
If the last training event occurs before FRA's approval of the 
employer's training program, the employer shall provide refresher 
training either within 3 calendar years from that prior training event 
or no later than December 31, 2025. Each employer shall ensure that, as 
part of each employee's refresher training, the employee is trained and 
qualified on the application of any Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders the person is required to comply with, as well 
as any relevant railroad rules and procedures promulgated to implement 
those Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, and orders.

Juan D. Reyes, III,
Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2018-08941 Filed 4-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P