[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 226 (Friday, November 22, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64447-64452]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24822]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

49 CFR Part 243

[Docket No. FRA-2019-0095, Notice No. 1]
RIN 2130-AC86


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

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

[[Page 64448]]


ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: In response to a petition for rulemaking, FRA proposes 
amending its regulation on Training, Qualification, and Oversight for 
Safety-Related Railroad Employees by delaying the regulation's 
implementation dates for all contractors, and those Class II and III 
railroads that are not intercity or commuter passenger railroads with 
400,000 total employee work hours annually or more.

DATES: Written comments on the proposed rule must be received by 
December 23, 2019. FRA will consider comments received after that date 
to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, identified by docket number FRA-2019-
0095 and RIN 2130-AC86, 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: Docket Management Facility, 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-2019-0095) or 
Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) for this rulemaking (2130-AC86). 
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 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).
    On May 3, 2017, FRA delayed implementation dates in the 2014 Final 
Rule by one year. On April 27, 2018, FRA responded to a petition for 
reconsideration of that May 2017 rule by granting the American Short 
Line and Regional Railroad Association's (ASLRRA) request to delay the 
implementation dates by an additional year.

Petition for Rulemaking

    On June 27 and July 12, 2019, ASLRRA and the National Railroad 
Construction and Maintenance Association, Inc. (NRC) (collectively 
Associations) filed petitions for rulemaking that were docketed in the 
U.S. DOT's Docket Management System as FRA-2019-0050. In the June 27, 
2019 petition, ASLRRA and NRC request that FRA make several substantive 
changes to the part 243 regulation. In that petition, ASLRRA and NRC 
assert that as the regulation currently exists, it presents short line 
and regional railroads and contractors with ``substantial and 
unnecessary regulatory burdens'' and therefore additional regulatory 
flexibility should be afforded to short line and regional railroads and 
contractors. In the July 12, 2019 petition ASLRRA and NRC request that 
FRA initiate a rulemaking to delay the implementation dates in part 243 
as applicable to Class II and III railroads and contractors for two 
years while FRA considers its June 27, 2019 petition. In the 
alternative, ASLRRA and NRC ask that FRA suspend the current 
implementation dates as applied to Class II and III railroads and 
contractors.
    ASLRRA and NRC take the position that even though some of their 
members are not small entities by FRA's definition of fewer than 
400,000 total employee work hours annually, these other entities will 
likely implement model programs in the same way as the small entities, 
rather than develop their own programs as is expected for Class I 
railroads. In the June 27, 2019 petition, the Associations state that 
Class II regional railroads are more like Class III shortlines in terms 
of structure, resources, and operations than Class I railroads. For 
example, Class II regional railroads operate trains for shorter 
distances and at lower speeds than Class I railroads. Class II regional 
railroads also were described in the June 27, 2019 petition as 
typically having fewer managerial layers and without their own training 
facilities, which would further differentiate them from Class I 
railroads. That petition also asserts that even large contractors are 
often not comparable to Class I railroads considering that a 
contractor's workforce is likely to be more spreadout, resulting in the 
contractor incurring greater implementation costs and stretched 
resources than a Class I railroad. Further, the June 27, 2019 petition 
states that FRA's regulation treats medium and large contractors the 
same as a Class I railroad even if the contractor's railroad-related 
work is only a small percentage of its work and is equal to that of a 
small entity contractor.

FRA's Response

    In the 2014 Final Rule's Regulatory Impact Analysis (2014 RIA), FRA 
made certain assumptions. For instance, FRA assumed that all seven 
Class I freight railroads, all 26 commuter railroads, and two intercity 
passenger railroads would not rely on model programs. Another 
assumption in the 2014 RIA was that 10 other entities (5 Class II 
railroads, 2 Class III railroads, and 3 contractors) would not rely on 
model programs. Thus, FRA agrees with the premise in ASLRRA and NRC's 
June 27, 2019 petition that, except for the approximately 45 employers 
who FRA estimated would develop their own programs, it is likely that 
the remainder will implement model programs because doing so would 
minimize costs for each employer. Treating this remainder group of 
employers in the same manner as the small entities would therefore 
reflect a more consistent approach to those employers adopting model 
programs.
    In responding to the petitions for rulemaking, FRA is proposing to 
delay the implementation dates in the rule for all contractors, and 
those Class II and III railroads that are not intercity or commuter 
passenger railroads with 400,000 total employee work hours

[[Page 64449]]

annually or more. However, FRA does not agree with the request in 
ASLRRA and NRC's petition to propose delaying all the implementation 
dates for an additional two years or to suspend the rule indefinitely 
while FRA considers the other requests in the June 27, 2019 petition.
    FRA's proposed response is specifically targeted to equalize the 
implementation dates for those employers most likely to adopt model 
programs rather than develop their own programs as FRA identified in 
the 2014 RIA. The reason for this specifically targeted proposed rule 
is that FRA is considering whether to initiate a separate rulemaking 
which would be limited to amending FRA's training regulation so that 
the regulatory text includes the latest guidance that is intended to 
help small entities and other users of model training programs. Thus, 
without any changes to the implementation dates, the targeted employers 
might not understand that the regulation contains more flexibility than 
is commonly understood or they may not feel comfortable following the 
guidance believing there is regulatory uncertainty.
    FRA understands that many regulated entities are on schedule to 
meet the deadlines in the part 243 regulation. 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 
compliant training program earlier than required should benefit the 
overall safety of those employers' operations.
    In consideration of the foregoing, FRA is proposing to reclassify 
those employers that FRA anticipates will likely adopt a model program 
so that they have the same implementation deadlines as the small 
entities. For purposes of this proposed rule, the Class II and III 
railroads and the contractors who would get relief provide training and 
operations in a manner more similar to that of a small entity than a 
Class I railroad thereby justifying delays in the implementation 
schedule. The proposed implementation date delays will not impact the 
Class I railroads, and those commuter and intercity passenger railroads 
with 400,000 total employee work hours annually or more.

Section-by-Section Analysis

Subpart B--Program Components and Approval Process

Section 243.101 Employer Program Required

    FRA proposes to amend the implementation date in Sec.  
243.101(a)(1) so that it is limited to Class I railroads, and those 
intercity or commuter passenger railroads with 400,000 total employee 
work hours annually or more. Also, FRA proposes to amend this section 
so that all employers not covered by Sec.  243.101(a)(1) will now be 
covered by Sec.  243.101(a)(2), unless the employer is commencing 
operations after January 1, 2020 and would be covered by Sec.  
243.101(b). In other words, Sec.  243.101(a)(1) would specifically 
except all contractors, and those Class II and III railroads that are 
not intercity or commuter passenger railroads with 400,000 total 
employee work hours annually or more from complying with the January 1, 
2020 training program submission implementation deadline. Instead, 
under proposed Sec.  243.101(a)(2), all contractors, and those Class II 
and III railroads that are not intercity or commuter passenger 
railroads with 400,000 total employee work hours annually or more, will 
be required to comply with a training program submission deadline of 
May 1, 2021. Thus, those entities that benefit from the proposed rule 
will have an additional 16 months to submit a training program for 
their safety-related railroad employees.

Subpart C--Program Implementation and Oversight Requirements

Section 243.201 Employee Qualification Requirements

    FRA proposes to amend the implementation dates in paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (e)(1) of this section so that they are limited to Class I 
railroads, and those intercity or commuter passenger railroads with 
400,000 total employee work hours annually or more. Also, FRA proposes 
to amend this section so that all employers not covered by Sec.  
243.201 (a)(1) and (e)(1) will now be covered by Sec.  243.201(a)(2) 
and (e)(2). Please note that an employer commencing operations after 
January 1, 2020 would still be covered by Sec.  243.201(b) and would be 
expected to implement a refresher training program upon commencing 
operations.

Regulatory Impact and Notices

Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This proposed 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 proposed rule also has followed 
the guidance of Executive Order 13771, 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.'' This rulemaking 
is a deregulatory action under Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing 
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs.'' See 82 FR 9339, Jan. 30, 
2017.
    As explained in the Supplementary Information section, FRA 
published the 2014 Final Rule to fulfill a statutory mandate. On May 3, 
2017, FRA delayed implementation dates in the 2014 Final Rule by one 
year. On April 27, 2018, FRA responded to a petition for 
reconsideration of that May 2017 rule by granting the ASLRRA's request 
to delay the implementation dates an additional year. FRA is issuing a 
proposed rulemaking targeted to equalize the implementation dates for 
Class II railroads, Class III railroads, and contractors regardless of 
their annual employee work hours with the exception of those intercity 
or commuter passenger railroads with 400,000 total employee work hours 
annually or more. With adoption of this proposed rule, the targeted 
employers will have until May 1, 2021 to submit a training program to 
FRA instead of the previous January 1, 2020 deadline which was 
applicable to railroads (regardless of whether they were Class II or 
III railroads), and contractors with 400,000 annual employee work hours 
or more.
    FRA believes that the proposed rule will reduce the regulatory 
burden on the railroad industry by delaying the implementation dates. 
This proposed rule will extend the implementation deadlines for some 
regulated entities by a total of 16 months from the 2018 request. This 
proposed rule would be beneficial for regulated entities by adding time 
for some railroads and contractors to comply.
    The costs arising from the training rule in 49 CFR part 243 over 
the 20-year period considered 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 improve 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

[[Page 64450]]

costs of additional time all safety-related railroad employees may have 
to spend in refresher training. FRA is proposing to reclassify those 
employers that FRA anticipated in the 2014 RIA would likely adopt a 
model program so that the regulation would reflect a more consistent 
approach to those employers adopting model programs. Until the 
petitions for rulemaking were filed, FRA did not appreciate that the 
Class II and III railroads and the contractors who were not identified 
as small entities could be expected to encounter the same types of 
obstacles to training program implementation as that of a small entity. 
The proposed implementation date delay will not impact Class I 
railroads, and those commuter and intercity passenger railroads with 
400,000 total employee work hours annually or more. However, this rule 
proposes to provide all contractors, and those Class II and III 
railroads that are not currently identified as small entities in part 
243 or commuter or intercity passenger railroads with 400,000 total 
employee work hours annually or more, with an additional 16 months to 
submit a training program for their safety-related railroad employees. 
FRA is also proposing that those same employers get an additional 16 
months 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 that 
occupational category or subcategory. Finally, FRA proposes that those 
same employers get one additional year to complete refresher training 
for each of their safety-related railroad employees. With this proposed 
rule, the training program submission date for Class II railroads, 
Class III railroads, and contractors regardless of their annual 
employee work hours, with the exception of those intercity or commuter 
passenger railroads with 400,000 total employee work hours annually or 
more, would be delayed from January 1, 2020, to a new implementation 
date of May 1, 2021; the designation of employee date would be delayed 
from September 1, 2020, to a new implementation date of January 1, 
2022; and, the deadline for the first refresher training cycle would be 
delayed from December 31, 2024, to a new deadline of December 31, 2025.
    FRA believes that additional hands-on and refresher training 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, all contractors, and those Class II and III 
railroads that are not intercity or commuter passenger railroads with 
400,000 total employee work hours annually or more will realize a cost 
savings. All contractors, and those Class II and III railroads that are 
not intercity or commuter passenger railroads with 400,000 total 
employee work hours annually or more will not incur costs during the 
first 16 months of this analysis. Also, costs incurred in future years 
will be discounted an extra 16 months, which will decrease the present 
value burden. The present value of costs would be less than if the 
original implementation dates were maintained. FRA has estimated this 
cost savings to be approximately $3.0 million, at a 7% discount rate, 
for impacted railroads and contractors that will experience relief as a 
result of this proposed rule.

Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., and 
Executive Order 13272, 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), require agency 
review of proposed and final rules to assess their impact on small 
entities. An agency must prepare an initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis (IRFA) unless it determines and certifies that a rule, if 
promulgated, would not have a significant impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 
1980, 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the FRA Administrator certifies that this 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    ``Small entity'' is defined in 5 U.S.C. 601 as including a small 
business concern that is independently owned and operated, and is not 
dominant in its field of operation. The U.S. Small Business 
Administration (SBA) has authority to regulate issues related to small 
businesses, and stipulates in its size standards that a ``small 
entity'' in the railroad industry is a for profit ``linehaul railroad'' 
that has fewer than 1,500 employees, a ``short line railroad'' with 
fewer than 500 employees, or a ``commuter rail system'' with annual 
receipts of less than 15 million dollars. See ``Size Eligibility 
Provisions and Standards,'' 13 CFR part 121, subpart A. Additionally, 5 
U.S.C. 601(5) defines as ``small entities'' governments of cities, 
counties, towns, townships, villages, school districts, or special 
districts with populations less than 50,000. Federal agencies may adopt 
their own size standards for small entities, in consultation with SBA 
and in conjunction with public comment. Pursuant to that authority, FRA 
has published a final statement of agency policy that formally 
establishes ``small entities'' or ``small businesses'' as being 
railroads, contractors, and hazardous materials shippers that meet the 
revenue requirements of a Class III railroad as set forth in 49 CFR 
1201.1-1, which is $20 million or less in inflation-adjusted annual 
revenues, and commuter railroads or small governmental jurisdictions 
that serve populations of 50,000 or less. See 68 FR 24891 (May 9, 
2003), codified at appendix C to 49 CFR part 209. The $20-million limit 
is based on the Surface Transportation Board's revenue threshold for a 
Class III railroad. Railroad revenue is adjusted for inflation by 
applying a revenue deflator formula in accordance with 49 CFR 1201.1-1. 
FRA is using this definition for this rulemaking.
    The requirements of this proposed rule would apply to employers of 
safety-related railroad employees that FRA previously determined were 
not small entities. This proposed rule would have 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 would receive a positive impact by having additional 
time to comply. Therefore, the proposed rule would not impact any small 
entities. Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601(b), 
the FRA Administrator hereby certifies that this proposed rule would 
not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. FRA requests comments on all aspects of this certification.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    There are no new collection of information requirements contained 
in this proposed 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.

[[Page 64451]]

Federalism Implications

    This proposed rule will not have a substantial effect on the 
States, on the relationship between the national 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed rule that might trigger the need for a 
more detailed environmental review. As a result, FRA finds that this 
proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 (Mar. 31, 2017). 
FRA determined this proposed 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 Proposed Rule

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, FRA proposes to amend 
part 243 of chapter II, subtitle B of title 49 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations 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

0
 2. Revise Sec.  243.101 paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  243.101  Employer program required.

    (a)(1) Effective January 1, 2020, each Class I railroad, and each 
intercity or commuter passenger railroad 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 not covered by paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
shall submit, adopt, and comply with a training program for its safety-
related railroad employees.
* * * * *

Subpart C--Program Implementation and Oversight Requirements

0
3. Revise Sec.  243.201 paragraphs (a)(1) and (2), 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 Class I railroad, and 
each intercity or commuter passenger railroad conducting operations 
subject to this part 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

[[Page 64452]]

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 conducting 
operations subject to this part not covered by paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section 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.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Beginning January 1, 2022, each Class I railroad, and each 
intercity or commuter passenger railroad conducting operations subject 
to this part 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 conducting operations 
subject to this part not covered by paragraph (e)(1) of this section 
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.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
Ronald L. Batory,
Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 2019-24822 Filed 11-21-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P