[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 151 (Wednesday, August 5, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 47469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17027]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2020-0063]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
document provides the public notice that on July 14, 2020, the American 
Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) petitioned the 
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from 
certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained 
at 49 CFR parts 213, 214, 217, 218, 220, 228, 232, 236, 240, 242, and 
243. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2020-0063.
    ASLRRA, on behalf of itself and its member railroads, requests to 
renew emergency relief to allow for social distancing and workforce 
shortages, which was previously granted by FRA by letter dated May 22, 
2020, in its emergency relief docket (Docket Number FRA-2020-0002). See 
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FRA-2020-0002-0072. FRA renewed 
this relief for an additional 60 days on July 20, 2020. See https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FRA-2020-0002-0095.
    ASLRRA also requests relief from the annual continuous welded rail 
training requirement at 49 CFR 213.7(c)(2). Short lines have postponed 
in-person training due to social distancing requirements, but based on 
the rise of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is unlikely that 
training will be possible. Additionally, ASLRRA requests clarification 
regarding refresher/recurrent training requirements for roadway workers 
under 49 CFR 214.343-214.357.
    In support of its petition, ASLRRA states that continuing the 
relief to comply with guidance on social distancing from the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is necessary to protect 
railroad employees. ASLRRA further states that extending the relief 
will enable railroads and their employees to maintain safe workplace 
practices. ASLRRA explains it anticipates needing such relief so long 
as CDC guidance recommending social distancing remains in place.
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov (Docket Number FRA-2020-0063).
    Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings 
by submitting written views, data, or comments. If any interested 
parties desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, 
they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment 
period and specify the basis for their request.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the 
appropriate docket number and may be submitted at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    Communications received by September 4, 2020 will be considered by 
FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date 
will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic 
form of any written communications and comments received into any of 
our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), the U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT) solicits comments from the public to 
better inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, 
including any personal information the commenter provides, to 
www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/
ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for the 
privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-17027 Filed 8-4-20; 8:45 am]
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