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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) decided to allow three drivers to bypass a vision requirement for interstate commercial driving. These drivers have vision limitations in one eye due to issues like amblyopia and cataracts; however, they have demonstrated safe driving abilities despite these limitations. Each exemption will last for two years, and conditions include annual medical exams to ensure continued qualification. The three drivers benefiting from this exemption are Terence L. Broadwater, Shannon L. Cagle, and Frank L. Crenshaw.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will not enforce a rule regarding drug and alcohol testing for repair station employees outside the United States until March 20, 2025. This decision follows a final rule issued in December 2024, intended to clarify certain aspects of the original rule published earlier that month. The delay in enforcement is to allow time for further review to ensure the rule complies with existing laws and policies. The FAA's announcement follows a broader governmental directive to hold off on implementing new rules pending further examination.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a notice regarding applications for modifications to existing special permits concerning the transportation of hazardous materials. The public is invited to comment on these applications by April 10, 2025. Interested parties can inspect copies of the applications at the PHMSA office or online. This notice is part of the procedures under federal hazardous materials law to ensure public input and compliance.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering an application from DISA Entertainment Compliance Solutions (DECS) to renew its exemption from the rule that requires a full query of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse before hiring commercial drivers. Instead, DECS would perform a limited query first, which only checks if there is information about the driver in the system without revealing specific details. If something is flagged, a full query is necessary before the driver can be hired for jobs at entertainment production sites. Public comments on this renewal application are requested by April 24, 2025.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that on December 11, 2024, Amtrak submitted a request to modify its Positive Train Control (PTC) system, specifically to add new testing instructions related to signal apparatuses and systems. This request may require FRA's approval for changes to an already certified PTC system. FRA is inviting the public to comment on this request by January 13, 2025, and all submissions will be available on the regulations.gov website. Comments received will help FRA make a decision regarding the approval of the proposed modifications.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking public comments on a new information collection related to noise barriers along highways, as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites feedback on the necessity and accuracy of the information collection and suggests ways to make the process more efficient. Comments can be submitted by March 3, 2021, through different channels, including an online portal, fax, mail, or in person. The goal is to update and manage data on noise barriers to help state highway agencies and other stakeholders.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition to allow the importation of 1997 Jeep Wrangler vehicles that did not originally meet U.S. safety standards. The petitioner, Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories, claims the non-U.S. certified vehicles are substantially similar to U.S. versions and can be modified to meet the required safety standards. Public comments on the petition are invited by February 3, 2021.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published a notice to request public comments on a special permit application from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, L.L.C. (TGP). This permit seeks an exemption from certain federal pipeline safety regulations, particularly concerning changes in pipeline class locations and maximum allowable operating pressure. The exemption covers sections of the pipeline in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, which need relief instead of replacing the pipeline or reducing its pressure. Interested parties have until February 18, 2021, to submit their comments regarding the safety and environmental implications of granting this permit.

The Federal Highway Administration has delayed the effective date of a rule regarding the Buy America Requirements for Manufactured Products. Originally set to begin on January 14, 2025, the rule's start has been pushed to March 20, 2025. This delay allows time for further review in line with a presidential memorandum that led to a regulatory freeze. The decision was made without seeking public comments because of the urgency and necessity of more review time.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced a delay in issuing the Record of Decision for the proposed Texas GulfLink Deepwater Port, located off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas. This is because the agency is still processing and reviewing over 44,000 public comments received on the Final Environmental Impact Statement and final public hearing. The delay ensures that all the submitted information and viewpoints are thoroughly evaluated before making a final decision. MARAD's actions are in compliance with the requirements set by the Deepwater Port Act of 1974.