Search Results for agency_names:"Transportation Department"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to amend safety standards for child restraint systems in vehicles. The goal is to improve the ease of use and effectiveness of lower and tether anchorages in cars, fulfilling the MAP-21 mandate. The new regulations include clearer labeling, standardized anchorage configurations, and improved testing tools to ensure child safety systems are more user-friendly. The rule includes a phased implementation starting in September 2028 to allow manufacturers time to incorporate these changes into vehicle designs.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes a rule to update brake system safety standards for trains that use an electronic air brake slip (eABS) system. This new system would allow certain rail cars to travel longer distances between brake tests, specifically up to 2,500 miles rather than the current 1,500 miles, provided the cars meet specific criteria. The proposal includes maintaining extended records of the cars' brake tests and allowing the swapping of blocks of cars in trains without additional tests. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce employee injury risks while still ensuring train safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to decommission the Flight Service communication frequencies network across the contiguous United States, excluding Alaska, due to the outdated infrastructure and dramatic drop in service requests. The network, which was developed over 40 years ago, has become redundant with current technology, and maintaining it costs taxpayers millions annually. This move is expected to save costs as pilots now primarily use mobile technology for inflight advisory services. The FAA is seeking public comments on this decision and will consider them before finalizing the plan.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, is proposing new procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These procedures establish categorical exclusions (CEs), which are categories of actions deemed to typically have minimal environmental impacts. PHMSA invites public comments on these proposed CEs and procedures, aiming to ensure their activities minimize environmental effects and involve public and governmental engagement. Comments must be submitted by January 9, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH models to address issues with malfunctioning emergency fuel shut-off switches. This rule requires inspections of these switches and, if necessary, repairs or replacements to prevent potential in-flight engine shutdowns. The urgency of this safety measure means it's effective from March 24, 2025, with some compliance actions required within a limited timeframe. The FAA invites public comments on this rule until April 21, 2025, and further details can be found through official resources like regulations.gov.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a waiver to exempt City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri, from the Buy America requirements for certain products used in its natural gas project funded by the NGDISM grant. This waiver is granted because these products, such as locator markers and magnesium anodes, are not available in sufficient quantities from domestic manufacturers. City Utilities had previously sought suppliers but found no companies able to provide the required products compliant with the Buy America Act. The waiver applies only to this specific project and is effective until the project concludes, estimated by June 30, 2029.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is issuing a waiver from the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act requirements for certain products that the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) needs for its safety and modernization grant project. The waiver applies because these products are not readily available in the U.S., or they are too costly to obtain domestically. The waiver covers products like electro-fusion tapping tees, anodeless risers, and lockwing valves, among others, and enables PGW to proceed with updating their gas distribution system in Philadelphia's disadvantaged neighborhoods. This waiver is only applicable to PGW's project and is effective until June 30, 2029.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on a new information collection related to the National Scenic Byway Program (NSBP). This program aims to recognize and enhance roads across the United States, offering grants to State Departments of Transportation and federally recognized Indian Tribes. Comments are invited on the necessity and accuracy of this information collection, as well as any suggestions to improve it or reduce the burden on applicants. The deadline for submitting comments is January 29, 2025.

The FAA has proposed a rule regarding airworthiness directives for certain ATR42-500 airplanes. This new rule seeks to update and replace existing directives due to identified safety concerns, imposing stricter airworthiness limitations to ensure these airplanes' structural integrity. The proposed changes require revisions to maintenance and inspection programs and open a comment period for the public until April 12, 2021. The rule also outlines anticipated costs for the operators and provides exceptions to some requirements from related European regulations.

In a final rule published on November 18, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made corrections to its regulations by addressing two specific errors. The first correction involves handling a wrongly stayed section, with the agency providing new instructions to revise and stay that section until January 16, 2026. The second correction fixes a typographical error involving an incorrect reference in a section definition. These changes aim to improve clarity and consistency within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.