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The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is seeking public input on its plan to extend a 3-year information collection effort called the "Annual Tank Car Survey". This survey aims to gather data on tank car facilities capable of modifying or building tank cars to meet new safety specifications outlined in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act. The information collected will help the Department of Transportation estimate the number of tank cars that will be updated or constructed to these safer standards. Individuals have until March 12, 2021, to submit their comments to BTS, with details on how to do so provided in the notice.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, announced a notice summarizing a petition from ElectraFly. This petition seeks permission to use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to safely conduct avalanche mitigation in remote, mountainous areas. ElectraFly wants to utilize drones with precise explosive delivery systems to trigger avalanches without risking human safety. The public can submit comments on this petition until May 8, 2025, through various methods including an online portal and mail.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule delaying the effective date of its "Rulemaking Procedures Update" to March 21, 2021. This decision follows a memorandum from January 20, 2021, by the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, to give time for the President's appointees or designees to review the rule. The delay aims to ensure thorough consideration of any questions concerning facts, law, or policy before the rule becomes effective. Normally, agencies have to provide notice and allow comments before implementing rules, but this requirement is waived if deemed impracticable or against public interest.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, announced that the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) submitted an updated Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) on October 30, 2024. TRE seeks approval for its Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS) to be certified as a "mixed" positive train control system. The FRA invites the public to comment on this request by February 10, 2025, to help guide their decision making. Comments can be submitted online, and the FRA will consider them before making final decisions, although responses to every comment are not guaranteed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the Department of Transportation has proposed a new rule to create Class E airspace at the Wilder/Natwick LLC Airport in Port Alsworth, Alaska. This would extend from 700 feet above the ground to help with new navigation procedures and improve flight safety. The proposal is open for public comments until April 8, 2021, and the FAA will consider these comments when finalizing the rule. The change aims to support instrument flight rule operations and enhance overall air traffic management within the National Airspace System.

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 Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), has issued a notice about a petition from the Civil Air Patrol seeking an exemption from certain Federal Aviation Regulations. The petition requests the ability for the Civil Air Patrol to carry out "C missions" under CAP 72-2, which allows them to partner with government and non-profit organizations for specific functions like pilot evaluations and flight academies for cadets. This notice aims to engage public participation by inviting comments on the petition by May 8, 2025. Comments can be submitted through various methods, including online, mail, and in-person delivery.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a waiver for certain Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) for infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories and Freely Associated States, like Guam and American Samoa. This proposal recognizes the unique challenges these regions face, such as extended delivery times and high shipping costs for U.S.-produced goods due to their geographic isolation. If approved, the waiver, which aims to ease these burdens and support project completion, would be valid for five years, allowing exceptions where necessary for strategic security. DOT seeks public comments on this proposal by December 31, 2024.

The Department of Transportation has announced an increase in the rail passenger transportation liability cap. This adjustment is mandated by the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and raises the cap from $294,278,983 to $322,864,228 to account for inflation. The new cap ensures that the total compensation for all claims from a single accident, including punitive damages, reflects current dollar value. This change will be effective 30 days after February 25, 2021.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation issued a notice regarding applications for special permits related to hazardous materials. The notice invites public comments, which must be submitted by March 12, 2021, and provides instructions on where to submit these comments. Additional information and copies of the applications are available at the Records Center in Washington, D.C. This action is part of the agency's responsibilities under federal law concerning the transportation of hazardous materials.