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The Presidential Memorandum addresses changes in the hiring policies of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to focus on merit-based selection. It criticizes former diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, claiming they prioritized characteristics like race or disability over qualifications and safety. The memorandum instructs the FAA and the Department of Transportation to halt these practices and instead ensure employees are chosen based on capability and performance. It also calls for a review of current employees in critical safety roles to maintain high standards of air safety and efficiency.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation has announced the receipt of applications for special permits. These permits relate to the handling and transportation of hazardous materials according to federal regulations. Members of the public can submit comments on these applications by February 18, 2025. The applications can be viewed at the Records Center, and further inquiries can be directed to Donald Burger, the Chief of the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a correction to a previous rule about safety standards for light vehicles. This rule, which was originally published on November 26, 2024, involves federal requirements for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on new vehicles. The new document corrects a typographical error in the instructions for implementing the rule. The changes made are purely administrative and clarify which specific standards need to be revised.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, issued a correction to a previous rule about highway-rail grade crossing safety standards. Initially, an error was made in the final rule published on December 14, 2020, where a reference was incorrectly linked to a non-existent paragraph. This correction fixes the mistake by correctly referring to the paragraph that lists the 10 states needing to submit updated reports electronically. This amendment is effective from February 23, 2021, and does not require public notice or comment due to the minor nature of the error.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation is reviewing a request for a coastwise endorsement for a vessel named "Yes Dear," which is foreign-built and intended for passenger day charters near Puerto Rico. They seek public comments by February 5, 2025, on how this endorsement might impact U.S. shipbuilders and businesses using U.S.-flag vessels. Anyone interested in submitting comments can do so online or by mail, and are reminded that submissions, unless marked confidential, will be publicly accessible. MARAD will evaluate the potential negative effects on U.S. businesses before deciding on the eligibility of the endorsement.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the Department of Transportation is considering a request to allow a foreign-built vessel named VALKYRIE, intended for passenger sailing charters, to operate in the coastwise trade near Honolulu, Hawaii. The vessel would carry no more than twelve passengers, and MARAD is seeking public comments on whether this would negatively impact U.S. vessel builders or companies that operate U.S.-flag vessels. Interested parties can submit their comments until January 6, 2025, through various methods, including online at regulations.gov. MARAD will only approve the request if it determines there is no adverse effect on U.S. businesses as per relevant regulations.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, part of the Department of Transportation, has announced a public meeting of its Advisory Board scheduled for March 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. The meeting will take place in-person at the DOT in Washington, DC, with a virtual attendance option available. Interested individuals must RSVP by March 1, 2025, along with requests to speak at the meeting or submit materials for discussion. The meeting agenda includes opening remarks, a report, and discussions on previous and new business.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it will delay enforcement of new rules regarding accessibility standards for pedestrian facilities until March 20, 2025. This decision follows a presidential memorandum suggesting a review of recently published rules for consistency with current law and policies. The rule in question, related to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board's standards, became officially effective on January 17, 2025. The delay is meant to allow time for the new administration to properly examine these standards.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation is inviting public comments on a request for a coastwise endorsement eligibility determination for a foreign-built motor yacht named INFINITY, intended to operate charters on the east coast of Florida. The decision will assess any adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-flag vessels. Comments must be submitted by January 6, 2025, using the specified docket number on the portal or by mail. Interested parties can review the complete application online, and all submissions will be available to the public unless marked as confidential.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on their Information Collection Request (ICR) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. They are asking for feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collection activities, the accuracy of their burden estimates, and ways to improve or reduce the burden of these activities. The FRA aims to use this feedback to enhance reporting efficiency, improve information quality, and accurately assess resource expenditures. Public comments must be submitted by May 12, 2025.