DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

September 21, 2023 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180

[Docket No. PHMSA–2019–0031 (HM–265A)] RIN 2137–AF47

Hazardous Materials: Modernizing Regulations To Improve Safety and Efficiency; Extension of Comment Period

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; Extension of comment period.

SUMMARY: On July 5, 2023, PHMSA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, titled ‘‘Hazardous Materials: Modernizing Regulations to Improve Safety and Efficiency (HM– 265A),’’ seeking comment of 46 topics related to modernizing the hazardous materials regulations to increase efficiency while maintaining and improving safety. In response to a request for an extension of the comment period submitted by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, PHMSA is extending the comment period for the HM–265A notice for an additional 60 days.

Comments to the HM–265A notice will now be due by December 4, 2023.

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-21/pdf/2023-20440.pdf

September 5, 2023

September 5, 2023 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268 and 270

[EPA–HQ–OLEM–2023–0320; FRL: 10001– 02–OLEM] RIN 2050–AH29

Used Drum Management and Reconditioning; Extension of Comment Period

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) is extending the comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), ‘‘Used Drum Management and Reconditioning’’. The EPA published this ANRPM in the Federal Register on August 11, 2023, and the public comment period was scheduled to end on September 25, 2023. However, the EPA has received several requests for additional time to develop and submit comments on the ANPRM. In response to the requests for additional time, the EPA is extending the comment period through November 22, 2023.

DATES: The comment period for the ANPRM published August 11, 2023, at 88 FR 54537, is extended. Comments must be received on or before November 22, 2023.

READ MORE: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-05/pdf/2023-19014.pdf

September 1, 2023

September 1, 2023. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

49 CFR Part 172

[Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0058 (HM–264A)] RIN 2137–AF55

Hazardous Materials: Suspension of HMR Amendments Authorizing Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: PHMSA, in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to suspend authorization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation in rail tank cars pursuant to a final rule published on July 24, 2020, pending the earlier of either completion of a companion rulemaking evaluating potential modifications to requirements governing rail tank car transportation of LNG, or June 30, 2025.

DATES: This final rule is effective on October 31, 2023.

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-09-01/pdf/2023-18569.pdf

August 15, 2023

August 15th, 2023 Department of Transportation

49 CFR Parts 171, 174, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA–2016–0015 (HM–263)] RIN 2137–AF21

Hazardous Materials: FAST Act Requirements for Real-Time Train Consist Information

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

Original post made on June 27th, 2023

DATE: Comment period extended to October 27, 2023

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-15/pdf/2023-17472.pdf

August 11, 2023

August 11, 2023 Environmental Protection Agency

40 CFR Parts 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268 and 270

[EPA–HQ–OLEM–2023–0320; FRL: 10001– 01–OLEM] RIN: 2050–AH29

SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) is soliciting information and requesting comments to assist in the potential development of non-regulatory and regulatory options that would ensure the proper management of used industrial containers that held hazardous chemicals or hazardous waste, up to and including the drum reconditioning process. Options could include revising the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations or other, non-regulatory options. This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) does not propose any regulatory requirements or change any existing regulatory requirements.

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 25, 2023.

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-11/pdf/2023-16752.pdf

August 9th, 2023

August 9th, 2023 Environmental Protection Agency

40 CFR Parts 260, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 270, 271, and 441

[EPA–HQ–OLEM–2023–0081; FRL 8687–02– OLEM] RIN 2050–AH23

Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule, the Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Rule, and the Definition of Solid Waste Rule; Technical Corrections

ACTION: Direct final rule.

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA or the Agency) is taking direct final action on a number of technical corrections that correct or clarify several parts of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste regulations. These technical corrections correct or clarify specific provisions in the existing hazardous waste regulations that were promulgated in the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements rule, the Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals rule, and the Definition of Solid Waste rule.

Date: This rule is effective on December 7, 2023, without further notice unless the EPA receives adverse comment by October 10, 2023.

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-09/pdf/2023-14731.pdf

August 9th, 2023

August 9th, 2023 Environmental Protection Agency

40 CFR Parts 260, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 270, 271 and 441

[EPA–HQ–OLEM–2023–0081]; FRL 8687– 01–OLEM RIN 2050–AH23

Action: Proposed Rule

Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule, the Hazardous Waste

Pharmaceuticals Rule, and the Definition of Solid Waste Rule; Technical Corrections 

Summary: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make technical corrections that correct or clarify several parts of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste regulations.…..Read More:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-08-09/pdf/2023-14730.pdf

Date: Comment thru October thru October 10, 2023

July 5, 2023

July 5, 2023 Department of Transportation

49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA–2019–0031 (HM–265A)] RIN 2137–AF47 H

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM).

SUMMARY: PHMSA is publishing this ANPRM to solicit stakeholder feedback on initiatives PHMSA is considering that may modernize the Hazardous Materials Regulations and improve efficiencies while maintaining or improving a current high level of safety. To fully engage with stakeholders, this ANPRM solicits comments and input on questions related to 46 distinct topics under consideration. Any comments, data, and information received will be used to evaluate and potentially draft proposed amendments.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 3, 2023.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-07-05/pdf/2023-13903.pdf

June 27th 2023 Department of Transportation

49 CFR Parts 171, 174, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA–2016–0015 (HM–263)] RIN 2137–AF21

Hazardous Materials: FAST Act Requirements for Real-Time Train Consist Information

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: PHMSA proposes amendments to its Hazardous Materials Regulations to require all railroads to generate in electronic form, maintain, and provide to first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel, certain information regarding hazardous materials in rail transportation to enhance emergency response and investigative efforts. The proposal responds to a safety recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board and statutory mandates in The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, as amended, and complements existing regulatory requirements pertaining to the generation, maintenance, and provision of similar information in hard copy form, as well as other hazard communication requirements.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 28, 2023.

Read More: click here

June 9, 2023   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

40 CFR Part 302 

[EPA–HQ–OLEM–202–0922; FRL–9064–02– OLEM] 

Addressing PFAS in the Environment; Extension of Comment Period 

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM); extension of comment period.

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the ANPRM, ‘‘Addressing PFAS in the Environment.’’ The EPA published the ANPRM in the Federal Register on April 13, 2023, and the public comment period was scheduled to end on June 12, 2023. However, the EPA has received several requests for additional time to develop and submit comments on the ANPRM. In response to the request for additional time, the EPA is extending the comment period for an additional 60 days, through August 11, 2023. 

DATES: The comment period for the proposed rule published April 13, 2023, at 88 FR 22399, is extended. Comments must be received on or before August 11, 2023

READ MORE: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-06-09/pdf/2023-12410.pdf

Tuesday May 30th, 2023    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 

49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173, 175, 176, 178, and 180 

[Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0092 (HM–215Q)] RIN 2137–AF57 

Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With International Standards 

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 

SUMMARY: PHMSA proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international regulations and standards by adopting various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements. 

DATES: Comments must be received by July 31, 2023. To the extent possible, PHMSA will consider late-filed comments while a final rule is developed. 

Read More:  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-30/pdf/2023-07109.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

49 CFR Parts 107, 171, 172, 173, 178, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA–2020–0102 (HM–219D);

Notice No. 2023–06] RIN 2137–AF49

Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Miscellaneous Petitions and Updating Regulatory Requirements AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

SUMMARY: On March 3, 2023, PHMSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), entitled ‘‘Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Miscellaneous Petitions and Updating Regulatory Requirements (HM–219D),’’ proposing changes to update, clarify, improve the safety of, or streamline various regulatory requirements. In response to a request for an extension of the comment period submitted by Worthington Industries, PHMSA is extending the comment period for the HM–219D NPRM for an additional 45 days. Comments to the HM–219D NPRM will now be due by June 16, 2023.

DATES: Comments should be received on or before June 16, 2023

April 13, 3023     ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

40 CFR Part 302 

[EPA–HQ–OLEM–2022–0922; FRL–9064– 01–OLEM] 

RIN 2050–AH25 

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM). 

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is seeking public input and data to assist in the consideration of potential development of future regulations pertaining to perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund). The Agency is seeking input and data regarding potential future hazardous substance designation under CERCLA of: Seven PFAS, besides perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and their salts and structural isomers, or some subset thereof; precursors (a precursor is a chemical that is transformed into another compound through the course of a degradation process) to PFOA, PFOS, and seven other PFAS; and/or categories of PFAS. 

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 12, 2023.

READ MORE: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-04-13/pdf/2023-07535.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

49 CFR Parts 107, 171, 172, 173, 178, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA–2020–0102 (HM–219D)] RIN 2137–AF49

Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Miscellaneous Petitions and Updating Regulatory Requirements

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: PHMSA proposes amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to update, clarify, improve the safety of, or streamline various regulatory requirements. Specifically, this rulemaking responds to 18 petitions for rulemaking submitted by the regulated community between May 2018 and October 2020 that requests PHMSA address a variety of provisions, including but not limited to those addressing packaging, hazard communication, and the incorporation by reference of certain documents. These proposed revisions maintain or enhance the existing high level of safety under the HMR while providing clarity and appropriate regulatory flexibility in the transport of hazardous materials.

DATES: Comments must be submitted by May 2, 2023. PHMSA will consider latefiled comments to the extent possible

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-03/pdf/2023-03366.pdf

January 25th, 2023   Department of Transportation

(Correction to the Federal Register Update of December 27th, 2022)  

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 

FR 88   4756-4761

49 CFR Parts 107, 110, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, and 180  [Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0091 (HM–260B)] RIN 2137–AF56 

Hazardous Materials: Editorial Corrections and Clarifications; Correction

SUMMARY: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is correcting the final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on December 27, 2022. The final rule made editorial revisions and clarifications to the hazardous materials regulations including the hazardous materials table. The corrections address several errors to the hazardous material entries in the hazardous materials table. 

DATES: This correction is effective January 26, 2023. 

Read More:

     https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-25/pdf/2023-01327.pdf

January 6th, 2023 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 13 and 406 

Office of the Secretary 14 CFR Part 383 Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 33 CFR Part 401

Maritime Administration 46 CFR Parts 221, 307, 340, and 356

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 49 CFR Parts 107, 171, and 190 

Federal Railroad Administration 49 CFR Parts 209, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, and 272 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 386 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 578 

FR 88 1114-1132

 RIN 2105–AF12

 Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts 

 AGENCY: Department of Transportation (DOT or the Department). 

 ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: This final rule provides the statutorily-prescribed 2023 adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of certain DOT regulations. 

DATES: This rule is effective January 6, 2023.

To read more: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-06/pdf/2022-28580.pdf

December 27th, 2022       DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 

FR 87  79752-79785

49 CFR Parts 107, 110, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA–2021–0091 (HM–260B)] RIN 2137–AF56

Hazardous Materials: Editorial Corrections and Clarifications   

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This final rule corrects editorial errors and improves the clarity of certain provisions in PHMSA’s program and procedural regulations and in the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The intended effect of this rulemaking is to enhance accuracy and reduce misunderstandings of the regulations. The amendments contained in this final rule are non-substantive changes and do not impose new requirements. 

DATES: This final rule is effective January 26, 2023. 

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-12-27/pdf/2022-26960.pdf

December 21, 2022  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

 FR 87 77995-78011

 49 CFR Parts 107, 171, and 173

 [Docket No. PHMSA–2016–0014 (HM–224I)] RIN 2137–AF20 

 Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Safety Provisions for Lithium Batteries Transported by Aircraft (FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018) 

 ACTION: Final rule. 

 SUMMARY: This final rule revises the Hazardous Materials Regulations for lithium cells and batteries transported by aircraft and is consistent with the previously published Interim Final Rule, which responded to congressional mandates; prohibited the transport of lithium ion cells and batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft; required lithium ion cells and batteries to be shipped at not more than a 30 percent state of charge aboard cargo-only aircraft when not packed with or contained in equipment; and limited the use of alternative provisions for smaller lithium cell or battery shipments to one package per consignment. In response to comments, this final rule provides editorial amendments and modification of certain provisions including marking requirements, requests for an extension on the compliance date, and exception for lithium cells or batteries used for medical devices with approval by the Associate Administrator. 

 DATES: This final rule is effective on January 20, 2023. 

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-12-21/pdf/2022-27563.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION -September 12, 2022

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - September 12th, 2022

49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, and 177

[Docket No. PHMSA–2018–0081 (HM–250A)]

RIN 2137–AF42

Hazardous Materials: Compatibility With the Regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: PHMSA, in coordination with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international regulations and standards governing the transportation of Class 7 radioactive materials. Specifically, PHMSA proposes to adopt changes contained in the International Atomic Energy Agency standards. Additionally, PHMSA proposes regulatory amendments identified through internal regulatory review processes to update, clarify, correct, or streamline certain regulatory requirements applicable to the transportation of Class 7 (radioactive) materials.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 12, 2022.

READ MORE: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-09-12/pdf/2022-18605.pdf

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 302

[EPA–HQ–OLEM–2019–0341; FRL–7204– 02–OLEM]

RIN 2050–AH09

Designation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) as CERCLA Hazardous Substances

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (‘‘CERCLA’’ or ‘‘Superfund’’), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is proposing to designate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), including their salts and structural isomers, as hazardous substances. CERCLA authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations designating as hazardous substances such elements, compounds, mixtures, solutions, and substances which, when released into the environment, may present substantial danger to the public health or welfare or the environment. Such a designation would ultimately facilitate cleanup of contaminated sites and reduce human exposure to these ‘‘forever’’ chemicals.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 7, 2022.

Read More: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-09-06/pdf/2022-18657.pdf