Regulatory Updates – Feb. 3, 2017

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Delays Rule for New CMV Drivers
On Feb. 1, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice delaying the effective date for a final rule creating minimum entry-level driver training standards. The final rule falls within the 60-day window of the presidential memorandum placing a regulatory freeze on rules that have been published in the Federal Register but had not yet taken effect. The effective date of the rule is delayed until March 21, 2017.

Update on Relevant Canadian Regulations

Transport Canada Seeks Comments on Transportation of Dangerous Goods
On Dec. 6, 2016, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) section of Transport Canada issued a white paper on Part 6 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR). Transport Canada is reviewing Part 6 to strengthen training requirements and enhance the safe transport of dangerous goods. Comments are due by Feb. 28, 2017.

Update on Exemptions

NORA Requests Exemption from Oregon Hazardous Materials Regulation
On Jan. 24, 2017, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a request for comments on an application from NORA, An Association of Responsible Recyclers (NORA), for an exemption from Oregon regulations that impose strict liability standards for transporters of hazardous materials. Comments are due by April 24, 2017.

CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. Members can access the document by logging into their CVSA member account and clicking on the “Exemptions Tracker” tab at the top of the page.

Other Items of Interest

Trump Administration Issues Executive Order On Regulations
On Jan. 30, 2017, the Trump administration issued an executive order requiring federal agencies to repeal two regulations for each new one they propose. The order also imposes a regulatory budget in FY 2018 that limits the regulatory costs agencies can impose on individuals and businesses each year. One rule that may be affected by the executive order is FMCSA’s proposed rule on speed limiters.