Housekeeping

Seems like everyone’s trying to clear the decks in order to start with a clean slate in 2010. Several agencies have posted notices of follow-up activities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule that would amend the regulations implementing the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) program, published on July 29, 2009, in the Federal Register, under the CARS Act. The rule change would allow disposal facilities an additional 90 days, for a total of 270 days, to crush or shred a vehicle traded in under the CARS program. This additional time would allow the public to benefit from the availability of lower cost used vehicle parts from vehicles traded in under the CARS program and would provide disposal facilities with an opportunity to derive more revenue from those vehicles prior to crushing or shredding. Refer to DOT Docket Number NHTSA-2009-0120 for more information about this.

The Federal Highway Administration is looking for comments on a proposed rulemaking. This NPRM sets forth updated FHWA procedures for enforcement of the State registration of vehicles subject to the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). The intent of these actions is to bring FHWA’s HVUT regulations up-to-date to be consistent with many changes that have impacted the regulation over the last two decades. Refer to FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2009-0098 when making your comments.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration has issued a final rule to correct editorial errors, make minor changes in the regulatory text, reflect changes in governing laws and improve the clarity of certain provisions in the pipeline safety regulations. This rule is intended to enhance the accuracy and reduce misunderstandings of the specified regulations. The amendments contained in this rule are non-substantive changes. Refer to Docket No. PHMSA-2009-0265; Amdt Nos. 190-15; 192-111; 195-92, 198-5 for details.