Hazardous Materials: Requirements for DOT Specification Cylinders; Second Extension of Comment Period

Passage 1[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 103 (Friday, May 28, 1999)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 28965] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-13643] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Special Programs Administration 49 CFR Part 107, 171, 172, 173, 177, 178 and 180 [Docket No. RSPA-98-3684(HM-220)] RIN 2137-AA92 Hazardous Materials: Requirements for DOT Specification Cylinders; Second Extension of Comment Period AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: RSPA is extending the closing date for filing comments to a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published under Docket HM-220 from May 28 to September 30, 1999. RSPA is taking this action in response to petitions filed by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), the Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (CGA) and Airgas, Inc. The petitioners requested that RSPA provide additional time to allow shippers, the gas and cylinder industries, and other interested parties sufficient time to review and address the proposed changes. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 30, 1999.#

Passage 2ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Dockets Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, PL 401, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Comments should identify the docket number, RSPA 98- 3684(HM-220), and should be submitted in two copies. Persons wishing to receive confirmation of receipt of their comments should include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Comments may also be submitted to the docket electronically by logging onto the Docket Management System website at http://dms.dot.gov. Click on ``Help & Information'' to obtain instructions for filing the document electronically. In every case, the comment should refer to the Docket number ``3684''. The Dockets Management System is located on the Plaza Level of the Nassif Building, at the above address. Public dockets may be reviewed at the address above between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. In addition, the NPRM and all comments can be reviewed on the internet by accessing the Hazmat Safety Homepage at ``http://hazmat.dot.gov.'' FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Freeman, telephone number (202) 366-4545, Office of Hazardous Materials Technology, or Hattie Mitchell, telephone number (202) 366-8553, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, Research and Special Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590-0001.#

Passage 3SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 30, 1998, RSPA published an NPRM in the Federal Register under Docket HM-220 (63 FR 58460). RSPA proposes in the NPRM to amend certain requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations to establish four new DOT cylinder specifications and to revise the requirements for maintenance, requalification, repair and use of DOT specification cylinders. In addition, RSPA held three public meetings to discuss the proposals on December 8, 1998 (63 FR 58460; October 30, 1998), January 28, 1999 (63 FR 72224; December 31, 1998) and April 13-15, 1999 (64 FR 9114; February 24, 1999). Also the December 31 notice provided for a 120-day extension of the comment period from January 28 to May 28. The NPGA, the ARI, and the CGA petitioned RSPA for another extension of at least 120 days from the May 28 deadline. Airgas Inc. petitioned for a 90-day extension. The petitioners stated that this second extension would allow affected persons more time to provide substantive comments to the proposed changes. Many commenters attending the April public meeting also stated that they would need more time to submit their comments. RSPA agrees that additional time should be provided and is hereby extending the closing date from May 28 to September 30, 1999. Issued in Washington, DC, on May 24, 1999. Alan I. Roberts, Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety. [FR Doc. 99-13643 Filed 5-27-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P#