PHMSA Issues HM-233C Final Rule to Incorporate Certain Special Permits and Competent Authority Approvals into HMR

摘要

On March 18, 2014, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 15033) under Docket PHMSA-2011-0158 (HM-233C) amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to incorporate provisions contained in certain widely used or longstanding special permits and competent authority approvals ("CA approvals"). The revisions are intended to provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility offered in special permits and approvals and eliminate the need for numerous renewal requests, thus reducing paperwork burdens and facilitating commerce while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. The final rule also revises approval renewal requirements to allow approval holders applying for a renewal to continue using their approval after the expiration date if they apply at least 60 days before the expiration date. The final rule is effective April 17, 2014.