RSPA PROPOSES EXTENSION OF COMMENT PERIOD FOR HAZMAT REGULATIONS

RSPA PROPOSES EXTENSION OF COMMENT PERIOD FOR HAZMAT REGULATIONS    The Research and Special Programs Administration, part of the Department of Transportation, said it will extend a comment period to the end of September for proposed changes to rules on transport of hazardous materials by aircraft.
   The comment period for the proposed changes in hazardous materials transport by air was previously scheduled to end May 31. After receiving extension requests from two industry groups, the Airline Pilots Association and the Air Transport Association, RSPA decided to extend the period for public comment to Sept. 30.
   “To the extent possible, we will consider comments received after this date,” RSPA said.
   RSPA and the Federal Aviation Administration said the changes under consideration will increase safety in the air transport of hazardous materials by:
   * Modifying or clarifying requirements to promote compliance and enforcement.
   * Eliminating unnecessary current regulatory requirements.
   *Adopting current exemptions and outstanding petitions for rulemaking.
   * Facilitating international commerce.
   * Making the regulations easier to understand.
   For more information, contact Deborah Boothe or Michael Stevens of the Office of Hazardous Materials Standards of RSPA, at (202) 366-8553.