April 22, 2020

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Opens Door to Private Litigation Challenging EPA-Approved Remedy at a Superfund Site

Environmental Alert

(by Alana Fortna)

As addressed previously in an article published by The Legal Intelligencer, one key case to watch before the U.S. Supreme Court is Atlantic Richfield Company v. Christian, Case No. 17-1498.  On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Court issued its Opinion in this case (590 U.S. ___ (2020)), which included two Dissenting Opinions and opened the door for potential private party litigation involving proposed alternative cleanup plans at Superfund sites.  While the likelihood of success on such future litigation may be questionable given the position of the United States as an amicus curia in this case, any litigation potential could still be disruptive to Superfund site cleanups, even if it is ultimately unsuccessful.

The Atlantic Richfield case involves one of the oldest Superfund sites in the country—the Anaconda Copper Smelter Site, which covers an area of approximately 300 square miles.  Pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. (CERCLA), Atlantic Richfield has been performing investigation and remedial activities at the Site under the oversight and approval of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the past 35 years.  Landowners in and around the Site sued Atlantic Richfield in Montana state court seeking, among other things, restoration damages under state law to restore their properties to their pre-contamination state.  The landowners pursued an alternative cleanup plan that sought remedial action above and beyond the EPA-approved remedy in both scope and cost.  The Montana Supreme Court agreed that the landowners could pursue their restoration claim against Atlantic Richfield despite statutory arguments to the contrary.  The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to address the following issues: (i) whether CERCLA strips the state court of jurisdiction over the landowners’ state law claim for restoration damages, and (ii) if not, whether CERCLA requires the landowners to seek EPA approval for their proposed remediation plan.  …

April 22, 2020

Update: Paycheck Protection Program (as of April 22, 2020)

Client Alert

(by Moore Capito, Christian Farmakis and Andrew Terranova)

On April 3, 2020, lenders began accepting and issuing Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP Loans) to qualifying small businesses. In less than two weeks, the approximately $350 billion appropriated to the PPP Loans were fully depleted. Over the past two weeks, we have received questions related to the application process, appropriate use of loan proceeds during the covered period, calculating the level of loan forgiveness, and the possibility of further funding.

We understand that no two businesses are the same and that’s why we are uniquely tailoring our approach to acquisition and utilization of the PPP Loans to suit your needs. If your business received a PPP Loan, we are prepared to provide counsel to your business on how loan proceeds may be allocated.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a major enhancement to the PPP Loan program. While action by the U.S. House of Representatives is not expected until Thursday, we fully expect $310 billion additional dollars to be added to the PPP Loan program. Therefore, it is important for qualifying businesses that missed out on the first round of funding to be prepared to act quickly. The first step is ensuring your application is properly completed and submitted to an SBA-approved lender. The application can be found here and SBA-approved lenders can be found here. We have counseled dozens of clients on the application process and we are happy to assist your business as well.

If you have questions about the application and/or utilization of PPP Loans, please contact us and we will help guide you through the process. …

April 21, 2020

Governor Amends COVID-19 Order to Recommence Limited Construction Activities in Pennsylvania

Construction Alert

(by David White, James Miller and Marc Felezzola)

As part of a three phase plan for Pennsylvania overcoming the COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf announced on Monday, April 20, 2020 that limited construction activities may recommence on May 8, 2020 for non-exempt projects in Pennsylvania.  Although the full details regarding the plan have not yet been released, it is clear that all construction work must comply with the Governor’s and Secretary of Health’s April 20, 2020 amendments to their business closure orders and must be in strict compliance with the administration’s guidance referenced in those amendments, all of which are available below:

While the details regarding the limited recommencement of construction activities have not yet been released, it is believed the Governor will issue the following guidelines:

  • For residential construction, only four workers will be allowed to be on the jobsite at one time.
  • For commercial construction, four workers will be allowed on a jobsite at one time for projects of 2,000 square feet or less; and for every 500 square feet, an additional worker may be added. This would apply to all construction, even the current healthcare and waiver approved projects. For example: a 5,000 square foot construction project will be allowed ten workers on site (4 workers for 2,000 SF and an additional 6 workers when considering the 3,000 SF).

    • …

April 20, 2020

Pennsylvania Enacts Act 15 of 2020 to Address Local Government Issues During the Pandemic

Client Alert

(by Blaine Lucas, Stephen Korbel and Max Junker)

Modifies Public Meeting Rules, Suspends Land Use Application Processing Deadlines on a Limited Basis, Authorizes Taxing Bodies to Postpone the Property Tax Discount Date and Waive Late Fees and Penalties, and Authorizes the Remote Use of Notaries.

On April 20, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 15 of 2020. Act 15 was unanimously approved by the Commonwealth’s Senate and House of Representatives, and takes effect immediately. As part of broader legislation regarding healthcare cost containment, Act 15 addresses a number of critical issues for Pennsylvania local governments, most notably how to conduct business in compliance with applicable statutory requirements when the physical presence of their officials, constituents, development applicants and other interested parties is either highly discouraged by public health officials or prohibited altogether. This can be particularly problematic for applicants for a variety of local government land use approvals, consideration and action on which usually are statutorily mandated to take place at public meetings and hearings.

Among other things, Act 15:

  • Eliminates the requirements for physical attendance at public meetings during the Governor’s declaration of a disaster emergency by permitting the use of “authorized telecommunications devices.”
  • Provides for the limited suspension, or “tolling,” of statutory deadlines for municipal boards and agencies to hear and act upon a wide variety of land use and other development applications.
  • Authorizes taxing districts to extend the deadline for payment of property taxes at a discount and to waive fees and penalties for late payments.
  • Authorizes the remote use of notaries via communications technologies.

Use of Telecommunications Devices to Conduct Public Meetings

Until the expiration or termination of the COVID-19 disaster emergency, an agency, department, authority, board, council, governing body or other political subdivision included in the declaration may conduct hearings, meetings, proceedings or other business through the use of an “authorized telecommunications device”, defined as “any device, which permits, at a minimum, audio communication between individuals.” Act 15 also dispenses with provisions in certain municipal codes, such as the Borough Code, requiring the physical presence at a meeting location of a quorum of the participating members, as long as a quorum is otherwise established through the authorized telecommunications device. …

April 20, 2020

Update: U.S. DOT Agencies Extend Further COVID-19 HazMat Relief

Transportation Safety Alert

(by Boyd Stephenson, Varun Shekhar, Jame Curry)

Babst Calland has updated this alert to capture new shipping paper guidance extended by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies that regulate the surface transportation of hazardous materials (HazMat) have extended several forms of relief.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has waived some HazMat training requirements, delayed some equipment recertifications, provided guidance for complying with existing shipping paper rules while practicing safe social distancing, and adopted a temporary enforcement policy for transporting alcohol-based sanitizer.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are implementing PHMSA’s waiver in their modes.  FMCSA has also allowed States to extend the effective dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and commercial learner’s permits (CLP).  Additionally, FRA has activated its emergency docket.  FRA has not extended any hazardous materials-specific relief.

Hazardous Materials Shippers, Carriers, and Package Manufacturers

  • Update: On April 10th, PHMSA issued a notice highlighting existing regulations that allow shipping papers to be transferred between parties while minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19.  PHMSA reminds regulated parties that no physical contact is required to exchange shipping papers.  PHMSA suggests that shipping papers may transferred either electronically or by placing the physical copy on a table, stepping away while the shipping paper is signed, and then retrieving the signed shipping paper.  The notice also reminds shippers that they may ask another person to sign on their behalf verbally, in writing, or through electronic authorization such as an email or text message.  By following these requirements, individuals transporting HazMat should be able to comply with the regulations without special relief.

    • …

April 17, 2020

Regulated Entities Should Consider Benefits and Limitations of EPA’s COVID-19 Policy in Light of Post-Publication Developments

Environmental Alert

(by Lisa Bruderly, Julie Domike and Gary Steinbauer)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s March 26, 2020 temporary COVID-19 enforcement discretion policy establishes the steps regulated parties must take to qualify for enforcement protection for noncompliance caused by COVID-19 (“COVID-19 Policy” or “Policy”).  Our previous Alert outlined the Policy’s scope, eligibility criteria, and expectations.  In less than a month, EPA’s Policy has generated significant controversy, conflicting media reports, congressional inquiries, and now a federal lawsuit.  Critiques of the Policy and EPA’s evolving messaging make clear that entities affected by COVID-19 should be thoughtful and strategic in their reliance on the potential relief provided by the Policy.

EPA’s Response to Backlash

In response to initial criticisms, EPA initiated several steps to explain its stance on environmental compliance and enforcement during the pandemic.  On March 30, 2020, EPA issued a news release to correct “the record on reckless reporting” by certain media outlets and clarify that the Policy applies on a case-by-case basis.  To quell legislative opposition, EPA sent members of Congress a letter on April 2, 2020, defending the Policy.  EPA has also created a Frequently Asked Questions webpage answering several questions on the scope and application of the COVID-19 Policy.

Environmental Groups Sue EPA and State Attorneys General Weigh-In

At the same time, environmental groups and the states have voiced concerns related to the Policy.  On April 1, 2020, a coalition of environmental groups, led by the Natural Resources Defense Council, petitioned EPA to promulgate an emergency rule requiring regulated parties to affirmatively report COVID-19-caused noncompliance and provide information similar to what EPA requires parties to document under the Policy.  …

April 17, 2020

A. A. Moore Capito – Corporate Attorney

Emerging Technologies Profile 

Why do you have two jobs? I’ve got the best of both worlds – in business and in public service. I love being an attorney because it challenges me every day to help clients achieve their business goals. My other job is being a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. After having worked in Washington, D.C. serving on the White House advance team and as a staff member in the Department of Defense, I attended law school to prepare me for both worlds.

What do you do at Babst Calland? I represent publicly traded and privately held clients in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as business structuring, governance, commercial contracts, and real estate transactions.

When you are not at Babst Calland, you can be found… at the State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia performing my legislative duties. I am passionate about West Virginia and the growing opportunities to reinvent ourselves in a way that focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological growth for the future. Helping West Virginia to expand in the technology space is one of my roles as co-chair of the Tech Caucus in West Virginia’s House.

Personally, what fulfills you most? My family and colleagues at work. I’m so blessed to have an opportunity to live, work, and raise a family in a place I love.

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know. The A.A. in my given name is from my late grandfather – Arch Alfred Moore, Jr., former Governor of West Virginia. My Mom – Shelley Moore Capito – is a U.S. Senator from West Virginia. I also play solitaire, with real cards, in my free time. …

April 16, 2020

Commonwealth Court Update: Preliminary Opinions and Development Rights

The Legal Intelligencer

(by Krista-Ann Staley)

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, the statewide intermediate appellate court that hears and decides land use appeals, took a temporary hiatus from issuing opinions while the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the hiatus, the Commonwealth Court: closed to the public for all nonessential functions through April 30, in accordance with a series of orders from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; cancelled its March argument session in Harrisburg, indicating that it would decide all cases listed for argument on briefs unless a party requested an oral argument; extended certain filing deadlines under the Pennsylvania Rules of Appellate Procedure and deadlines for briefs, petitions, motions and applications for pending matters for 30 days; cancelled its April argument session in Harrisburg; relocated its May argument session from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg; and announced the May argument list. The Commonwealth Court then resumed posting opinions April 7, and is expected to work through a backlog of cases while its operations remain limited.

Prior to its hiatus, the Commonwealth Court released several land use decisions, two of which addressed statutory interpretation issues through subjects that rarely come before the court: zoning officer preliminary opinions and transferrable development rights.

In Friends of Lackawanna v. Dunmore Borough Zoning Hearing Board, No. 1586 C.D. 2018 (Pa. Commw. Ct. Feb. 18, 2020), the court addressed the “preliminary opinion” procedure set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §§10101, et seq. (the MPC). That process, added as Section 10916.2 of the MPC by the act of Dec. 21, 1988, P.L. 1329, serves to advance the timeline for a substantive validity challenge and allow a landowner to “secure assurance that the ordinance …  is free from challenge” before filing a land use application. …

April 15, 2020

EPA Publishes Interim Guidance on Site Field Work Decision-Making Related to COVID-19 Impacts

Environmental Alert

(by Lindsay Howard and Matthew Wood)

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt nearly all aspects of American life and business, including ongoing response activities being conducted under the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  In connection with these impacts, on April 10, 2020, EPA published a memorandum entitled, Interim Guidance on Site Field Work Decisions Due to Impacts of COVID-19 (“EPA’s COVID-19 Field Work Guidance” or “Guidance”).  The Guidance offers guidelines, specific factors, and examples EPA Regions should consider in their decision-making processes to continue, reduce, or suspend on-site work.  Driving these case-by-case decisions are EPA’s two main priorities: (1) protecting the health and safety of the public, as well as EPA’s staff and cleanup partners; and (2) maintaining EPA’s ability to prevent and respond to environmental emergencies.  This Alert addresses questions regarding EPA’s guidelines and decision-making under the Guidance.

To What Sites Does EPA’s COVID-19 Field Work Guidance Apply?

EPA’s COVID-19 Field Work Guidance applies to ongoing and emergency response actions conducted at sites across the United States under multiple federal programs, including Superfund, RCRA, and TSCA, where EPA is the lead agency or has direct oversight of or responsibility for the work being performed.  EPA acknowledges that any number of parties may actually be performing the work covered by its Guidance, including EPA, states, tribes, other federal agencies, or potentially responsible parties (PRPs).  Although the Guidance does not apply directly to states, EPA specifies that Regions should share the Guidance with states and assist states conducting state-lead RCRA cleanups.

In What Types of Situations Will EPA Regions Reduce or Suspend Response Actions?

The Guidance identifies multiple situations that have informed (or may inform) Regions’ decisions to reduce or suspend response actions.  …

April 13, 2020

Coronavirus may be basis to invoke force majeure provision of consent orders and consent decrees in Pennsylvania

The PIOGA Press

(by Kevin Garber, Sean McGovern and Jean Mosites)

On March 6, Governor Tom Wolf issued a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency throughout the Commonwealth under the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Services Code in response to the expanding COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. On March 13, President Donald Trump declared a state of national emergency. Many other states and local governments are following suit. These government actions may be a basis to invoke the force majeure clause of consent orders and consent decrees between regulated parties and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, other state and local environmental regulatory agencies or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The standard force majeure provision of most DEP consent orders and agreements allows deadlines in the order to be extended if circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the regulated party prevent compliance with the order. Similar provisions are often found in consent agreements with EPA and in consent decrees approved by federal and state courts.

These force majeure provisions typically require the affected party to notify the agency of the force majeure event when the party becomes aware or reasonably should have become aware of the event impeding performance. For example, the model DEP Consent Order and Agreement requires telephone notice within five working days and written notice, in some circumstances by notarized affidavit, within 10 working days describing the reasons for the delay, the expected duration of the delay, and the efforts being taken to mitigate the effects of the event and length of the delay. This model provision states that failure to comply with the timing and notice requirements invalidates a force majeure extension.

There are compelling reasons why the coronavirus pandemic, which is unlike any event experienced in this country, is beyond the contemplated scope of agency force majeure clauses such that strict adherence to the timing and notice provisions should be excused and extensions should be granted as necessary. …

April 13, 2020

DEP will consider requests to temporarily suspend environmental requirements due to COVID-19

The PIOGA Press

(by Lisa Bruderly and Daniel Hido)

As businesses in Pennsylvania struggle to deal with significant disruptions and challenges to their operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental agencies have recognized the challenges the pandemic presents to achieving compliance with environmental obligations. For example, on March 26 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a temporary policy for excusing COVID-19-related noncompliance (see accompanying article). Similarly, on March 31 the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued an alert (www.dep.pa.gov/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx) announcing that it would consider requests to temporarily suspend certain regulatory, permit, and/or other legal requirements due to COVID-19. DEP also provided the form needed to make such a request.

This announcement reflects a thought change from DEP’s previous assertion that COVID-19’s impact on businesses in Pennsylvania would not excuse compliance with environmental laws, stating that “[a]ll permittees and operators are expected to meet all terms andconditions of their environmental permits, including conditions applicable to cessation of operations.”

What is required to request a temporary suspension?

Unlike EPA’s temporary policy, which does not require regulated entities to submit documentation regarding an inability to meet routine compliance obligations, DEP is requiring submittal of the request form. While DEP did not elaborate on how it will review requests for suspension, it will generally evaluate (1) the reasons for the request in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the risk of harm to the environment or public health if the request is or is not granted.

Importantly, it will not be enough for entities to show that COVID-19 has restricted their ability to comply with regulatory, permit or other legal requirements; entities must demonstrate that strict compliance would prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the COVID-19 emergency. …

April 8, 2020

Update: U.S. DOT Agencies and TSA Extend COVID-19 HazMat Relief

Transportation Safety Alert

(by Boyd Stephenson, Varun Shekhar, Jame Curry)

Babst Calland has updated this alert to capture new HazMat background check relief extended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies that regulate the surface transportation of hazardous materials (HazMat) have extended several forms of relief.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has waived some HazMat training requirements and delayed some equipment recertifications.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are implementing PHMSA’s waiver in their modes. FMCSA has also allowed states to extend the effective dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and commercial learner’s permits (CLP).  Additionally, FRA has activated its emergency docket.  FRA has not extended any hazardous materials-specific relief.  Finally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is allowing states to extend HazMat endorsements (HME).

Hazardous Materials Shippers, Carriers, and Package Manufacturers

  • On March 25th, PHMSA issued an updated policy declining to enforce recurrent training requirements under 49 C.F.R. § 172.704(c)(2) against HazMat employers unable to train employees due to COVID-19.  Employers are still required to provide initial training to a new hazardous materials employee before the employee may perform regulated functions.
  • On April 1st, PHMSA issued two surface transportation-related emergency special permits authorizing the filling and transportation of certain DOT specification cylinders up to 12 months after they are due for a periodic requalification during the COVID-19 emergency. PHMSA also authorized the transportation of certain cylinders overdue for retesting due to COVID-19 disruptions.

Truck Transportation

  • On March 18th, FMCSA issued an expanded emergency declaration waiving certain provisions of Parts 390 through 399—most notably the hours of service requirements—for drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts. 

    • …

April 8, 2020

Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic NHTSA Issues First Proposed Rule Modifying the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to Remove Barriers to Automated Vehicles

Transportation Safety Alert

(by Ashleigh Krick, Boyd Stephenson and Justine Kasznica)

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA or the Agency) is moving forward with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) rulemakings.  On March 30, 2020, NHTSA issued the first of several anticipated regulatory actions proposing to amend the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs) to remove barriers to ADS-equipped vehicles, including those without traditional manual controls.  As with prior guidance from NHTSA, the Agency seeks to prioritize safety while promoting technology innovation.

On March 30, 2020, NHTSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to amend several of the crashworthiness FMVSSs (200 Series) for vehicles equipped with ADS that do not have manual controls and vehicles that are designed to transport only property (Occupant-less Vehicles).  NHTSA proposes several new or changed definitions, textual clarifications, and applicability changes to preserve the same level of occupant protection provided in current standards, while clarifying the application of the standards to ADS-equipped vehicles.  Specifically, NHTSA addresses configurations where, due to the lack of manual controls, the “driver seat” should rather be considered a front “passenger seat.”  NHTSA also proposes to modify the applicability of the 200 Series to Occupant-less Vehicles.

NHTSA issued this NPRM in response to comments received from the Agency’s January 18, 2018 Request for Comments that sought input on regulatory barriers in existing FMVSSs for ADS-equipped vehicles with non-traditional interior designs.  Many commenters thought that most of the regulatory barriers in the 200 Series did not require extensive research as only minor textual changes—principally driver-related references—would be needed.  Commenters agreed that the current crash protection provided to vehicle occupants should be maintained for ADS-equipped vehicles. …

April 7, 2020

Update: Paycheck Protection Program FAQs (as of Tuesday, April 7, 2020)

Client Alert

(by Moore Capito, Christian Farmakis and Andrew Terranova)

Yesterday, the Small Business Administration (the SBA) published “Frequently Asked Questions” (the FAQ) guidance regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loan), enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Among other clarifications, below are some of the critical points that the SBA has clarified in the FAQ. The full FAQ can be found here. The SBA intends to update this document on a regular basis.

Monthly Payroll Verification by Lender

A lender is not to replicate an applicant’s calculation of “monthly payroll costs.” A lender’s minimal review of calculations based on a payroll report by a recognized third-party payroll processor, for example, would be reasonable. If the lender identifies errors in the borrower’s calculation, the lender should work with the borrower to remedy the error.  See FAQ #1.

Some Companies with More than 500 Employees can Apply for PPP Loan

Companies with more than 500 employees can qualify for the PPP loan if the company satisfies the existing statutory and regulatory definition of a “small business concern” under section 3 of the Small Business Act. A company can qualify if it meets the employee-based or revenue-based size standard corresponding to its primary industry. Visit www.sba.gov/size for the industry size standards.

Additionally, a business can qualify for a PPP loan as a small business concern if it meets both tests in the SBA’s “alternative size standard” as of March 27, 2020. …

April 3, 2020

U.S. DOT Agencies Extend COVID-19 HazMat Relief

Transportation Safety Alert

(by Boyd Stephenson, Varun Shekhar, Jame Curry)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies that regulate the surface transportation of hazardous materials (HazMat) have extended several forms of relief.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has waived some HazMat training requirements and delayed some equipment recertifications.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are implementing PHMSA’s waiver in their modes.  FMCSA has also allowed states to extend the effective dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and commercial learner’s permits (CLP).  Additionally, FRA has activated its emergency docket.  FRA has not extended any hazardous materials-specific relief.

Hazardous Materials Shippers, Carriers, and Package Manufacturers

  • On March 25th, PHMSA issued an updated policy declining to enforce recurrent training requirements under 49 C.F.R. § 172.704(c)(2) against HazMat employers unable to train employees due to COVID-19.  Employers are still required to provide initial training to a new hazardous materials employee before the employee may perform regulated functions.
  • On April 1st, PHMSA issued two surface transportation-related emergency special permits authorizing the filling and transportation of certain DOT specification cylinders up to 12 months after they are due for a periodic requalification during the COVID-19 emergency.  PHMSA also authorized the transportation of certain cylinders overdue for retesting due to COVID-19 disruptions.

Truck Transportation

  • On March 18th, FMCSA issued an expanded emergency declaration waiving certain provisions of Parts 390 through 399—most notably the hours of service requirements—for drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts.  Direct assistance includes transporting medical supplies, food, paper, and grocery products;

    • …

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