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Media inquiries about FRCA can be directed to Ann Warner, Executive Director, at ann.warner@railvoices.org.
On August 2, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) issued a statement supporting the introduction of the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act, H.R. 8649, authorizing the Surface Transportation Board (Board) for five years and providing the Board with enhanced tools to hold railroads accountable for reasonable service at reasonable rates – consistent with […]
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On July 28, 2022, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released his Committee’s draft 12 appropriation bills including the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) measure providing $41.429 million for the Surface Transportation Board as recommended by President Biden in the Administration’s Budget. A further explanation of this level is found in the accompanying […]
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On July 27, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) sent a letter to the Transportation, Housing, Urban Development Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting that the Committee provide, at a minimum, $42.029 million for the Surface Transportation Board as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, and the following report language: 1) encouraging […]
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On June 30, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) submitted comments in STB Docket No. EP 768, Petition for Rulemaking to Adopt Rules Governing Private Railcar Use by Railroads. Joining FRCA in this submission, stating support for this petition, are the National Coal Transportation Association and the Western Coal Traffic League. The submittal can […]
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On June 30, 2022, the House Appropriations Committee approved a its FY 2023 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) draft bill by a 32 to 24 vote including $42.029 million for the Surface Transportation Board (STB). This is a little more than the $41.429 million recommended in the Administration’s FY 2023 […]
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On June 22, 2022, the White House nominated current Surface Transportation Board Member Robert E. Primus (D) to service a second term on the Board. Primus was sworn into office on January 7, 2021, assuming the seat previously held by former Board Member Deb Miller (D). This nomination for a second term would expire December […]
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On June 17, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) sent a letter to the Transportation, Housing, Urban Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee supporting the requesting that the Committee provide, at a minimum, the $41.429 million for the Surface Transportation Board as recommended in the Administration’s FY2023 Budget, and the following report language […]
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On June 13, 2022, the Surface Transportation Board (Board) issued an Order directing BNSF, CSX, NS, and UP to correct deficiencies in their rail service recovery plans filed in response the Order issued on May 6, 2022. In this Order, the Board states several concerns including: “….Unfortunately, these four carriers submitted plans that were perfunctory […]
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On June 6, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) filed reply comments countering several Class I responses filed in Docket No. EP 762, Revisions to Regulations for Expedited Relief for Service Emergencies. Joining FRCA in this submittal were the National Coal Transportation Association, Portland Cement Association, and Western Coal Traffic League. The joint submission […]
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On May 23, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) filed comments in Docket No. EP 762, Revisions to Regulations for Expedited Relief for Service Emergencies. This joint submission, supporting the Board’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to change its existing Emergency Service Order procedures, included the National Coal Transportation Association, Portland Cement Association, and Western […]
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On May 12, 2022, all five Members of the Surface Transportation Board (Board) testified before the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in its second hearing on reauthorizing the Board. The hearing can be viewed here.
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On May 6, 2022, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) issued a Decision in Docket No. EP 770 (Sub-No.-1), Freight Rail Service – Railroad Reporting, requiring BNSF, CSX, NS, and UP to file service recovery plans as well as provide additional data and regular progress reports on rail service, operations, and employment. These submissions will be […]
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On April 26 and 27, 2022 the Surface Transportation Board held a hearing in Docket No. EP 770, Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service, where the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) joined AZG&T Cooperatives and the National Coal Transportation Association (NCTA) on the dire rail carrier service problems shippers are experiencing. Nearly 30 shipper entities, […]
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On March 23, 2022, President Biden released the Administration’s FY 2023 Budget proposing a record-level $41.429 million for the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The STB’s FY 2023 Budget Justification document can be read here.
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On March 15 and 16, 2022, the Surface Transportation Board held a hearing on its proposed Competitive Switching changes in Docket No. EP 711 (Sub. – 1), Reciprocal Switching. Although the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) opted not to testify but submitted written comments which can be read here. The two-day hearing can be watched […]
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On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed into law, P.L. 117-103, the FY 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act providing a record $39.152 million for the Surface Transportation Board (STB). This measure also includes corresponding report language expressing concerns over the possibility of the STB incorporating greater use of cost-benefit analysis in its proceedings. Details can be […]
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On March 8, 2022, the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held its first hearing on reauthorizing the Surface Transportation Board. Although the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) was not invited to testify as a witness before the panel, FRCA was asked to submit written comments. FRCA’s submittals […]
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On February 17, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) filed reply comments before the Surface Transportation Board affirming the necessity for the it to collect Class I rail carrier FMLM data in the aggregate especially considering the impacts of Precision Scheduled Railroading. Joining FRCA in this submittal were the National Coal Transportation Association, Portland […]
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On February 14, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance submitted comments supporting the Surface Transportation Board’s changes to its decades-old reciprocal switching rules, in EP Docket No. 711 (Sub No.-1). This submittal is in response to the Board’s invitation for written comments as part of its public hearing to be held March 15 and 16, […]
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On January 28, 2022, the Surface Transportation Board (Board) issued its decision denying a request submitted by the Association of American Railroads to delay he competitive access procedural schedule by 75 days. The Board’s announcement can be read here.
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On January 10, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance submitted reply comments to the Surface Transportation Board opposing the Association of American Railroads’ request to delay the Board’s competitive access proposal proceeding.
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On January 10, 2022, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance submitted reply comments to the Surface Transportation Board opposing the Association of American Railroads’ request to delay the Board’s competitive access proposal proceeding.
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On January 3, 2022, Karen J. Hedlund (D), of Colorado, was sworn-in to serve a five-year term as Member of the Surface Transportation Board. She fills the seat being vacated by former STB Member (and Chair) Ann D. Begeman ( R) whose term had expired. The U.S. Senate confirmed Hedlund, by Unanimous Consent, on December […]
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On December 17, 2021, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) filed comments in response to the Board’s public comment request in STB Ex Parte No. 767, FIRST-MILE/LAST-MILE SERVICE (FMLM). Joining FRCA in this submittal were the National Coal Transportation Association (NCTA), Portland Cement Association (PCA), Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), and Western Coal Traffic League (WCTL). […]
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On October 19, 2021, Chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released his draft FY 2022 appropriations measure that would provide a record $39.152 million for the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Along with this record amount, this draft measure includes corresponding report language addressing concerns about the pace of regulatory proceedings and the […]
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On September 30, 2021, the Surface Transportation Board issued a Decision finding that the approval it previously granted to Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) proposed voting applies to the Notice the Board received of the intent by CP-KCS to file an application seeking approval of the proposed transaction between the two rail […]
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On September 2, 2021, the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) issued a Decision, Docket No. EP 767, FIRST-MILE/LAST-MILE SERVICE (FMLM), where the Board is seeking public comments on: 1) what FMLM issues are considered relevant; 2) if further examination of FMLM issues is warranted; and, 3) whether metrics to measure FMLM service that are […]
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On August 31, 2021, the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) determined, Docket No. FD 36514, that the proposed Canadian National (CN)-Kansas City Southern (KCS Voting Trust is not in the public interest. FRCA participated in this proceeding, asserting that the proposed voting trust is not in the public interest. The Board’s Decision rejecting the […]
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On August 19, 2021, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) filed a letter in support of a filed petition asking the Surface Transportation Board to initiate a rulemaking proceeding that would provide appropriate financial incentives for the Class I railroads to utilize private railcars more efficiency. The initial petition, EP Docket 768, was filed by […]
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On July 29, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a record level $39.152 million for the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2022. Along with this record-level amount, the House also approved corresponding report language addressing concerns about the possibility of the STB utilizing a greater use of Cost-Benefit Analysis […]
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On July 29, 2021 FRCA sent a letter to the Members serving on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee strongly supporting the confirmation of Ms. Karen J. Hedlund (D) of Colorado to serve as a Member of the Surface Transportation Board. Read the letter here:
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On July 10, 2021 the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) issued a response thanking President Biden for issuing an Executive Order Promoting Competition in the American Economy. The FRCA response can be read here:
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On July 10, 2021 the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), Martin Oberman, issued a press release supporting the spirit and intent of President Joseph Biden’s Executive Order Promoting Competition in the American Economy. Of note, the Chairman stated: “ …It is apparent that while consolidation may be beneficial under certain circumstances, it has […]
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On July 9, 2021 President Joseph Biden signed an Executive Order Promoting Competition in the American Economy (EO 14036). This EO can be read here:
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On June 23, 2021, FRCA submitted a letter to the House and Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittees requesting that 1) the Surface Transportation Board (STB) be funded at the $39.152 million as recommended by President Biden in the Administration’s FY 2022 Budget and 2) corresponding report language be included addressing various […]
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On June 8, 2021 the STB issued a Decision directing CN-KCS to submit for the Board’s review certain financial information and established a schedule for the STB to review the information and for comments. Read More
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On June 7, 2021, FRCA submitted comments to the STB opposing the proposed CN-KCS Voting Trust stating that it is not in the public interest. Joining FRCA in this filing were the National Coal Transportation Association and Private Railcar Food and Beverage Association. Read more
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On May 28, 2021, the STB sent letters to all Class I railroads requesting that they continue to provide quarterly information about their revenues from demurrage and accessorial charges. Read More
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On May 28, 2021, President Biden released the Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget which includes recommending that the STB be funded at $39.152 million. This is a bit higher than the current FY 2021 $37.5 million level. Consistent with FRCA advocacy for funding the STB at the highest possible levels, the President’s Budget also […]
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On May 27, 2021, STB Chairman Martin Oberman sent individual letters to all Class I rail carriers requesting that they provide an update on their preparedness to meet the demand for rail service as the nation continues its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More here
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On May 17, 2021, the STB determined that the proposed Voting Trust in the CN-KCS transaction is subject to “current” merger rules and assigned Administrative Law Judge Thomas McCarthy to entertain and rule upon discovery matters and to resolve initially all disputes concerning discovery in this proceeding. The Board also denied CN’s motion to approve […]
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On May 13, 2021, House T&I Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4) and Railroad, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Donald Payne (D-NJ-10) sent a letter to the GAO asking for a study on the impacts of PSR. Such a study has been advocated by FRCA to help identify and realize necessary Federal policy decisions moving […]
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On May 6, 2021 the STB determined that the proposed CP-KCS Voting Trust is to be reviewed under the “old” merger rules (granting waiver request) and determined that the proposed Voting Trust is acceptable subject to certain modifications. Read More
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On April 30, 2021 FRCA submitted a letter to the Board urging it to review the proposed CN-KCS deal under the “new” merger rules that the Board adopted in 2001, and not the “old” rules that applied before 2000. Joining FRCA in this filing were the National Coal Transportation Association and Private Railcar Food and […]
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On April 29, 2021, President Joseph Biden nominated Karen J. Hedlund, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2025. Additional portfolio information on Hedlund can be read here:
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On April 23, 2021, the STB issued its Decision granting a waiver allowing the Board to review the proposed CP-KCS transaction under the “old” merger rules rather than the “new or current” merger rules. The STB decision can be read here:
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On April 7, 2021, FRCA issued a statement thanking the for issuing its Final Rule in Docket No. EP 759, Demurrage Billing Requirements. Read FRCA’s statement here.
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On April 6, 2021, the Surface Transportation Board issued Final Rule Establishing Minimum Information Requirements for Class I Demurrage Invoices in Docket No. EP 759, Demurrage Billing Requirements. The Decision can be read here.
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On April 1, FRCA submitted a letter to the Board urging it to review the proposed CP-KCS control application under the “new” merger rules that the Board adopted in 2001, and not the “old” rules that applied before 2000. Joining FRCA in this filing were the National Coal Transportation Association and Private Railcar Food and […]
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On February 1, 2021 Member Robert Primus is named Vice Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board. More information can be read here https://prod.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-21-09/
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On January 21, 2021, President Biden designated Martin J. Oberman as Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board. For additional information, read more here https://prod.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-21-05/
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On January 11, 2021 Ms. Michelle A. Schultz (R) of Pennsylvania was sworn into office as Member of the Surface Transportation Board. For additional information, read here https://prod.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-21-03/
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On January 7, 2021, Mr. Robert E. Primus (D) of New Jersey was sworn into office as Member of the Surface Transportation Board. For additional information, read here https://prod.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-21-01/
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On Dec 29, the Surface Transportation Board issued its Decision denying the request for a declaratory order regarding preemption of the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program and discharge prohibition, Docket No. FD 36369, Association of American Railroads – Petition for Declaratory Order. While the Board declined to issue a […]
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On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law, P.L. 116-260, the FY 2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and Response Act, providing a record-level $37.5 million for the Surface Transportation Board. Also included in this measure is FRCA-supported report language addressing the timeliness of regulatory proceedings and a full complement of Board Members. Details can […]
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On December 9, 2020, FRCA elected the following 2021 Officers: President, Shelley Sahling-Zart (Vice President and General Counsel, Lincoln Electric System; Vice President, Emily Regis (Fuel Services Manager, Arizona G&T Cooperatives); and, Secretary/Treasurer, Paul Gutierrez (Senior Principal, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association). For details go to: https://railvoices.org/about/leadership/
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On December 3, 2020, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the FRCA-supported Rail Shipper Fairness Act of 2020, H.R. 4961. This bill would expand upon the Surface Transportation Board (STB) reforms realized in the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015. For additional information, read here https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-reintroduces-rail-shipper-fairness-act-2020
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On Nov 19, 2020 FRCA issued a statement thanking the U.S. Senate for confirming Michelle Schultz (R) and Robert Primus (D) to serve as Members of the Surface Transportation Board. The Senate approval occurred on Nov 18. Read FRCA’s letter here.
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On Nov 11, 2020 the Senate Appropriations Committee released its draft FY 2021 appropriation measures including funding for the STB at a record-level $37.5 million. This is the same amount approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, as recommended in the Administration’s FY 2021 Budget, and as actively supported by FRCA. This measure also includes […]
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On Oct 8, 2020, FRCA sent a letter to the STB replying to the response the Association of American Railroads and Union Pacific, respectfully, made to FRCA’s Aug 31 Letter of Concern to the STB seeking improved transparency concerning the level of first-mile/last-mile service that rail carriers provide. This FRCA response letter can be read […]
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On Aug 31, 2020, FRCA sent a Letter of Concern to the Surface Transportation Board seeking improved transparency concerning the level of first-mile/last-mile service that rail carriers actually provide. Joining FRCA in this effort is the National Coal Transportation Association, National Industrial Transportation League, and Private Railcar Food and Beverage Association. Read this FRCA Letter […]
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On Aug 3, 2020, the Surface Transportation Board released its Final Rule (FR) establishing a streamlined approach for pleading market dominance in rate reasonableness proceedings: Docket No. EP 756, Market Dominance Streamlined Approach. It becomes effective Sept 5, 2020. It also begins the process of initiating a new proceeding to consider alternatives to the 500-mile trucking […]
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On Aug 3, 2020 FRCA sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee supporting the nomination of Robert Primus (D) to serve as a Member of the Surface Transportation Board. In this letter, FRCA also encourages a swift confirmation process for Primus and fellow STB nominee, Michelle Schultz (R). Read FRCA’s […]
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On July 31, 2020 the U.S. House Representatives passed the 2nd FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, H.R. 7617, by a 217-197 vote. This includes a record-level $37.5 million for the Surface Transportation Board and accompanying report language acknowledging that petition was filed with the STB to institute a rulemaking to adopt procedural rules that would require […]
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On May 14, 2020 FRCA issued its response to the April 30, 2020 STB Decisions re: 1) Final Statement of Board Policy in Docket No. EP 757, Policy Statement on Demurrage and Accessorial Rules and Charges; 2) Final Rule in Docket No. EP 759, Demurrage Billing Requirements; and, 3) Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPR) […]
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On December 26, 2019, the STB denies the Petition filed by the Western Coal Traffic League (which FRCA signed-on to) asking for the Board to reconsider its earlier Decision to terminate its Safe Harbor (fuel surcharge) proceeding. The STB Decision can be read here.
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On Dec 20, 2019 President Trump signed into law (P.L. 116-94) the second FY 2020 Continuing Appropriations,, H.R. 1865, providing the final appropriated funding for various domestic spending programs including programs falling to the departments of U.S. Transportation-Housing, and Housing, and Urban Development (THUD). In addition to the $37.1 million for the STB, report language […]
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On December 19, 2019 the STB sends a reply letter to Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) regarding her request for the Board to reconsider its earlier Decision to terminate its Safe Harbor (fuel surcharge) proceeding. The STB reply letter can be read here.
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On April 21, 2020 and on April 20, 2020 FRCA sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee supporting the Administration’s recommended $37.5 million for the STB in FY 2021. In these letters, FRCA also requested the appropriation panels to include accompanying report language (similar to text approved in previous Fiscal […]
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On Dec 18, 2019 Sen Baldwin sent a letter to the Members of the STB asking the Board to reconsider its previous Decision to terminate the Safe Harbor proceeding, Docket No. EP 661 (Sub-No.2), Fuel Surcharges (Safe Harbor). The letter can be read here.
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On Dec 17, 2019 FRCA filed a reply comment to the STB Docket FD 36369, Association of American Railroads Petition for Declaratory Order supporting AAR’s request for a Declaration from the Board that the Clean Water Act’s discharge prohibition and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting regime is preempted by the ICC Termination Act […]
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On Dec 12, FRCA President Shelley Sahling-Zart presented remarks in response to STB’s revenue adequacy proposals. The oral remarks and submitted written testimony can be read here.
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On October 31, 2019 the U.S. Senate approved its “First Mini Bus” which included S. 2520 (S. Rpt. 116-109) providing $37.1 million for the Surface Transportation Board and corresponding report language encouraging the Board to: 1) provide a timely and decisive regulatory process; 2) use existing authority to effectively address service issues and concerns impacting […]
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On September 19, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved S. 2520 (S. Rpt. 116-109) providing $37.1 million for the Surface Transportation Board and corresponding report language encouraging the Board to: 1) provide a timely and decisive regulatory process; 2) use existing authority to effectively address service issues and concerns impacting shippers and receivers; and, 3) if […]
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On September 18, FRCA signed-on to a Petition filed by the Western Coal Traffic League asking the Board to reconsider its earlier Decision to terminate its Docket No. EP 661 (Sub-No. 2), Fuel Surcharges (Safe Harbor). FRCA believes it is necessary for the Board to continue to remedy an unreasonable railroad practice – using fuel […]
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On June 25, FRCA Vice President Emily Regis [Fuels Resource Administrator for Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO)] participated on behalf of FRCA and AEPCO during the House Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Railroad Shipper’s Roundtable. Her oral remarks can be read here.
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On June 25, the U.S. House of Representatives approved its “Second Mini Bus”, H.R. 3055 (H. Rpt. 116-101). This mini bus contains several FY 2020 appropriations bills previously approved by the House Appropriations Committee including H.R. 3163 (H. Rpt. 116-106), the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) measure which would fund the Surface Transportation […]
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On November 12, 2019 FRCA submitted comments in response to the STB’s proposal aimed to make rate cases less burdensome and rate relief more available to captive shippers – especially to those that may otherwise lack resources to obtain reasonable rates as required by Federal statute. FRCA stated however, that the burden of proof would […]
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On November 6, 2019 FRCA submitted comments in response to three STB proposals aimed to address current shipper service problems including demurrage and accessorial charges, Docket Numbers: EP 757, Policy Statement on Demurrage and Accessorial Rules and Charges; EP 759, Demurrage Billing Requirements; and, EP 760, Exclusion of Demurrage Regulations from Certain Class Exemptions. While […]
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On June 3, the House Appropriations Committee approved $37.1 million for the Surface Transportation Board in its draft bill appropriating FY 2020 monies for the Departments of Transportation and Housing & Urban Development. Read the draft bill and draft report language here.
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On May 24, FRCA Vice President Emily Regis [Fuels Resource Administrator for Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO)] testified on behalf of FRCA and AEPCO at the Surface Transportation Board’s Oversight Hearing on Demurrage and Accessorial Charges. Her submitted written testimony and oral remarks can be read here.
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On April 1, FRCA joined with other shippers in filing a reply to the Surface Transportation Board opposing a petition filed by the Association of American Railroads requiring that Cost Benefit Analysis to be used in its proceedings….read more
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On March 22, FRCA sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board supporting the nomination of Ms. Emily F. Regis to serve as a member of its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee…read more
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In a Joint letter to House and Senate offices, the Freight Rail Customers Alliance, the National Industrial Transportation League, and the Private Railcar Food and Beverage Association are urging members of the 116th Congress to act quickly on rail service issues affecting their members. Read more Rail One Pager Feb 2019
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On January 3, FRCA President Shelley-Zart thanked the U.S. Senate for confirming Patrick Fuchs (R) and Martin Oberman (D) to serve as Members of the Surface Transportation Board……read more
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For Immediate Release: December 19, 2018 Contact Ann Warner: 202.230.8017FRCA Elects New Officers for 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Freight Rail Customers Alliance (FRCA) today announced its elected officers for 2019. They are: President: Shelley Sahling-Zart The Vice President and General Counsel at Lincoln Electric System (LES), Sahling-Zart has worked in the electric utility industry […]
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The new 115th Congress got underway in January and was promptly faced with the challenges of a new Administration. The U.S. Senate began the process of confirming President Trump’s Cabinet, with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao among the first to be approved. Once the Senate approves the President’s cabinet, it will move on […]
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In January, the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) Board of Directors approved its issue priorities for the 115th Congress. FRCA supports the following legislative issues and proceedings before the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board). Legislative Issues Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015, P.L. 114-110 Congressional Oversight & Implementation Continued STB implementation […]
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On January 25, President Donald J. Trump designated Ann Begeman to serve as Acting Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board). Acting Chairman Begeman is currently serving a second, five-year term as a Member of the Board following her recent nomination by President Barack Obama on December 7, 2016, and her subsequent unanimous […]
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Since taking office in January, President Trump has been actively using his executive powers to direct the course of government activity. Of note are: On Inauguration Day, January 20, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus issued a Memorandum directing agencies to delay any new regulations by sixty days to permit further review. This Memorandum […]
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In an ongoing series of paid content articles, guest editorials, and “third party submissions” in traditional and digital media outlets around the country, along with lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) warns that pending regulatory action could hurt the nation’s economy.The freight railroad lobby is targeting pending Surface Transportation Board […]
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The Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology (SCOM) Committee held a field hearing on implementation of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Act) on August 11 in Sioux Falls, SD.Convened by Committee Chairman, Senator John Thune (R-SD), the hearing provided an opportunity for shippers, including Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) Board member Thomas […]
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Please welcome the Western Fuels Association to the Freight Rail Customer Alliance! Western Fuels Association (WFA) is a not-for profit cooperative that supplies coal and transportation services to consumer-owned electric utilities throughout the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and Southwest regions of the United States. Serving a wide variety of public power entities ranging from rural electric […]
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On September 22nd, the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) issued the long-awaited final report examining rate case methodologies, An Examination of the STB’s Approach to Freight Rail Rate Regulation and Options for Simplification (Report). The study was commissioned by STB Chairman Daniel R. Elliott to provide an independent assessment of the Board’s stand-alone cost […]
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The Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA) continues to advocate on behalf of its members, and particularly freight-rail dependent shippers, before the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board). The STB is moving forward on numerous proceedings, due in large part to the implementation of the STB Reauthorization Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-110). The proceedings are providing […]
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The 2016 Elections could bring some significant changes to congressional committees with jurisdiction over freight rail shipper issues, no matter which party wins the White House.The next President will have the opportunity to nominate as many as three members of the Surface Transportation Board in 2017. Current Board Member Ann Begeman’s one-year holdover period expires […]
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Contact: Jim Billimoria, Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446 Washington, DC – The House of Representatives today approved bipartisan legislation that funds and extends the authorization for federal highway and transit programs through November 20th, and that prevents a shutdown of the U.S. rail transportation system by extending the deadline for implementation of Positive Train Control technology. […]
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By Danielle Parnass and Michael Smallberg | October 26, 2015 (Bloomberg Government) — Federal highway, transit and safety programs would be extended through Nov. 20 under H.R. 3819, which would also extend a deadline for railroads to implement a safety system known as positive train control (PTC). The highway programs were most recently extended in […]
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By RON NIXON The New York Times September 28, 2015 WASHINGTON — Even after spending nearly $6 billion, the rail industry says it will not be able to meet its year-end government-imposed deadline to install a system known as positive train control, which is intended to prevent collisions or derailments caused by excessive speed. The […]
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James MacPherson STERLING, N.D. — The grain elevator that towers over this small prairie town has been humming with workers loading crops onto rail cars destined for domestic and worldwide markets. It’s a welcome sight in Sterling, North Dakota, and across the upper Great Plains, where in the past two years grain elevators overflowed and […]
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The findings entered by the Surface Transportation Board in the complaints filed by DuPont and Sunbelt Chlor Alkai Partnership against Norfolk Southern Corporation remain subject to technical corrections, requests for reconsideration, and appeal, the Company disclosed in its Form 10-Q filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. […]
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By Daniel Tyson REGISTER-HERALD REPORTER Posted: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 3:00 am An upward swing in Central Appalachian daily coal train loading last week pushed national loading volumes up the highest since May. The Surface Transportation Board’s data shows the four major U.S. railroads showed an average of 22.2 trains were loaded each day with […]
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A Federal government review of the nation’s energy infrastructure acknowledges the impact of railroad congestion on energy and agricultural commodities. It recommends that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) improve its understanding of how rail congestion impacts the delivery of coal and ethanol. The first-ever Quadrennial Energy Review (QER), released April 21, 2015 by the U.S. […]
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MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) — Will the nation’s railroads be ready for harvest? That’s the question transportation regulators, and grain shippers want answered ahead of harvest this fall following last year’s lengthy and widespread backlogs. On July 13, Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Dan Elliot sent a letter to all the Class 1 railroads asking them if […]
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The grain elevator that towers over this small prairie town has been humming with workers loading crops onto rail cars destined for domestic and worldwide markets. It’s a welcome sight in Sterling, North Dakota, and across the upper Great Plains, where in the past two years grain elevators overflowed and mountains of wheat, corn, soybeans […]
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James Macpherson | The Associated Press STERLING, N.D. — The grain elevator that towers over this small prairie town has been humming with workers loading crops onto rail cars destined for domestic and worldwide markets. It’s a welcome sight in Sterling, North Dakota, and across the upper Great Plains, where in the past two years […]
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Houston (Platts) Coal train loadings from the Powder River Basin have continued at volumes last seen during the winter, the most recent reports filed with the Surface Transportation Board showed. Data in EP 724 filings from the four major US railroads Thursday showed on average 74.1 trains/d were loaded each day with PRB coal during […]
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Tuesday, August 11, 2015Written by Frank N. Wilner, Contributing Editor Syntax-challenged George W. Bush was bang-on correct in saying, “You got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in.” So it is with Positive Train Control (PTC)—a $14 billion safety overlay utilizing computers, transponders and GPS to stop […]
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Better communication with railroads speeds traffic through key railroad junctionBy Bob Tita Updated Aug. 11, 2015 7:30 p.m. ET BEDFORD PARK, Ill.—The warren of winding tracks here is a central front in the rail industry’s push to become a more efficient mover of time-sensitive freight. Though little-known, Belt Railway Co. oversees a critical junction for the North American […]
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By Jennifer Scholtes | 8/7/15 6:05 PM EDTPolitico More than 700 trains will need another three to five years to install the safety technology that could have prevented this spring’s deadly Amtrak crash, federal regulators say in a new report — the latest acknowledgment that the industry is nowhere close to meeting the Dec. 31 deadline […]
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ByBrian Baskin and Alison SiderAug. 7, 2015 5:29 p.m. ETWall Street JournalA Norfolk Southern train carrying intermodal containers. Growth in intermodal business has not offset the steep decline in energy-related demand for rail transport. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG NEWS Rail traffic fell in July from a year ago as an increase in container volumes couldn’t offset a steep […]
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Posted By Steven Johnson On August 3, 2015 @ 4:00 am A coalition of freight rail customers says it’s time for the Surface Transportation Board to change the way it looks at the industry’s bottom line so they can get a fairer shake in dealing with railroads.Railroad customers want regulators to change the way they […]
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BY MARKUS I. BRYANT, GENERAL MANAGERLast month, I reported on the Obama administration’s Department of Energy (DOE) releasing its first-ever Quadrennial (every fourth year) Energy Review (QER). As regular readers of this column know, I have been harshly critical of the Obama administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-proposed rules for limiting greenhouse gases emitted by burning […]
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June 26, 2015Surface Transportation Board Press Release Daniel R. Elliott III was sworn in June 26, 2015, as the Board’s Chairman, pledging to continue to promote transparency and to improve and streamline regulation of the Nation’s freight railroads.He was nominated to the Board by President Barack Obama on January 13, 2015 for a four year term […]
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Transportation Research Board/National Academy of SciencesJune 10, 2015WASHINGTON – While a 1980 reform law enabled the modernization and stabilization of the U.S. freight railroad industry, federal regulation has not kept pace with the industry’s transformation and should be replaced with a system better-suited for today’s freight rail system, says a new congressionally mandated report from […]
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Greenwire/E&E Publishing, Sean ReillyJune 10, 2015The existing federal framework for regulating freight railroad rates has outlived its usefulness and needs an overhaul, an advisory panel said in a report released today. Following the resurgence of freight rail companies since enactment of a 1980 deregulation law, “this is just not the same industry in almost any respect,” […]
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May 25, 2015, Agweek, Mike Pateshttp://www.agweek.com/event/article/id/26387/group/Agribusiness/The U.S. Surface Transportation Board recently announced it will hold hearings in June to address whether the system for challenging rail rates can or should be made simpler and less expensive.It’s “long overdue,” says Deb Miller, acting STB chairwoman, in a press release.That’s an understatement.The last grain case filed with […]
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May 26, 2015, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) Press Release.https://www.franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3160 Sen. Franken’s New Measure Would Coordinate Response When Unreliable Rail Service Threatens Coal Supplies at Minnesota Power PlantsSenator Says Temporary Shutdowns at Minnesota Utilities Last Winter Showed Need for Plan When Coal Stockpiles Dwindle to Dangerous Levels WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/26/15]— U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) has introduced a […]
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May 20, 2015, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Press Release.WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed 13 bills and approved nominations for three agencies. Bills and nominations passed are as follows: 1. S. 1331, Seasonal Forecasting Improvement Act, Sponsor: Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) a. Passed with Booker amendment b. Passed […]
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Executive Session Scheduled for May 20Markup of thirteen bills and three nominationsRepublican Press Office – (202) 224-1251May 14 2015WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold an executive session on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. to consider legislation and nominations. Agenda:1. S. 1331, Seasonal Forecasting Improvement Act, […]
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May 17, 2015, By Jim SpencerStar Tribune WASHINGTON — Bob Zelenka, executive director of the Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, sums up the current rail shipping conditions for Minnesota grain farmers in a single sentence:“What a difference a year makes.”A transportation crisis driven by more crude oil trains and bitterly cold temperatures in 2013-2014 turned into […]
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May 17, 2015, The Bismarck Tribune, APRIL BAUMGARTEN Forum News Service More cars and less cargo means fewer delays. That’s what officials said last week, referring to the most recent grain by rail numbers. BNSF Railway had 144 outstanding grain cars from May 9-12 in North Dakota, and the company’s trains were an average of 6.8 days […]
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By Robert E. Gallamore4786The government should tread carefully as it ponders regulatory changes to the U.S. freight rail system.There is history here that Washington — which witnessed the collapse of many private-sector railroads a third of a century ago and bankrolled billions of dollars for their rescue — should well understand. But in case the […]
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Jeremy P. Jacobs, E&E reporter Published: Thursday, May 14, 2015 This story was updated at 9:51 a.m. Representatives of the freight rail industry yesterday clashed sharply with its customers on whether the sector needs more regulation to ensure fair shipping rates. At issue: the 1980 Staggers Rail Act, the law that virtually saved the rail […]
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May 14, 2015, Fertilizer Institute Press Release, States News Service The following information was released by the Fertilizer Institute:With today’s House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as a backdrop, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) registered its support for policies that will promote greater competition between railroads and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Surface Transportation Board […]
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May 14, 2015, Chemical News & Intelligence, By Joe Kamalick WASHINGTON (ICIS)–US chemicals producers and a broad range of other manufacturers this week tried to get railroad freight rate reform back on track in Congress, but rail carriers again warned legislators to avoid reforms that could derail capital investments.In [1]a hearing before the House [2]Subcommittee on […]
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Written by Frank N. Wilner, Contributing Editor inShare Poor Mr. Dooley – Calvin, that is, president of the American Chemistry Council and not the fictional Mr. Dooley created during the late 19th century by humorist Finley Peter Dunne. The latter gained library space in Teddy Roosevelt’s White House; the former seemed to hoist himself by […]
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The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has announced plans for two public hearings on the country’s railways, a sign the federal agency is amping up efforts to address shippers’ frustrations with rail pricing.https://shar.es/1rHdAS
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May 11, 2015, Senator Al Franken Press Release Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) threw his support behind new legislation to address challenges faced by Minnesota industries that rely on railways to ship their goods.The Rail Shipper Fairness Act, originally sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), aims to reduce costs and improve service problems faced by […]
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May 06, 2015 11:43AM (BNA) – If confirmed, Surface Transportation Board member nominee Daniel Elliott faces pressure to make shipping rate fees more competitive and to more quickly resolve rate fee disputes. During a hearing today by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Elliott addressed lawmakers’ concerns that the process of settling rate disputes between railroads […]
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Blake Sobczak, E&E reporterPublished: Friday, May 1, 2015Last year, several coal-fired power plants in the Midwest came days away from shutting down as railroads failed to deliver enough fuel during the winter.Now a federal rule to promote transparency in the wake of those disruptions is meeting pushback from the rail industry as service improves.The Surface […]
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Sean Reilly, E&E reporterPublished: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 A coalition of freight rail shippers is urging the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to move quickly on the nomination of Daniel Elliott for another term on the Surface Transportation Board (STB). “A vacancy at the STB creates uncertainties and delays for the rail shippers that […]
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Surface Transportation Board Reforms Approved by Voice Vote Republican Press Office – (202) 224-1251 Mar 25 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved five bills by voice vote and three nominations listed below. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman, issued the following statements: On the bipartisan markup: “Today’s mark-up […]
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Markup of five bills and three nominations Republican Press Office – (202) 224-1251 Mar 25 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold an executive session on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. to consider the following legislative measures and nominations. All bills under consideration enjoy bipartisan support. Agenda: […]
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Featured Legislation Mar 20 2015 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who respectively serve as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the introduction of S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015. The STB is the federal regulatory body […]
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Press Releases and News Articles Archive
