Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancy, 53389-53390 [2015-21915]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 171 / Thursday, September 3, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES successfully implemented new methods of delivering transit capital improvements to submit their ideas. These ideas can include all aspects of project delivery including approval, construction administration, procurement, compliance with NEPA, and right-of-way acquisition. FTA also is interested in learning more about barriers to quick implementation of projects both in terms of its own internal business processes as well as processes related to the delivery of projects by grantees. The focus should be on ways to speed up the delivery of projects and to address the challenges presented by limited budgets without compromising quality or safety. Even as the Section 20008(b) pilot program proceeds, FTA believes that there may be steps that can be taken to expedite the delivery of CIG projects, beyond the changes being presented in the draft interim guidance implementing the process changes made by MAP–21. Accordingly, project sponsors should feel free to submit any such ideas to the XPEDITE Online Dialogue as well. As with XPEDITE Innovation, FTA would consider the input received as it updates its administrative requirements and, if necessary, propose changes in those requirements, through its normal notice and comment processes, to help advance methods to expedite project delivery procedures. 3. XPEDITE Financial Innovation Many observers of public transportation believe that there are efficiencies in the delivery of capital projects which can be achieved through the application of improvements in the financing of these projects and through an enhanced partnership role for the private sector. FTA is already undertaking efforts in this area both on its own and as a part of the DOT’s BATIC, described earlier. On August 25, 2014, FTA published a final circular clarifying the requirements related to Joint Development projects, with an eye toward facilitating these important adjuncts to FTA’s capital investments (79 FR 50728). In addition, this circular provides a framework under which Value Capture techniques could be brought to bear to help finance transit capital investments. Public transportation infrastructure investments can increase adjacent land values, generating an ‘‘unearned’’ profit for private landowners. A portion of these increases in land value can be ‘‘captured’’ and used for, among other things, public transportation infrastructure or revenue service operation. Thus, Value Capture internalizes the positive externalities of VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:42 Sep 02, 2015 Jkt 235001 public transportation investments. In June 2013, FTA held a Value Capture forum with experts that had proven experience with Value Capture techniques to learn more about how these techniques can be used throughout the industry. Congress enacted Section 20013 and amended 49 U.S.C. 5315 (Section 5315) in MAP–21. Specifically, FTA is to: (a) Identify public transportation laws, regulations or practices that impede public-private partnerships or private investment in transit capital projects, and develop procedures through regulation to address, on a project basis, legal impediments to the use of publicprivate partnerships and private investment as well as procedures to protect the public interest and any public investment in public transportation capital projects that involve public-private partnerships or private investment in public transportation capital projects; (b) develop guidance to promote greater transparency and public access to public-private partnerships agreements; and (c) provide technical assistance on best practices and methods for using private providers of public transportation and using public-private partnerships for alternative project delivery of fixed guideway capital projects. However, FTA may not waive any provision of Federal law, including labor protections of 49 U.S.C. 5333 and NEPA. FTA has undertaken a number of steps to implement these provisions. To initiate this effort, FTA has posted information on the basics of publicprivate partnerships identified through workshops and studies and also included successful public-private partnership contract terms on its Private Sector Participation Web page, https:// www.fta.dot.gov/grants/16030.html. Further, in December 2014, FTA conducted an on-line dialogue on the subject of Section 5315. More information may be found at https:// usdot.uservoice.com/forums/268166private-sector-participation-in-publictransportat/category/88630impediments-to-greater-private-sectorinvolvement. FTA is now in the process of reviewing the comments, and expects to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the near future which will lay out ways in which FTA can improve its processes to expedite project delivery through public-private partnerships. This notice and ultimate final rule will be the main way in which the goal of expediting project delivery is addressed through involvement of private sector partners. Parties interested in this facet of FTA’s Expedited Project Delivery Initiative PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53389 should participate in that rulemaking process by providing comments on the NPRM when it is issued. In the interim, FTA invites interested parties to include comments in the upcoming XPEDITE Online Dialogue. FTA is particularly interested in hearing from project sponsors who are considering pursuing Value Capture as part of their project financing arrangements. FTA would like to explore what mechanisms might be used, and how FTA could work to facilitate such arrangements. FTA invites comments on this issue. Again, FTA would consider the input received as it updates its administrative requirements and, if necessary, propose changes in those requirements, through its normal notice and comment processes, to help advance financial innovation in public transportation. Signed this 28th day of August, 2015, in Washington, DC. Matthew J. Welbes, Executive Director. [FR Doc. 2015–21790 Filed 9–2–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 2)] Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancy Surface Transportation Board. Notice of vacancy on federal advisory committee and solicitation of nominations. AGENCY: ACTION: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice of one vacancy on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC) for a representative of the electric utility industry. The Board is soliciting suggestions from the public for a candidate to fill this vacancy. DATES: Suggestions for a candidate for membership on RETAC are due October 1, 2015. ADDRESSES: Suggestions may be submitted either via the Board’s e-filing format or in paper format. Any person using e-filing should attach a document and otherwise comply with the instructions at the E–FILING link on the Board’s Web site, at https:// www.stb.dot.gov. Any person submitting a filing in paper format should send the original and 10 copies to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 2), 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03SEN1.SGM 03SEN1 53390 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 171 / Thursday, September 3, 2015 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Michael H. Higgins at 202–245–0284. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– 800–877–8339.] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board exercises broad authority over transportation by rail carriers, including rates and services (49 U.S.C. 10701– 10747, 11101–11124), construction, acquisition, operation, and abandonment of railroad lines (49 U.S.C. 10901–10907), and consolidation, merger, or common control arrangements between railroads (49 U.S.C. 10902, 11323–11327). In 2007, the Board established RETAC as a federal advisory committee consisting of a balanced cross-section of energy and rail industry stakeholders to provide independent, candid policy advice to the Board and to foster open, effective communication among the affected interests on issues such as rail performance, capacity constraints, infrastructure planning and development, and effective coordination among suppliers, railroads, and users of energy resources. RETAC operates under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2, 1–16). RETAC’s membership is balanced and representative of interested and affected parties, consisting of not less than: Five representatives from the Class I railroads; three representatives from Class II and III railroads; three representatives from coal producers; five representatives from electric utilities (including at least one rural electric cooperative and one state- or municipally-owned utility); four VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:42 Sep 02, 2015 Jkt 235001 representatives from biofuel refiners, processors, or distributors, or biofuel feedstock growers or providers; one representative of the petroleum shipping industry; and, two representatives from private car owners, car lessors, or car manufacturers. RETAC may also include up to two members with relevant experience but not necessarily affiliated with one of the aforementioned industries or sectors. (At present, the at-large seats are occupied by representatives of railway labor and the downstream segment of the domestic petroleum industry.) Members are selected by the Chairman of the Board with the concurrence of a majority of the Board. The Chairman may invite representatives from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to serve on RETAC in advisory capacities as ex officio (non-voting) members. The three members of the Board serve as ex officio members of the Committee. RETAC meets at least twice per year. Meetings are generally held at the Board’s headquarters in Washington, DC, but may be held in other locations. Members of RETAC serve without compensation and without reimbursement of travel expenses unless reimbursement of such expenses is authorized in advance by the Board’s Managing Director. Further information about RETAC is available on the RETAC page of the Board’s Web site at https:// www.stb.dot.gov/stb/rail/retac.html. The Board is soliciting nominations from the public for a candidate to fill one vacancy on RETAC for a representative of the electric utility industry, for a three-year term ending PO 00000 Frm 00114 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 September 30, 2017. According to revised guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget, it is permissible for federally registered lobbyists to serve on advisory committees, such as RETAC, as long as they do so in a representative capacity, rather than an individual capacity. See Revised Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists to Federal Advisory Committees, Boards, and Commissions, 79 FR 47482 (Aug. 13, 2014). Members of RETAC are appointed to serve in a representative capacity. Nominations for a candidate to fill this vacancy should be submitted in letter form and should include: (1) The name of the candidate; (2) the interest the candidate will represent; (3) a summary of the candidate’s experience and qualifications for the position; (4) a representation that the candidate is willing to serve as a member of RETAC; and, (5) a statement that the candidate agrees to serve in a representative capacity. Suggestions for a candidate for membership on RETAC should be filed with the Board by October 1, 2015. Please note that submissions will be available to the public at the Board’s offices and posted on the Board’s Web site under Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 2). Authority: 49 U.S.C. 721; 49 U.S.C. 11101; 49 U.S.C. 11121. Decided: August 31, 2015. By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Tia Delano, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2015–21915 Filed 9–2–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P E:\FR\FM\03SEN1.SGM 03SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 171 (Thursday, September 3, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53389-53390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21915]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 2)]


Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancy

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Notice of vacancy on federal advisory committee and 
solicitation of nominations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice 
of one vacancy on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee 
(RETAC) for a representative of the electric utility industry. The 
Board is soliciting suggestions from the public for a candidate to fill 
this vacancy.

DATES: Suggestions for a candidate for membership on RETAC are due 
October 1, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Suggestions may be submitted either via the Board's e-filing 
format or in paper format. Any person using e-filing should attach a 
document and otherwise comply with the instructions at the E-FILING 
link on the Board's Web site, at https://www.stb.dot.gov. Any person 
submitting a filing in paper format should send the original and 10 
copies to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-
No. 2), 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001.

[[Page 53390]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Michael H. Higgins at 202-245-0284. 
[Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board exercises broad authority over 
transportation by rail carriers, including rates and services (49 
U.S.C. 10701-10747, 11101-11124), construction, acquisition, operation, 
and abandonment of railroad lines (49 U.S.C. 10901-10907), and 
consolidation, merger, or common control arrangements between railroads 
(49 U.S.C. 10902, 11323-11327).
    In 2007, the Board established RETAC as a federal advisory 
committee consisting of a balanced cross-section of energy and rail 
industry stakeholders to provide independent, candid policy advice to 
the Board and to foster open, effective communication among the 
affected interests on issues such as rail performance, capacity 
constraints, infrastructure planning and development, and effective 
coordination among suppliers, railroads, and users of energy resources. 
RETAC operates under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 
2, 1-16).
    RETAC's membership is balanced and representative of interested and 
affected parties, consisting of not less than: Five representatives 
from the Class I railroads; three representatives from Class II and III 
railroads; three representatives from coal producers; five 
representatives from electric utilities (including at least one rural 
electric cooperative and one state- or municipally-owned utility); four 
representatives from biofuel refiners, processors, or distributors, or 
biofuel feedstock growers or providers; one representative of the 
petroleum shipping industry; and, two representatives from private car 
owners, car lessors, or car manufacturers. RETAC may also include up to 
two members with relevant experience but not necessarily affiliated 
with one of the aforementioned industries or sectors. (At present, the 
at-large seats are occupied by representatives of railway labor and the 
downstream segment of the domestic petroleum industry.) Members are 
selected by the Chairman of the Board with the concurrence of a 
majority of the Board. The Chairman may invite representatives from the 
U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation and the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to serve on RETAC in advisory 
capacities as ex officio (non-voting) members. The three members of the 
Board serve as ex officio members of the Committee.
    RETAC meets at least twice per year. Meetings are generally held at 
the Board's headquarters in Washington, DC, but may be held in other 
locations. Members of RETAC serve without compensation and without 
reimbursement of travel expenses unless reimbursement of such expenses 
is authorized in advance by the Board's Managing Director. Further 
information about RETAC is available on the RETAC page of the Board's 
Web site at https://www.stb.dot.gov/stb/rail/retac.html.
    The Board is soliciting nominations from the public for a candidate 
to fill one vacancy on RETAC for a representative of the electric 
utility industry, for a three-year term ending September 30, 2017. 
According to revised guidance issued by the Office of Management and 
Budget, it is permissible for federally registered lobbyists to serve 
on advisory committees, such as RETAC, as long as they do so in a 
representative capacity, rather than an individual capacity. See 
Revised Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists to Federal Advisory 
Committees, Boards, and Commissions, 79 FR 47482 (Aug. 13, 2014). 
Members of RETAC are appointed to serve in a representative capacity.
    Nominations for a candidate to fill this vacancy should be 
submitted in letter form and should include: (1) The name of the 
candidate; (2) the interest the candidate will represent; (3) a summary 
of the candidate's experience and qualifications for the position; (4) 
a representation that the candidate is willing to serve as a member of 
RETAC; and, (5) a statement that the candidate agrees to serve in a 
representative capacity. Suggestions for a candidate for membership on 
RETAC should be filed with the Board by October 1, 2015. Please note 
that submissions will be available to the public at the Board's offices 
and posted on the Board's Web site under Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 2).

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 721; 49 U.S.C. 11101; 49 U.S.C. 11121.

    Decided: August 31, 2015.

    By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Tia Delano,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2015-21915 Filed 9-2-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
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