Rail Transportation of Grain, Rate Regulation Review, 76098-76099 [2013-29806]

Download as PDF 76098 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 241 / Monday, December 16, 2013 / Proposed Rules and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Hlibok, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office, (202) 559–5158, email: Gregory.Hlibok@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission’s Public Notice, document DA 13–2190, released on November 14, 2013. The full text of document DA 13–2190, and any subsequently filed documents in this matter will be available for public inspection and copying via ECFS, and during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street SW., Room CY–A257, Washington, DC 20554. It also may be purchased from the Commission’s duplicating contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., Portals II, 445 12th Street SW., Room CY–B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone: (800) 378–3160, fax: (202) 488–5563, or Internet: www.bcpiweb.com. Document DA 13–2190 can also be downloaded in Word or Portable Document Format (PDF) at https://www.fcc.gov/ encyclopedia/telecommunicationsrelay-services-trs. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (TTY). pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Synopsis 1. On September 30, 2013, Sprint filed a petition (Sprint Reconsideration Petition) requesting reconsideration of certain rules adopted for IP CTS in the IP CTS Reform Order, published at 78 FR 53684, August 30, 2013, and codified at 47 CFR 64.604(c)(9), (11)(i) and (iii) of the Commission’s rules. Sprint Corporation, Petition for Reconsideration of Sprint Corporation, CG Docket Nos. 13–24 and 03–123 (filed September 30, 2013) (Sprint Reconsideration Petition). First, Sprint asks that the Commission reconsider the rule prohibiting all providers from receiving compensation from the TRS Fund for minutes of use generated by consumers using IP CTS software and applications that consumers receive at no charge or purchase for less than $75 on or after the effective date of the rule. Second, Sprint asks that the Commission modify its registration and certification requirements to allow access to IP CTS phones in public places. Third, Sprint seeks authorization VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:33 Dec 13, 2013 Jkt 232001 to utilize wording that differs slightly from the Commission’s required wording for labels warning consumers that only registered users of IP CTS may use IP CTS with captions turned on. Such labels must be adhered to IP CTS devices and displayed on the device screens of software-based IP CTS applications. Federal Communications Commission. Karen Peltz Strauss, Deputy Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. [FR Doc. 2013–28828 Filed 12–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board 49 CFR Chapter X [Docket No. EP 665 (Sub-No. 1)] Rail Transportation of Grain, Rate Regulation Review AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. ACTION: Request for Comments. The Surface Transportation Board invites public comment on how to ensure the Board’s rate complaint procedures are accessible to grain shippers and provide effective protection against unreasonable freight rail transportation rates. DATES: Comments are due by March 12, 2014. Replies are due by May 12, 2014. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted either via the Board’s e-filing format or in the traditional paper format. Any person using e-filing should attach a document and otherwise comply with the instructions at the EFILING link on the Board’s Web site, at https://www.stb.dot.gov. Any person submitting a filing in the traditional paper format should send an original and 10 copies to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: Docket No. EP 665 (SubNo. 1), 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. Copies of written comments will be available for viewing and self-copying at the Board’s Public Docket Room, Room 131, and will be posted to the Board’s Web site. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathaniel Bawcombe at (202) 245–0376. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800) 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 2, 2006, the Board held a hearing in Rail Transportation of Grain, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Docket No. EP 665, as a forum for interested persons to provide views and information about grain transportation markets. The hearing was prompted by concerns regarding rates and service issues related to the movement of grain raised by Members of Congress, grain producers, and other stakeholders. When it closed that proceeding in January 2008, the Board reasoned that guidelines for simplified rate procedures had recently been adopted, providing a new avenue for rate relief for grain shippers. Rail Transp. of Grain, EP 665, slip op. at 5 (STB served Jan. 14, 2008).1 The Board also noted that it would continue to monitor the relationship between carriers and grain interests, and that if future regulatory action were warranted, it would open a new proceeding. Rail Transp. of Grain, EP 665, slip op. at 5. The Board recently concluded a proceeding to reform freight rail rate regulations generally. See Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715 (STB served July 18, 2013), appeal docketed, No. 13– 1230 (D.C. Cir. July 29, 2013). In that proceeding, parties representing grain shippers’ interests argued that the proposed changes did not provide meaningful relief to grain shippers.2 One party also noted that, despite increases in rates, no grain shipper has sought rate relief at the Board or the Interstate Commerce Commission since 1981, and that the Board should consider providing more substantial modifications to its rate process to provide a mechanism for grain shippers to challenge rates.3 On the other hand, one carrier argued that grain rates are not unreasonably high and that the Board’s rate methodology has not been shown to be flawed with respect to that traffic.4 We believe it is appropriate to consider what regulatory changes could be implemented to ensure that the Board’s rate case procedures are fully accessible to grain shippers and provide effective relief from excessive freight 1 Referring to Simplified Standards for Rail Rate Cases, EP 646 (Sub-No. 1) (STB served Sept. 5, 2007), aff’d sub nom. CSX Transp., Inc. v. STB, 568 F.3d 236 (D.C. Cir.), vacated in part on reh’g, 584 F.3d 1076 (D.C. Cir. 2009). 2 National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Opening 4–5, Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715; Alliance for Rail Competition, Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee, Idaho Barley Commission, Idaho Wheat Commission, Montana Farmers Union, Nebraska Wheat Board, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, South Dakota Wheat Commission, Texas Wheat Producers Board, and Washington Grain Commission Opening 6–12, Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715. 3 NGFA Opening 3–4, Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715. 4 BNSF Ry. Co. Reply 10, Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715. E:\FR\FM\16DEP1.SGM 16DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 241 / Monday, December 16, 2013 / Proposed Rules pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS rail rates, as appropriate. The Board is seeking input from interested parties on grain shippers’ ability to effectively seek relief for unreasonable rates, including proposals for modifying existing procedures, or new alternative rate relief methodologies, should they be necessary. This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the human VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:33 Dec 13, 2013 Jkt 232001 environment or the conservation of energy resources. It is ordered: 1. A proceeding is instituted. Notice of this decision will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER. 2. Comments are due by March 12, 2014. Replies are due by May 12, 2014. 3. This decision is effective on the day of service. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 76099 Decided: December 9, 2013. By the Board, Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Begeman, and Commissioner Mulvey. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2013–29806 Filed 12–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P E:\FR\FM\16DEP1.SGM 16DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 241 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76098-76099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29806]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

49 CFR Chapter X

[Docket No. EP 665 (Sub-No. 1)]


Rail Transportation of Grain, Rate Regulation Review

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT.

ACTION: Request for Comments.

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SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board invites public comment on how 
to ensure the Board's rate complaint procedures are accessible to grain 
shippers and provide effective protection against unreasonable freight 
rail transportation rates.

DATES: Comments are due by March 12, 2014. Replies are due by May 12, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted either via the Board's e-filing 
format or in the traditional 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 the traditional paper format should 
send an original and 10 copies to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: 
Docket No. EP 665 (Sub-No. 1), 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423-
0001. Copies of written comments will be available for viewing and 
self-copying at the Board's Public Docket Room, Room 131, and will be 
posted to the Board's Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathaniel Bawcombe at (202) 245-0376. 
Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800) 877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 2, 2006, the Board held a 
hearing in Rail Transportation of Grain, Docket No. EP 665, as a forum 
for interested persons to provide views and information about grain 
transportation markets. The hearing was prompted by concerns regarding 
rates and service issues related to the movement of grain raised by 
Members of Congress, grain producers, and other stakeholders. When it 
closed that proceeding in January 2008, the Board reasoned that 
guidelines for simplified rate procedures had recently been adopted, 
providing a new avenue for rate relief for grain shippers. Rail Transp. 
of Grain, EP 665, slip op. at 5 (STB served Jan. 14, 2008).\1\ The 
Board also noted that it would continue to monitor the relationship 
between carriers and grain interests, and that if future regulatory 
action were warranted, it would open a new proceeding. Rail Transp. of 
Grain, EP 665, slip op. at 5.
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    \1\ Referring to Simplified Standards for Rail Rate Cases, EP 
646 (Sub-No. 1) (STB served Sept. 5, 2007), aff'd sub nom. CSX 
Transp., Inc. v. STB, 568 F.3d 236 (D.C. Cir.), vacated in part on 
reh'g, 584 F.3d 1076 (D.C. Cir. 2009).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Board recently concluded a proceeding to reform freight rail 
rate regulations generally. See Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715 (STB 
served July 18, 2013), appeal docketed, No. 13-1230 (D.C. Cir. July 29, 
2013). In that proceeding, parties representing grain shippers' 
interests argued that the proposed changes did not provide meaningful 
relief to grain shippers.\2\ One party also noted that, despite 
increases in rates, no grain shipper has sought rate relief at the 
Board or the Interstate Commerce Commission since 1981, and that the 
Board should consider providing more substantial modifications to its 
rate process to provide a mechanism for grain shippers to challenge 
rates.\3\ On the other hand, one carrier argued that grain rates are 
not unreasonably high and that the Board's rate methodology has not 
been shown to be flawed with respect to that traffic.\4\
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    \2\ National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Opening 4-5, Rate 
Regulation Reforms, EP 715; Alliance for Rail Competition, Montana 
Wheat & Barley Committee, Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee, 
Idaho Barley Commission, Idaho Wheat Commission, Montana Farmers 
Union, Nebraska Wheat Board, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, South Dakota 
Wheat Commission, Texas Wheat Producers Board, and Washington Grain 
Commission Opening 6-12, Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715.
    \3\ NGFA Opening 3-4, Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715.
    \4\ BNSF Ry. Co. Reply 10, Rate Regulation Reforms, EP 715.
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    We believe it is appropriate to consider what regulatory changes 
could be implemented to ensure that the Board's rate case procedures 
are fully accessible to grain shippers and provide effective relief 
from excessive freight

[[Page 76099]]

rail rates, as appropriate. The Board is seeking input from interested 
parties on grain shippers' ability to effectively seek relief for 
unreasonable rates, including proposals for modifying existing 
procedures, or new alternative rate relief methodologies, should they 
be necessary.
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.
    It is ordered:
    1. A proceeding is instituted. Notice of this decision will be 
published in the Federal Register.
    2. Comments are due by March 12, 2014. Replies are due by May 12, 
2014.
    3. This decision is effective on the day of service.

    Decided: December 9, 2013.

    By the Board, Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Begeman, and 
Commissioner Mulvey.
Jeffrey Herzig,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2013-29806 Filed 12-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P

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