Surface Transportation Board October 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice that it has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of approval without change of a currently approved collection: Application to Open a Billing Account. The Board previously published a notice about these collections in the Federal Register on June 16, 2008, at 73 FR 34068. That notice allowed for a 60-day public review and comment period. No comments were received. This information collection is described in detail below. Comments are requested concerning (1) The accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; (2) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; (3) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, when appropriate; and (4) whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility.

In response to a petition filed by BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) on July 15, 2008, the Board is instituting a declaratory order proceeding under 49 U.S.C. 721 and 5 U.S.C. 554(e) to determine whether what BNSF characterizes as two track relocation projects in Oklahoma City, OK, are subject to the Board's jurisdiction and require prior Board approval. One reply in opposition to the petition and three letters in support of the petition have been filed. The Board seeks public comments on this matter.