Surface Transportation Board 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the National Grain Car Council (NGCC), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

The Surface Transportation Board (the Board), in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), is publishing a semiannual agenda of: (1) Current and projected rulemakings; and (2) existing regulations being reviewed to determine whether to propose modifications through rulemaking. Listed below are the regulatory actions to be developed or reviewed during the next 12 months. Following each rule identified is a brief description of the rule, including its purpose and legal basis.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice that it is requesting from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an extension of approval for the collection of Demurrage Liability Disclosure Requirements. The Board previously published a notice about this collection in the Federal Register. 60-Day Notice of Intent to Seek Extension of Approval: Demurrage Liability Disclosure Requirements, 82 FR 16,872 (Apr. 6, 2017). That notice allowed for a 60-day public review and comment period. No comments were received.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice that it is requesting from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an extension of approval for the collection of Applications for Land-Use-Exemption Permits (for Solid Waste Rail Transfer Facilities).

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice of two vacancies on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC) for (1) a representative from biofuel feedstock growers or providers and biofuel refiners, processors, and distributors, and (2) an ``at large'' representative with relevant experience in the transportation of energy resources. The Board is soliciting suggestions from the public for candidates to fill these two vacancies.

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) is adopting final rules amending its regulations on the publication of rate and service terms for agricultural products and fertilizer. The Board also denies a petition for reconsideration of the Board's policy statement regarding aggregation of claims and standing issues as they relate to rate complaint procedures.

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) has approved the settlement agreement (Agreement) proposed by the United States Department of Energy and the United States Department of Defense (together, the Government) and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR); prescribed the Agreement's rate update methodologies (as slightly amended), maximum revenue-to-variable cost (R/VC) ratios, and rates; dismissed NSR as a defendant in these proceedings; extinguished all of NSR's liability (including that of its predecessors and subsidiaries) for reparations; relieved NSR from any further requirement to participate in these proceedings, except in response to a properly issued subpoena under the Board's rules; and continued to hold the proceedings in abeyance pending further settlement negotiations.

The Board approves the third quarter 2017 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and cost index filed by the Association of American Railroads. The third quarter 2017 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 0.903. The third quarter 2017 RCAF (Adjusted) is 0.375. The third quarter 2017 RCAF-5 is 0.357.

Notice is hereby given of a listening session for the Regulatory Reform Task Force (RRTF).

On May 12, 2017, Lone Star Coaches, Inc. (Lone Star) filed an application to acquire Tri-City Charter of Bossier, Inc. (Tri-City Charter).\2\ Lone Star and Tri-City Charter are each federally registered, passenger motor carriers that are in the process of consolidating parts of their operations while maintaining their distinct USDOT operating authorities. The Board is tentatively approving and authorizing the transaction, and, if no opposing comments are timely filed, this notice will be the final Board action. Persons wishing to oppose the application must follow the rules.

The Board hereby gives notice of a vacancy on RSTAC for an at- large (public interest) representative. The Board is soliciting suggestions for candidates to fill this vacancy.

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice that it is requesting from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an extension of approval for the information collections required from those seeking licensing authority under 49 U.S.C. 10901-03 and consolidation authority under sections 11323-26. The Board is also seeking approval to merge into this collection (OMB Control Number: 2140-0023) the collection of information about interchange commitments (OMB Control Number: 2140-0016). The Board previously published a notice about this collection on January 26, 2017 in the Federal Register. That notice allowed for a 60- day public review and comment period. No comments were received.