Federal Register: July 22, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 139)
DOCID: fr22jy09-135 FR Doc E9-17309
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
STB ID: [STB Ex Parte No. 670 (Sub--No. 2)]
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr22jy09-135
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of vacancies on Federal Advisory Committee and solicitation of nominations.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies
DATES: Suggestions of candidates for membership on RETAC are due July 31, 2009.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
The Surface Transportation Board (Board), hereby gives notice of two vacancies on the Board's Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC): (1) A representative of a Class II or III railroad and (2) a representative of a biofuel refiner, processor, or distributor, or biofuel feedstock grower or provider. The Board is soliciting suggestions for candidates to fill those vacancies.
SUMMARY:
Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies; Solicitation of Nominations
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The Board, created by Congress in 1996 to take over many of the functions previously performed by the Interstate Commerce Commission, exercises broad authority over transportation by rail carriers, including regulation of railroad rates and service (49 U.S.C. 1070110747, 1110111124), as well as the construction, acquisition, operation, and abandonment of rail lines (49 U.S.C. 10901 10907) and railroad line sales, consolidations, mergers, and common control arrangements (49 U.S.C. 10902, 1132311327).
In 2007, the Board established RETAC as a Federal advisory committee consisting of a crosssection 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, carriers, and users of energy resources.
RETAC's membership is a balanced representation of interested and
affected parties, consisting of not less than: 5 representatives from
the Class I railroads, 3 representatives from Class II and III
railroads, 3 representatives from coal producers, 5 representatives
from electric utilities (including at least one rural electric cooperative and one state or municipallyowned utility), 4
representatives from biofuel refiners, processors, or distributors, or
biofuel feedstock growers or providers, and 2 representatives from
private car owners, car lessors, or car manufacturers. RETAC may also
include up to 3 members with relevant experience but not necessarily
affiliated with one of the aforementioned industries or sectors.
Members are selected by the Chairman of the Board with the concurrence
of a majority of the Board. The Chairman of the Board 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 (nonvoting) members, and
Board members serve as ex officio members of the Committee as well.
RETAC functions solely as an advisory body, in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and its implementing regulations. RETAC typically meets four times per year, at the Board's headquarters in Washington, DC. No honoraria, salaries, travel or per diem are available to members of the RETAC; however, reimbursement for travel expenses may be sought from the Board in cases of hardship.
Two vacancies currently exist for 3year terms on RETAC beginning September 1, 2009: (1) A representative of a Class II or III railroad, and (2) a representative of a biofuel refiner, processor, or distributor, or biofuel feedstock grower or provider. Suggestions for members to fill those vacancies should be submitted in letter form, identifying the name of the candidate and the entity the candidate would represent, and a representation that the candidate is willing to serve a 3year term as a member of the RETAC beginning in the Fall of 2009. Suggestions for candidates for membership on RETAC should be filed with the Board by July 31, 2009.
This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 721, 49 U.S.C. 11101; 49 U.S.C. 11121.
Decided: July 16, 2009.
By the Board, Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary. Jeffrey Herzig,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. E917309 Filed 72109; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491501P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Scott M. Zimmerman at 202-245-0202. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 18008778339.