The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) has as its goal the exercise of regulatory oversight only when necessary to respond to imperfections in the marketplace. Where regulatory oversight is necessary, the STB seeks to ensure that such oversight is exercised efficiently and effectively, integrating market forces, where possible, into the overall regulatory model. In this regard, the STB works to resolve matters brought before it fairly and expeditiously. Through use of its regulatory exemption authority, encouragement of private-sector solutions to disputes, where possible, streamlining of its decisional process, and consistent application of legal and equitable principles, the STB seeks to facilitate commerce by providing an effective forum for dispute resolution and the approval of appropriate business transactions.
The STB continues to develop, through rulemakings and case disposition, new and better ways to analyze unique and complex problems, to reach fully justified decisions more quickly, and to reduce the costs associated with regulatory oversight. In this regard, the STB continues to streamline applicable regulations and the process for handling matters within its jurisdiction.
Descriptions of the Most Important Significant Regulatory Actions
Rate Guidelines--Noncoal Proceedings, Ex Parte No. 347 (Sub-No. 2)
The STB is proposing to adopt maximum rate reasonableness guidelines for captive noncoal commodities.
Expedited Procedures for Processing Rail Rate Reasonableness, Exemption and Revocation Procedures, STB Ex Parte No. 527
The STB is proposing to establish procedures to expedite the handling of challenges to the reasonableness of railroad rates and the handling of railroad exemption and revocation proceedings. As part of this proceeding, the Board is also proposing to eliminate certain provisions of its Rules of Practice that are no longer needed.
Abandonment and Discontinuance of Rail Lines and Rail Transportation Under 49 USC 10903, STB Ex Parte No. 537
The STB is proposing to revise regulations for processing applications and exemption requests by rail carriers seeking to abandon or discontinue rail service, and to make related revisions of procedures for implementation of environmental laws.
Combined Regulatory Plan/Unified Agenda Descriptions
Attached are separate regulatory descriptions of the STB's most important significant regulatory actions proposed for FY 1997 as identified above. The descriptions are in the format of the United Agenda submissions and additional elements as called for in the Regulatory Plan.