STB

STB seeks comment on proposed revocation of commodity exemptions

The Surface Transportation Board on March 23, 2016 announced that it is seeking public comment on its proposal to revoke existing class exemptions from railroad-transportation regulations for certain commodities. This decision comes as part of the Board’s ongoing examination of its current regulations in light of the many changes in the rail industry over recent decades. In the nearly quarter-century since the Board adopted these exemptions, this is the first decision the Board has issued proposing complete revocation of one or more commodity exemptions.

STB: Let’s chat about rate cases

The Surface Transportation Board will hold what it’s calling “informal meetings with stakeholders” during April 2016 “to explore and discuss ideas to expedite rate reasonableness cases.”

CP+NS: STB declaratory order proceedings under way

On March 10, 2016, the Surface Transportation Board issued a decision, Docket No. FD 36004, “Canadian Pacific Railway Limited—Petition for Expedited Declaratory Order,” responding to CP’s March 2 petition, and setting a timeline for replies and CP’s rebuttal. Following is the full text:

STB revises SAC case procedural schedule

Railroad rate complaints that come before the Surface Transportation Board for handling under SAC (Stand-Alone Cost) case handling will be subject to “expeditious handling”—a decision rendered in no more than 485 days—according to new final rules the STB announced on March 10, 2016.

CP will seek STB declaratory order

Canadian Pacific on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 announced it will seek a declaratory order from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) “confirming the viability of the voting trust structure that CP has suggested as part of its proposed merger with Norfolk Southern.”

The year ahead in Washington

Washington is a rat hole worth watching because, as the politically savvy know, lawmakers and regulators can inflict unexpected, unprovoked and unjustified wounds.

Another white paper from Canadian Pacific

Continuing its hostile pursuit of Norfolk Southern, and faced with some stiff political and rail industry opposition in the U.S., Canadian Pacific on Feb. 3, 2016 released a white paper, CP-NS: A Comprehensive Approach to Regulatory Approval “detailing the comprehensive, merit-based process any merger application would be subject to at the Surface Transportation Board,” CP said.

Commentary

STB now showing the letters

Everything is out in the open, as it should be. Today (January 8, 2016), the Surface Transportation Board established a page on its website, “Major Railroad Mergers and Consolidations Correspondence,” that contains all the correspondence connected to the proposed merger of Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern. The correspondence is in PDF form and can be downloaded by anyone.

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