[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 8, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52710-52715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25515]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

49 CFR Parts 1011, 1104, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115 and 1121

[STB Ex Parte No. 527]


Expedited Procedures For Processing Rail Rate Reasonableness, 
Exemption And Revocation Proceedings

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, Transportation.

ACTION: Final rules.

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SUMMARY: Under new 49 U.S.C. 10704(d), enacted as part of section 
102(a) of the ICC Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA), the Surface 
Transportation Board (Board) is required to establish procedures to 
expedite the handling of challenges to the reasonableness of railroad 
rates and of railroad exemption and revocation proceedings. This 
publication contains our final rules.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 7, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas J. Stilling, (202) 927-7312. 
[TDD for the hearing impaired: (202) 927-5721.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board's decision discussing the final 
rules is available to all persons for a charge by calling DC NEWS & 
DATA INC. at (202) 289-4357. A notice of proposed rulemaking was 
published in the Federal Register on July 26, 1996 at 61 FR 39110. The 
Board certifies that the rules will not have a significant economic 
effect on a substantial number of small entities. They should result in 
easier and quicker discovery and record-building.
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 1011

    Administrative practice and procedure, Authority delegations 
(Government agencies), Organization and functions (Government 
agencies).

49 CFR Parts 1104, 1112, 1113, 1114, and 1115

    Administrative practice and procedure.

49 CFR Part 1111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Investigations.

49 CFR Part 1121

    Administrative practice and procedure, Rail exemption procedures, 
Railroads.

    Decided: September 27, 1996.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan, Vice Chairman Simmons, and 
Commissioner Owen.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 49, chapter X, 
parts 1011, 1104, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115 and 1121 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations are amended as follows:

PART 1011--COMMISSION ORGANIZATION; DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY

    1. The authority citation for part 1011 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 553; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 49 U.S.C. 701, 721, 
13702.


Sec. 1011.7  [Amended]

    2. Section 1011.7 is amended as follows:
    a. In paragraph (b)(1), remove the words ``The Chairman of the 
Commission'' and add in their place the words ``The Commission 
(Board)''.
    b. Paragraph (b)(2) is removed and reserved.

[[Page 52711]]

PART 1104--FILING WITH THE BOARD-COPIES-VERIFICATIONS-SERVICE-
PLEADINGS, GENERALLY

    3. The authority citation for part 1104 is revised to read as 
follows:
    4. The heading of part 1104 is revised as set forth above.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 559; 21 U.S.C. 853a; 49 U.S.C. 721.

    5. Part 1104 is amended as follows:
    a. Remove the word ``Commission'' and add the word ``Board'' in the 
following sections: Secs. 1104.3(a), 1104.3(b), 1104.4(b), 1104.5(b), 
1104.6, 1104.7(b), 1104.8, 1104.10(a), 1104.10(b), 1104.12(a), 
1104.12(b), 1104.13(a) and 1104.14(b).
    b. Remove the word ``Commission's'' and add the word ``Board's'' in 
the following sections: Secs. 1104.3(b), 1104.6 and 1104.11.
    c. Remove the words ``Interstate Commerce Commission'' and add the 
words ``Surface Transportation Board'' in Sec. 1104.1(a).
    6. Section 1104.1 is amended by adding new paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1104.1  Address and identification.

* * * * *
    (d) All multi-volume pleadings must be sequentially numbered on the 
cover of each volume to indicate the volume number of the pleading and 
the total number of volumes filed (e.g., the first volume in a 4-volume 
set should be labeled ``volume 1 of 4,'' the second volume ``volume 2 
of 4'' and so forth).


Sec. 1104.3  [Amended]

    7. Section 1104.3 is amended by adding the following sentence to 
the end of paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec. 1104.3  Copies.

    (a) * * * In addition to the paper copies required to be filed with 
the Board, 3 copies of:
    (1) Textual submissions of 20 or more pages; and
    (2) All electronic spreadsheets should be submitted on 3.5 inch, 
IBM compatible formatted diskettes or QIC-80 tapes. Textual materials 
must be in WordPerfect 5.1 format, and electronic spreadsheets must be 
in LOTUS 1-2-3 release 5 or earlier format. One copy of each such 
computer diskette or tape submitted to the Board must also be served on 
each party in accordance with Sec. 1104.12 of this part.
    8. In Sec. 1104.15, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1104.15  Certification of eligibility for Federal benefits under 
21 U.S.C. 853a.

    (a) An individual who is applying in his or her name for a 
certificate, license or permit to operate as a rail carrier must 
complete the certification set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. 
This certification is required if the transferee in a finance 
proceeding under 49 U.S.C. 11323 and 11324 is an individual. The 
certification also is required if an individual applies for 
authorization to acquire, to construct, to extend, or to operate a rail 
line.
* * * * *
    9. Part 1111 is revised to read as follows:

PART 1111--COMPLAINT AND INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

Sec.
1111.1  Content of formal complaints; joinder.
1111.2  Amended and supplemental complaints.
1111.3  Service.
1111.4  Answers and cross complaints.
1111.5  Motions to dismiss or to make more definite.
1111.6  Satisfaction of complaint.
1111.7  Investigations on the Board's own motion.
1111.8  Procedural schedule in stand-alone cost cases.
1111.9  Meeting to discuss procedural matters.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 559; 49 U.S.C. 721.


Sec. 1111.1   Content of formal complaints; joinder.

    (a) General. A formal complaint must contain the correct, 
unabbreviated names and addresses of each complainant and defendant. It 
should set forth briefly and in plain language the facts upon which it 
is based. It should include specific reference to pertinent statutory 
provisions and Board regulations, and should advise the Board and the 
defendant fully in what respects these provisions or regulations have 
been violated. The complaint should contain a detailed statement of the 
relief requested. Relief in the alternative or of several different 
types may be demanded, but the issues raised in the formal complaint 
should not be broader than those to which complainant's evidence is to 
be directed at the hearing. In a complaint challenging the 
reasonableness of a rail rate, the complainant should indicate whether, 
in their view, the reasonableness of the rate should be examined using 
constrained market pricing or simplified standards to be adopted 
pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10701(d)(3). The complainant should specify the 
basis for this assertion.
    (b) Multiple causes of action. Two or more grounds of complaint 
concerning the same principle, subject, or statement of facts may be 
included in one complaint, but should be stated and numbered 
separately.
    (c) Joinder. Two or more complainants may join in one complaint 
against one or more defendants if their respective causes of action 
concern substantially the same alleged violations and like facts.


Sec. 1111.2   Amended and supplemental complaints.

    An amended or supplemental complaint may be tendered for filing by 
a complainant against a defendant or defendants named in the original 
complaint, stating a cause of action alleged to have accrued within the 
statutory period immediately preceding the date of such tender, in 
favor of complainant and against the defendant or defendants. The time 
limits for responding to an amended or supplemental complaint are 
computed pursuant to Secs. 1111.4 and 1111.5 of this part, as if the 
amended or supplemental complaint was an original complaint.


Sec. 1111.3   Service.

    A complainant is responsible for serving formal complaints, amended 
or supplemental complaints, and cross complaints on the defendant(s). 
Service shall be made by sending a copy of such complaint to the chief 
legal officer of each defendant by either confirmed facsimile and 
first-class mail or express overnight courier. The cover page of each 
such facsimile and the front of each such first-class mail or overnight 
express courier envelope shall include the following legend: ``Service 
of STB Complaint''. Service of the complaint shall be deemed completed 
on the date on which the complaint is served by confirmed facsimile or, 
if service is made by express overnight courier, on the date such 
complaint is actually received by the defendant. When the complaint 
involves more than one defendant, service of the complaint shall be 
deemed completed on the date on which all defendants have been served. 
Ten copies of the complaint should be filed with the Board together 
with an acknowledgment of service by the persons served or proof of 
service in the form of a statement of the date and manner of service, 
of the names of the persons served, and of the addresses to which the 
papers were mailed or at which they were delivered, certified by the 
person who made service. If complainant cannot serve the complaint, an 
original of each complaint accompanied by a sufficient number of copies 
to enable the Board to serve one upon each defendant and to retain 10 
copies in addition to the original should be filed with the Board.

[[Page 52712]]

Sec. 1111.4   Answers and cross complaints.

    (a) Generally. An answer shall be filed within the time provided in 
paragraph (b) of this section. An answer should be responsive to the 
complaint and should fully advise the Board and the parties of the 
nature of the defense. In answering a complaint challenging the 
reasonableness of a rail rate, the defendant should indicate whether it 
will contend that the Board is deprived of jurisdiction to hear the 
complaint because the revenue-variable cost percentage generated by the 
traffic is less than 180 percent, or the traffic is subject to 
effective product or geographic competition.
    (b) Time for filing; copies; service. An answer must be filed 
within 20 days after the service of the complaint or within such 
additional time as the Board may provide. The original and 10 copies of 
an answer must be filed with the Board. The defendant must serve copies 
of the answer upon the complainant and any other defendants.
    (c) Cross complaints. A cross complaint alleging violations by 
other parties to the proceeding or seeking relief against them may be 
filed with the answer. An answer to a cross complaint shall be filed 
within 20 days after the service date of the cross complaint. The party 
shall serve copies of an answer to a cross complaint upon the other 
parties.
    (d) Failure to answer complaint. Averments in a complaint are 
admitted when not denied in an answer to the complaint.


Sec. 1111.5   Motions to dismiss or to make more definite.

    An answer to a complaint or cross complaint may be accompanied by a 
motion to dismiss the complaint or cross complaint or a motion to make 
the complaint or cross complaint more definite. A motion to dismiss can 
be filed at anytime during a proceeding. A complainant or cross 
complainant may, within 10 days after an answer is filed, file a motion 
to make the answer more definite. Any motion to make more definite must 
specify the defects in the particular pleading and must describe fully 
the additional information or details thought to be necessary.


Sec. 1111.6   Satisfaction of complaint.

    If a defendant satisfies a formal complaint, either before or after 
answering, a statement to that effect signed by the complainant must be 
filed (original only need be filed), setting forth when and how the 
complaint has been satisfied. This action should be taken as 
expeditiously as possible.


Sec. 1111.7   Investigations on the Board's own motion.

    (a) Service of decision. A decision instituting an investigation on 
the Board's own motion will be served by the Board upon respondents.
    (b) Default. If within the time period stated in the decision 
instituting an investigation, a respondent fails to comply with any 
requirement specified in the decision, the respondent will be deemed in 
default and to have waived any further proceedings, and the 
investigation may be decided forthwith.


Sec. 1111.8   Procedural schedule in stand-alone cost cases.

    Absent a specific order by the Board, the following general 
procedural schedule will apply in stand-alone cost cases:

Day 0--Complaint filed, discovery period begins.
Day 7--Conference of the parties convened pursuant or before to section 
1111.9(b).
Day 20--Defendant's answer to complaint due.
Day 75--Discovery completed.
Day 120--Complainant files opening evidence on absence of intermodal 
and intramodal competition, variable cost, and stand-alone cost issues. 
Defendant files opening evidence on existence of product and geographic 
competition, and revenue-variable cost percentage generated by 
complainant's traffic.
Day 180--Complaint and defendant file reply evidence to opponent's 
opening evidence.
Day 210--Complaint and defendant file rebuttal evidence to opponent's 
reply evidence.


Sec. 1111.9   Meeting to discuss procedural matters.

    (a) Generally. In all complaint proceedings, other than those 
challenging the reasonableness of a rail rate based on stand-alone 
cost, the parties shall meet, or discuss by telephone, discovery and 
procedural matters within 7 days after an answer to a complaint is 
filed. Within 14 days after an answer to a complaint is filed, the 
parties, either jointly or separately, shall file a report with the 
Board setting forth a proposed procedural schedule to govern future 
activities and deadlines in the case.
    (b) Stand-alone cost complaints. In complaints challenging the 
reasonableness of a rail rate based on stand-alone cost, the parties 
shall meet, or discuss by telephone, discovery and procedural matters 
within 7 days after a complaint is filed. The parties should inform the 
Board as soon as possible thereafter whether there are unresolved 
disputes that require Board intervention and, if so, the nature of such 
disputes.

PART 1112--MODIFIED PROCEDURES

    10. The authority citation for part 1112 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 559; 49 U.S.C. 701.

    11. Part 1112 is amended as follows:
    a. Remove the word ``Commission'' and add the word ``Board'' in the 
following sections: Secs. 1112.1, 1112.4(a) introductory text and 
1112.7 section heading and text.
    b. Remove the word ``Commission's'' and add the word ``Board's'' in 
Sec. 1112.1


Sec. 1112.4   [Amended]

    c. Section 1112.4 is amended by removing paragraph (c).
    d. Section 1112.10 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1112.10   Requests for oral hearings and cross examination.

    (a) Requests. Requests for oral hearings in matters originally 
assigned for handling under modified procedure must include the reasons 
why the matter cannot be properly resolved under modified procedure. 
Requests for cross examination of witnesses must include the name of 
the witness and the subject matter of the desired cross examination.
    (b) Disposition. Unless material facts are in dispute, oral 
hearings will not be held. If held, oral hearings will normally be 
confined to material issues upon which the parties disagree. The 
decision setting a matter for oral hearing will define the scope of the 
hearing.

PART 1113--ORAL HEARINGS

    12. The authority citation for part 1113 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 559; 49 U.S.C. 721.

    13. Part 1113 is amended as follows:
    a. Remove the word ``Commission'' and add the word ``Board'' in the 
following sections: Secs. 1113.1(a), 1113.2(a), 1113.2(b)(1), 
1113.2(d), 1113.4(a) introductory text, 1113.4(b), 1113.5, 1113.6(b), 
1113.7(e), 1113.8, 1113.10, section heading and text, 1113.12(a), 
1113.12(b), 1113.13, 1113.16, 1113.17 (b) and (c) and 1113.18(c).


Sec. 1113.1   [Amended]

    b. In Sec. 1113.1, paragraph (c)(3) is removed.


Sec. 1113.3   [Amended]

    c. In Sec. 1113.3, paragraph (b)(2), add a period after the word 
``complaint'' and remove the remainder of the paragraph.

[[Page 52713]]

Sec. 1113.11   [Amended]

    d. In Sec. 1113.11, first sentence, remove the words ``and in 
evidence'' and add the words ``in evidence and''.


Sec. 1113.31   [Removed]

    e. Section 1113.31 is removed.

PART 1114--EVIDENCE; DISCOVERY

    14. The authority citation for part 1114 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 559; 49 U.S.C. 721.

    15. Subpart A is amended as follows:
    a. Remove the word ``Commission'' and add the word ``Board'' in the 
following sections: Secs. 1114.1, 1114.4, 1114.5 section heading and 
text and 1114.6.
    b. Remove the word ``Commission's'' and add the word ``Board's'' in 
Sec. 1114.4 section heading.


Sec. 1114.7   [Amended]

    c. Section 1114.7 is amended by removing the words ``(a) 
Generally.'' from paragraph (a) and removing paragraph (b).
    16. Subpart B is amended as follows:
    a. Remove the word ``Commission'' and add the word ``Board'' in the 
following sections: Secs. 1114.21(c)(3), 1114.21(c)(9) and the 
concluding text, of paragraph (c) 1114.21(d), 1114.21(e) introductory 
text, 1114.23(b), 1114.23(c), 1114.23(d)(1), 1114.23(d)(2), 
1114.24(b)(2), 1114.24(b)(3) introductory text, 1114.24(d), 1114.24(h), 
1114.26(a), 1114.27(b), 1114.31(a), 1114.31(b)(1), 1114.31(b)(2), 
1114.31(c) and 1114.31(d).
    b. Remove the word ``Commission's'' and add the word ``Board's'' in 
Sec. 1114.31(b)(1).


Sec. 1114.21   [Amended]

    c. In Sec. 1114.21, paragraph (a)(1), remove the words ``(except 
the review boards)''.


Sec. 1114.26   [Amended]

    d. In Sec. 1114.26, paragraph (a), remove the second sentence.


Sec. 1114.26   [Amended]

    e. In Sec. 1114.26, paragraph (c), remove the words ``In those 
proceedings not requiring a petition for interrogatories, and unless 
under special circumstances and for good cause,'' and capitalize the 
word ``no''.


Sec. 1114.27   [Amended]

    f. In Sec. 1114.27, paragraph (a), remove the third and last 
sentences.


Sec. 1114.27   [Amended]

    g. In Sec. 1114.27, paragraph (c), remove the words ``In those 
proceedings not requiring a petition for requests for admission, and 
unless under special circumstances and for good cause shown,'' and 
capitalize the word ``no''.


Sec. 1114.31   [Amended]

    h. In Sec. 1114.31, paragraph (b)(1) remove the words ``49 U.S.C. 
10321(c)(3) and (d)(4)'' and add in their place the words ``49 U.S.C. 
721(c) and (d)''.
    17. The additions and revisions to subpart B are as follows:
    a. Section 1114.21 is amended by revising paragraph (b) and adding 
a new paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec. 1114.21   Applicability; general provisions.

* * * * *
    (b) How discovery is obtained. All discovery procedures may be used 
by parties without filing a petition and obtaining prior Board 
approval.
* * * * *
    (f) Service of discovery materials. Unless otherwise ordered by the 
Board, depositions, interrogatories, requests for documents, requests 
for admissions, and answers and responses thereto, shall be served on 
other counsel and parties, but shall not be filed with the Board. Any 
such materials, or portions thereof, should be appended to the 
appropriate pleading when used to support or to reply to a motion, or 
when used as an evidentiary submission.
    b. Section 1114.22 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1114.22   Deposition.

    (a) Purpose. The testimony of any person, including a party, may be 
taken by deposition upon oral examination.
    (b) Request. A party requesting to take a deposition and perpetuate 
testimony:
    (1) Should notify all parties to the proceeding and the person 
sought to be deposed; and
    (2) Should set forth the name and address of the witness, the place 
where, the time when, the name and office of the officer before whom, 
and the cause or reason why such deposition will be taken.
    c. Section 1114.30 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1114.30   Production of documents and records and entry upon land 
for inspection and other purposes.

    (a) Scope. Any party may serve on any other party a request:
    (1) To produce and permit the party making the request to inspect 
any designated documents (including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, 
photographs, phonograph records, tapes, and other data compilations 
from which information can be obtained, translated, if necessary, with 
or without the use of detection devices into reasonably usable form), 
or to inspect and copy, test, or sample any tangible things which are 
in the possession, custody, or control of the party upon whom the 
request is served, but if the writings or data compilations include 
privileged or proprietary information or information the disclosure of 
which is proscribed by the Act, such writings or data compilations need 
not be produced under this rule but may be provided pursuant to 
Sec. 1114.26(b) of this part; or
    (2) To permit, subject to appropriate liability releases and safety 
and operating considerations, entry upon designated land or other 
property in the possession or control of the party upon whom the 
request is served for the purpose of inspecting and measuring, 
surveying, photographing, testing, or sampling the property or any 
designated object or operation thereon.
    (b) Procedure. Any request filed pursuant to this rule should set 
forth the items to be inspected either by individual item or by 
category and describe each item and category with reasonable 
particularity. The request should specify a reasonable time, place, and 
manner of making the inspection and performing the related acts.
    d. Section 1114.31 is amended by adding a new paragraph (b)(2)(iv) 
and adding a sentence to the end of paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec. 1114.31   Failure to respond to discovery.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iv) In lieu of any of the foregoing orders, or in addition 
thereto, the Board shall require the party failing to obey the order or 
the attorney advising that party, or both, to pay the reasonable 
expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by the failure, unless the 
Board finds that the failure was substantially justified or that other 
circumstances make an award of expenses unjust.
* * * * *
    (d) * * * In lieu of any such order or in addition thereto, the 
Board shall require the party failing to act or the attorney advising 
that party or both to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney's 
fees, caused by the failure, unless the Board finds that the failure 
was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award 
of expenses unjust.
* * * * *

PART 1115--APPELLATE PROCEDURES

    18. The authority citation for part 1115 is revised to read as 
follows:


[[Page 52714]]


    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 559, 49 U.S.C. 721.

    19. Part 1115 is amended as follows:
    a. Remove the word ``Commission'' and add the word ``Board'' in the 
following sections: Secs. 1115.1(b), 1115.1(c), 1115.2(b)(2), 
1115.2(g), 1115.5(a), 1115.5(b), 1115.6, 1115.7 and 1115.8.
    b. In Sec. 1115.1, paragraph (c), remove the words ``Chairman of 
the Commission.'' at the end of the first sentence and add in their 
place the words ``entire Board.''.
    c. In Sec. 1115.7, remove the words ``Interstate Commerce 
Commission'' and add in their place the words ``Surface Transportation 
Board''.
    20. The additions and revisions to part 1115 are as follows:
    a. Section 1115.1, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1115.1   Scope of rule.

    (a) These appellate procedures apply in cases where a hearing is 
required by law or Board action. They do not apply to informal matters 
such as car service, temporary authority, suspension, special 
permission actions, or to other matters of an interlocutory nature. 
Abandonments and discontinuance proceedings instituted under 49 U.S.C. 
10903 are governed by separate appellate procedures exclusive to those 
proceedings. (See 49 CFR part 1152)
* * * * *
    b. In Sec. 1115.2, introductory text, remove the words ``or joint 
board'' and revise paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec. 1115.2   Initial decisions.

* * * * *
    (e) Appeals must be filed within 20 days after the service date of 
the decision or within any further period (not to exceed 20 days the 
Board may authorize. Replies must be filed within 20 days of the date 
the appeal is filed.
* * * * *
    c. Section 1115.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1115.3   Board actions other than initial decisions.

    (a) A discretionary appeal of an entire Board action is permitted.
    (b) The petition will be granted only upon a showing of one or more 
of the following points:
    (1) The prior action will be affected materially because of new 
evidence or changed circumstances.
    (2) The prior action involves material error.
    (c) The petition must state in detail the nature of and reasons for 
the relief requested. When, in a petition filed under this section, a 
party seeks an opportunity to introduce evidence, the evidence must be 
stated briefly and must not appear to be cumulative, and an explanation 
must be given why it was not previously adduced.
    (d) The petition and any reply must not exceed 20 pages in length. 
A separate preface and summary of argument, not exceeding 3 pages, may 
accompany petitions and replies and must accompany those that exceed 10 
pages in length.
    (e) Petitions must be filed within 20 days after the service of the 
action or within any further period (not to exceed 20 days) as the 
Board may authorize.
    (f) The filing of a petition will not automatically stay the effect 
of a prior action, but the Board may stay the effect of the action on 
its own motion or on petition. A petition to stay may be filed in 
advance of the petition for reconsideration and shall be filed within 
10 days of service of the action. No reply need be filed. However, if a 
party elects to file a reply, it must reach the Board no later than 16 
days after service of the action. In all proceedings, the action, if 
not stayed, will become effective 30 days after it is served, unless 
the Board provides for the action to become effective at a different 
date. On the day the action is served parties may initiate judicial 
review.
    d. Section 1115.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1115.4  Petitions to reopen administratively final actions.

    A person at any time may file a petition to reopen any 
administratively final action of the Board pursuant to the requirements 
of Sec. 1115.3 (c) and (d) of this part. A petition to reopen must 
state in detail the respects in which the proceeding involves material 
error, new evidence, or substantially changed circumstances and must 
include a request that the Board make such a determination.
    e. A new Sec. 1115.9 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 1115.9  Interlocutory Appeals.

    (a) Rulings of Board employees, including administrative law 
judges, may be appealed prior to service of the initial decision only 
if:
    (1) The ruling denies or terminates any person's participation;
    (2) The ruling grants a request for the inspection of documents not 
ordinarily available for public inspection;
    (3) The ruling overrules an objection based on privilege, the 
result of which ruling is to require the presentation of testimony or 
documents; or
    (4) The ruling may result in substantial irreparable harm, 
substantial detriment to the public interest, or undue prejudice to a 
party.
    (b) Any interlocutory appeal of a ruling shall be filed with the 
Board within three (3) business days of the ruling. Replies to any 
interlocutory appeal shall be filed with the Board within three (3) 
business days after the filing of any such appeal.
    21. Part 1121 is revised to read as follows:

PART 1121--RAIL EXEMPTION PROCEDURES

Sec.
1121.1  Scope.
1121.2  Discovery.
1121.3  Content.
1121.4  Procedures.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 553; 49 U.S.C. 10502 and 10704.


Sec. 1121.1  Scope.

    These procedures generally govern petitions filed under 49 U.S.C. 
10502 to exempt a transaction or service from 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, or 
any provision of 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, or to revoke an exemption 
previously granted. These procedures also apply to notices of 
exemption.


Sec. 1121.2  Discovery.

    Discovery shall follow the procedures set forth at 49 CFR part 
1114, subpart B. Discovery may begin upon the filing of the petition 
for exemption or petition for revocation of an exemption. In petitions 
to revoke an exemption, a party must indicate in the petition whether 
it is seeking discovery. If it is, the party must file its discovery 
requests at the same time it files its petition to revoke. Discovery 
shall be completed 30 days after the petition to revoke is filed. The 
party seeking discovery may supplement its petition to revoke 45 days 
after the petition is filed. Replies to the supplemental petition are 
due 15 days after the supplemental petition is filed.


Sec. 1121.3  Content.

    (a) A party filing a petition for exemption shall provide its case-
in-chief, along with its supporting evidence, workpapers, and related 
documents at the time it files its petition.
    (b) A petition must comply with environmental or historic reporting 
and notice requirements of 49 CFR part 1105, if applicable.
    (c) A party seeking revocation of an exemption or a notice of 
exemption shall provide all of its supporting information at the time 
it files its petition. Information later obtained through discovery can 
be submitted in a supplemental petition pursuant to 49 CFR 1121.2.

[[Page 52715]]

Sec. 1121.4  Procedures.

    (a) Exemption proceedings are informal, and public comments are 
generally not sought during consideration of exemption petition 
proposals, except as provided in Sec. 1121.4(c). However, the Board may 
consider during its deliberation any public comments filed in response 
to a petition for exemption.
    (b) If the Board determines that the criteria in 49 U.S.C. 10502 
are met for the proposed exemption, it will issue the exemption and 
publish a notice of exemption in the Federal Register.
    (c) If the impact of the proposed exemption cannot be ascertained 
from the information contained in the petition or accompanying 
submissions, or significant adverse impacts might occur if the proposed 
exemption were granted, or a class exemption is sought, the Board will:
    (1) Direct that additional information be filed; or
    (2) Publish a notice in the Federal Register requesting public 
comments.
    (d) Exemption petitions containing proposals that are directly 
related to and concurrently filed with a primary application will be 
considered along with that primary application.
    (e) Unless otherwise specified in the decision, an exemption 
generally will be effective 30 days from the service date of the 
decision granting the exemption. Unless otherwise provided in the 
decision, petitions to stay must be filed within 10 days of the service 
date, and petitions to reopen under 49 CFR part 1115 or 49 CFR 
1152.25(e) must be filed within 20 days of the service date.
    (f) Petitions to revoke an exemption or the notice of exemption may 
be filed at any time. The person seeking revocation has the burden of 
showing that the revocation criteria of 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) have been 
met.
    (g) In abandonment exemptions, petitions to revoke in part to 
impose public use conditions under 49 CFR 1152.28, or to invoke the 
Trails Act, 16 U.S.C. 1247(d), may be filed at any time prior to the 
consummation of the abandonment, except that public use conditions may 
not prohibit disposal of the properties for any more than the statutory 
limit of 180 days after the effective date of the decision granting the 
exemption.

[FR Doc. 96-25515 Filed 10-7-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P