[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 139 (Wednesday, July 22, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 36309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-17309]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Ex Parte No. 670 (Sub--No. 2)]


Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Notice of vacancies on Federal Advisory Committee and 
solicitation of nominations.

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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.

DATES: Suggestions of candidates for membership on RETAC are due July 
31, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Suggestions may be submitted either via the Board's e-filing 
format or in the traditional paper format. Any person using e-filing 
should attach a document and otherwise comply with the instructions at 
the E-FILING link on the Board's Web site, at http://www.stb.dot.gov. 
Any person submitting a filing in the traditional paper format should 
send an original and 10 copies to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: 
STB Ex Parte No. 670, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001.

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 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY 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. 10701-10747, 11101-11124), 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, 11323-11327).
    In 2007, the Board established RETAC as a Federal advisory 
committee consisting of a cross-section 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 municipally-owned 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 (non-voting) 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 3-year 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 3-year 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. E9-17309 Filed 7-21-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P