[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 24, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Page 52054]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20924]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

[STB Docket No. EP 699]


Assessment of Mediation and Arbitration Procedures

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board (Board), DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Board seeks comments on matters relating to the use of 
mediation and arbitration as effective means of resolving disputes that 
are subject to the Board's jurisdiction. Depending upon the Board's 
assessment of the comments received, the Board may propose revisions to 
its current rules or propose new rules in order to encourage the use of 
mediation and arbitration in the resolution of disputes. If so, the 
proposed changes or new rules would be published and made available for 
review and comment in a subsequent notice.

DATES: Comments are due on October 25, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Comments 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: 
Docket No. EP 699, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. Copies 
of written comments will be available for viewing and self-copying at 
the Board's Public Docket Room, Room 131, and will be posted to the 
Board's Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia Farr at 202-245-0359. Assistance 
for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information 
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board favors private sector resolutions 
of disputes as an alternative to its formal processes where possible. 
To that end, the Board has rules in place that allow for mediation and 
arbitration of matters subject to its jurisdiction. The Board's 
mediation rules are set forth at 49 CFR 1109.1, 1109.4, 1111.2, 1111.9, 
and 1111.10. Its arbitration rules are set forth at 49 CFR 1108, 
1109.1, 1109.2, and 1115.8.
    The Board seeks input regarding measures it can implement to 
encourage greater use of mediation and arbitration procedures, 
including changes to the Board's existing rules and establishment of 
new rules. The Board also seeks input regarding possible changes to its 
rules to permit the use of Board-facilitated mediation procedures 
without the filing of a formal complaint. In addition to being reviewed 
by the Board, the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council 
(RSTAC) will review the comments and prepare a report to the Board 
reflecting the input of its members on this issue.\1\
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    \1\ RSTAC is an advisory board established by Federal law to 
advise the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and 
the Board on issues related to rail freight, with particular 
attention to issues of importance to small shippers and railroads. 
By statute, RSTAC members are appointed by the Board's chairman. 
Representatives of rail customers, Class I railroads, and small 
railroads sit on RSTAC. The Board's members and the U.S. Secretary 
of Transportation are RSTAC ex officio, nonvoting members. (49 
U.S.C. 726.)
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    Based upon the comments from interested persons and RSTAC's input, 
the Board will decide whether to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(NPRM) at a later date. We will invite comment on the NPRM before 
issuance of any final rule.
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.
    It is ordered:
    1. Comments as described above are due by October 25, 2010.
    2. This decision is effective on its date of service.

    Decided: August 18, 2010.

    By the Board, Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Mulvey, and 
Commissioner Nottingham.
Jeffrey Herzig,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2010-20924 Filed 8-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P