[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 27, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79412-79413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-28109]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

[Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 2)]


Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Notice of vacancies on Federal advisory committee and 
solicitation of nominations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice 
of nine vacancies on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee 
(RETAC) for three representatives from coal producers; one 
representative from electric utilities; one representative from biofuel 
feedstock growers or providers and biofuel refiners, processors, and 
distributors; one representative from private car owners, car lessors, 
or car manufacturers; two representatives from renewable energy 
sources; and one representative from a labor organization. The Board is 
soliciting nominations from the public for candidates to fill these 
vacancies.

DATES: Nominations for candidates for membership on RETAC are due 
January 26, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Nominations may be submitted either via the Board's e-filing 
format or in 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 website, at http://www.stb.gov. Any person 
submitting a filing in paper format should send the original and 10 
copies to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-
No. 2), 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristen Nunnally at 202-245-0312. 
[Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board exercises broad authority over 
transportation by rail carriers, including rates and services (49 
U.S.C. 10701-10747, 11101-11124), construction, acquisition, operation, 
and abandonment of railroad lines (49 U.S.C. 10901-10907), and 
consolidation, merger, or common control arrangements between railroads 
(49 U.S.C. 10902, 11323-11327).
    The Board established RETAC in 2007 as a Federal advisory committee 
consisting of a balanced 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, railroads, and users of energy resources. RETAC 
operates under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app. 2, 1-
16).
    RETAC's membership is balanced and representative of interested and 
affected parties, consisting of not less than: five representatives 
from the Class I railroads; three representatives from Class II and III 
railroads; three representatives from coal producers; five 
representatives from electric utilities (including at least one rural

[[Page 79413]]

electric cooperative and one state- or municipally-owned utility); four 
representatives from biofuel feedstock growers or providers and biofuel 
refiners, processors, and distributors; two representatives from 
private car owners, car lessors, or car manufacturers; one 
representative from the petroleum shipping industry; two 
representatives from renewable energy sources; and one representative 
from a labor organization. The Committee may also include up to two at 
large members with relevant experience but not necessarily affiliated 
with one of the aforementioned industries or sectors.
    Members are selected by the Chair of the Board with the concurrence 
of a majority of the Board. The Chair 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. The members of the Board 
serve as ex officio members of the Committee.
    RETAC meets at least twice per year. Meetings are typically held at 
the Board's headquarters in Washington, DC, but may be held virtually 
or in other locations. Members of RETAC serve without compensation and 
without reimbursement of travel expenses. Further information about 
RETAC is available on the RETAC page of the Board's website at http://www.stb.gov/stb/rail/retac.html.
    The Board is soliciting nominations from the public for candidates 
to fill nine vacancies: three representatives from coal producers; one 
representative from electric utilities; one representative from biofuel 
feedstock growers or providers and biofuel refiners, processors, and 
distributors; one representative from private car owners, car lessors, 
or car manufacturers; two representatives from renewable energy 
sources; and one representative from a labor organization. All the 
vacancies are for three-year terms ending September 30, 2026. According 
to revised guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget, it 
is permissible for federally registered lobbyists to serve on advisory 
committees, such as RETAC, as long as they do so in a representative 
capacity, rather than an individual capacity. See Revised Guidance on 
Appointment of Lobbyists to Fed. Advisory Comms., Bds., & Comm'ns, 79 
FR 47,482 (Aug. 13, 2014). Members of RETAC are appointed to serve in a 
representative capacity.
    Nominations for candidates to fill the vacancies should be 
submitted in letter form and should include: (1) the name of the 
candidate; (2) the interest the candidate will represent; (3) a summary 
of the candidate's experience and qualifications for the position; (4) 
a representation that the candidate is willing to serve as a member of 
RETAC; and, (5) a statement that the candidate agrees to serve in a 
representative capacity. Candidates may nominate themselves. The Chair 
is committed to having a committee reflecting diverse communities and 
viewpoints and strongly encourages the nomination of candidates from 
diverse backgrounds. Nominations for candidates for membership on RETAC 
should be filed with the Board by January 26, 2023. Please note that 
submissions will be posted on the Board's website under Docket No. EP 
670 (Sub-No. 2).
    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 1321; 49 U.S.C. 11101; 49 U.S.C. 11121.


    Decided: December 20, 2022.
    By the Board, Cynthia T. Brown, Acting Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Stefan Rice,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2022-28109 Filed 12-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P