[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 149 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 63245]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-17124]


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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.

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SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice 
of five vacancies on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee 
(RETAC) for three representatives from electric utilities; one 
representative from biofuel feedstock growers or providers and biofuel 
refiners, processors, and distributors; and one representative from the 
petroleum shipping industry. The Board is soliciting nominations from 
the public for candidates to fill these vacancies.

DATES: Nominations for candidates for membership on RETAC are due 
September 2, 2024.

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: Elizabeth McGrath at 202-748-4566. If 
you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 
please call (202) 245-0245.

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, 
sections 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 
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 https://www.stb.gov/resources/stakeholder-committees/retac/.
    The Board is soliciting nominations from the public for candidates 
to fill five vacancies: three representatives from electric utilities; 
one representative from biofuel feedstock growers or providers and 
biofuel refiners, processors, and distributors; and one representative 
from the petroleum shipping industry. All the vacancies are for three-
year terms ending September 30, 2027. 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 47482 (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, position, 
and business contact information of the candidate to include email 
address and phone number; (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 September 2, 2024. Please note that 
submissions will be posted publicly 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: July 29, 2024.
    By the Board, Scott M. Zimmerman, Acting Director, Office of 
Proceedings.
Regena Smith-Bernard,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2024-17124 Filed 8-1-24; 8:45 am]
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