Notice2024-17124
Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 2, 2024
Issuing agencies
Surface Transportation Board
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 149 (Friday, August 2, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 149 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 63245]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="http://www.stb.gov">http://www.stb.gov</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.stb.gov/resources/stakeholder-committees/retac/">https://www.stb.gov/resources/stakeholder-committees/retac/</a>.
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]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
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