STB: Six Vacancies on RETAC

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is seeking nominations for candidates to fill six vacancies on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC).

The openings are for one representative from Class I railroads; two representatives from Class II or Class II railroads; 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; and one at large representative, according to an Aug. 16 STB notice.

All RETAC vacancies are for three-year terms ending Sept. 30, 2026. Nominations are due Sept. 15, 2023.

STB in 2007 established RETAC as a “Federal advisory committee consisting of a balanced cross-section of energy and rail industry stakeholders to provide independent, candid policy 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’s membership, STB says, is “balanced and representative of interested and affected parties,” consisting of not less than:

• Five representatives from Class I railroads.
• Three representatives from Class II and Class 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.
• One representative from a labor organization.

The Committee, STB adds, may also include up to two at large members with relevant experience but necessarily affiliated with one of the aforementioned industries or sectors.

Members of RETAC are selected by the Chair of the Board with the concurrence of most of the Board. The Chair, STB says, may invite representatives from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy and Transportation, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to serve on the Committee in advisory capacities as ex officio (non-voting) members. The STB members also serve as non-voting members.

RETAC meets at least twice per year, and its members serve without compensation and without reimbursement of travel expenses, according to STB.

“The Chair is committed to having a committee reflecting diverse communities and viewpoints and strongly encourages the nomination of candidates from diverse backgrounds,” STB stated in the notice.

Nominations may be submitted either via STB’s e-filing format or in paper format.