Due to the expiration of the terms of two large-shipper representatives and one small-shipper representative, the Board on Dec. 12 said it will fill three RSTAC positions (download announcement below).
Established under the ICC Termination Act of 1995, RSTAC focuses on “issues of importance to shippers and railroads,” and includes 15 appointed members. These senior officials, representing large and small shippers, and large and small railroads, provide advice on regulatory, policy, and legislative matters, as appropriate, to the five STB members; the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation; the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation; and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
According to the STB, RSTAC members must be citizens of the United States and “represent as broadly as practicable the various segments of the railroad and rail shipper industries.” They may not be full-time employees of the U.S. government. It is permissible for federally registered lobbyists to serve on RSTAC, as long as they do so in a representative capacity, rather than an individual capacity, the STB noted.
Each RSTAC member is appointed for a term of three years. While no member will be eligible to serve in excess of two consecutive terms, a member may serve after the expiration of his term until a successor has taken office.
The Secretary of Transportation and the STB members serve as ex officio RSTAC members.
RSTAC typically holds meetings quarterly at the STB’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Members are not compensated for their services and are required to provide for the expenses incidental to their service, including travel expenses, according to the STB; RSTAC members have elected to submit annual dues to pay for certain Council expenses.
Nominations should be submitted in letter form, identifying the name of the candidate and the vacancy for which the candidate is being nominated; providing a summary of why the candidate is qualified to serve on RSTAC; and containing representations that the candidate is willing to serve as an RSTAC member effective immediately upon appointment. Members selected to serve on RSTAC are chosen at the discretion of the Board’s Chairman, Patrick J. Fuchs.
