DATE: August 24, 2021
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steve Brandau, District 2
Buddy Mendes, District 4
SUBJECT: Letter of Concern regarding STB Proposed Railroad Access Regulations
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Authorize the Board of Supervisors to sign a Letter of Concern to Federal Delegation regarding U.S. Surface Transportation Board's proposed railroad access regulations.
REPORT
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Board may decline to comment on the U.S. Surface Transportation Board's (STB) proposed regulations, or the Board may direct staff to draft a letter with a different position.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
DISCUSSION:
On July 9, 2021, President Biden signed the "Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy" (Order), an expansive order containing 72 different initiatives to be administrated by more than a dozen different Federal agencies. The Order will have impacts across large sections of the American economy.
One of the initiatives directs the STB to develop regulations aimed at providing "vigilant oversight over market participants", "reducing monopolization" and providing "accessible remedies for shippers."[1] Freight railroads are an integral component of the US transportation network with 28% of all commodities, including energy, and consumer goods moved via rail.[2] The implications of the proposed rules currently under review by STB will impact the efficiency, safety, and cleanliness of the entire transportation network.
In Fresno County, BNSF, UPRR, and SJVR move thousands of tons of freight across the state and nation, with UPRR further providing vital corridor services for Amtrak. In addition, Fresno County is a potential site for inland port access, critical infrastructure for future economic growth across the region. The STB's proposed regulations will have an impact upon Fresno County's rail facilities and the industries that rely upon them for their commerce.
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