SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs today announced that the agency is holding a series of meetings designed to discuss ideas and opportunities to update the STB’s regulatory framework to improve competition and reduce regulatory barriers.

President Trump has issued several Executive Orders (EOs) requiring Federal agencies to review their regulations and policies related to competition, regulatory barriers, and American energy dominance, including EO 14267, Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers, EO 14154, Unleashing American Energy, and EO 14219, Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative.  In support of these important initiatives, Chairman Fuchs has formed the Chairman’s Policy Review Team to meet with interested parties and to gather and analyze policy proposals that respond to these initiatives.

The goal of these meetings is to help the Board create a regulatory framework that works for the American people by supporting a robust rail transportation system that is driven by market forces, delivers cost-effective, efficient service for the national economy, and supports innovation and entrepreneurship.  The Board has made significant progress in increasing the transparency and speed of its decision-making, and it is currently implementing suggestions arising out of Vice Chairman Schultz’s process improvement initiative.  These efficiency gains will complement and enhance the results of any changes to the Board’s regulatory framework.

“These meetings are focused on action,” said Chairman Fuchs.  “Recognizing the voluminous reports, detailed submissions, and wide-ranging ideas over the years, I intend for this initiative to help us set a focused, actionable agenda that quickly delivers meaningful results for the American people.  I expect the Board to act expeditiously to further competition and break down regulatory barriers.”

Parties interested in presenting ideas to the agency on these topics may sign up for virtual group meetings that will take place between August 4 and August 15, 2025, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Meetings will last approximately one hour each.  Interested parties should contact the Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at (202) 245-0245 or with their availability.