Positive Train Control Systems

Earlier this week the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a notice of proposed rule making implementing the Positive Train Control (PTC) Systems requirements set forth in the Railroad Safety Improvement Act (RSIA) of 2008 (Public Law 110–432). While this is a highly technical proposed regulation primarily affecting the railroad industry, it has the potential for directly affecting the shipment of TIH chemicals by rail and rail-rerouting plans. I’ll address these issues in a later blog. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.Regulations.gov (Docket No. FRA-2008-0132). Comments should be submitted by August 20th, 2009 though comments received after that may still be considered. Public Hearing The FRA also announced a public hearing concerning this NPRM. The hearing will be held in Washington, D.C. on August 13th. The meeting will last all day (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Written notification of intent to present oral testimony at the hearing should be faxed to the FRA Docket Clerk at (202) 493-6068 or sent by mail to:

FRA Docket Clerk Office of Chief Counsel Federal Railroad Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE.,RCC-10, Stop 10 Washington, DC 20590

Notification should identify the party the person represents, the particular subject(s) the person plans to address, and the time requested. The notification should also provide the Docket Clerk with the participant's mailing address, other contact information and three copies of the oral statement to be presented.