Coal and biofuel pros wanted for rail advisory gigs
Published Date: 8/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board is looking to fill two open spots on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee—one for biofuel experts and one for coal producers. If you or someone you know fits the bill, nominations are due by September 17, 2026. This is a great chance to help shape how energy moves by rail, with no cost to apply and a voice in important transportation decisions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Service Is Unpaid; No Travel Reimbursement
RETAC members serve without compensation and without reimbursement of travel expenses. RETAC meets at least twice per year, typically at the Board's Washington, DC headquarters (meetings may be virtual or in other locations), which could require unpaid time and travel costs for members.
Two RETAC Seats for Biofuels and Coal
The Surface Transportation Board is filling two Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC) seats: one for biofuel feedstock growers/providers or biofuel refiners/processors/distributors, and one for coal producers. Nominations are due September 17, 2026, appointments are three-year terms ending September 30, 2029, and members are selected by the Board Chairman with the concurrence of a majority of the Board.
Lobbyists May Serve in Representative Role
Per Office of Management and Budget guidance, federally registered lobbyists may serve on advisory committees like RETAC as long as they serve in a representative capacity. RETAC members are appointed to serve in a representative capacity.
Nominations Will Be Posted Publicly
Nominations submitted for these RETAC vacancies will be posted publicly on the Board's website under Docket No. EP 670 (Sub-No. 2). Submissions should include name, position, contact info, and a summary of experience.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16620, Regulatory Agenda
The Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is publishing the Regulatory Flexibility Agenda.
2026-16276, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-State of South Dakota
2026-16128, Town of Gloster, Miss.-Acquisition Exemption-Line of Gloster Southern Railroad Company, LLC
2026-16109, Release of Waybill Data
2026-14758, Colby Nitterhouse-Continuance in Control Exemption-NPJ Rail, LLC; PNGT Rail, LLC; and WCN Rail, LLC
Colby Nitterhouse, who doesn’t currently control any railroads, is set to take charge of three small rail companies: NPJ Rail, PNGT Rail, and WCN Rail. This move lets Nitterhouse keep control as these companies become official Class III rail carriers. The paperwork was updated recently, and no big money changes or delays are expected.
2026-14600, Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, LLC-Change of Operator Exemption- Railroad Line in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, Cal.
Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad is taking over a short rail line in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties from St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, with full consent from the current operator. This change starts on or after August 7, 2026, and won’t affect big money or cause service limits. Local shippers have already been informed, so the switch is set to roll smoothly and on time!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17002, First Responder Network Authority Combined Board and Board Committees Meeting
The FirstNet Authority Board is holding a public meeting on September 15, 2026, in Boston to discuss important updates about the nationwide public safety network used by first responders. This meeting affects emergency teams and the public by shaping how the network operates and grows, ensuring better communication during emergencies. While some topics might be private, the meeting is open for public listening online, keeping everyone in the loop without any direct cost changes announced yet.
Next: 2026-17005, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is establishing a new system of records to be maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), titled "Nurses for Nursing Homes Program (NNHP)," system No. 09-70-0545. The new system of records will cover the collection of records on individuals who apply for, participate in, or otherwise support the Nurses for Nursing Homes Program (NNHP). Records maintained in the system will include personally identifiable information (PII), including demographic, professional licensure and credential information, education and training information, employment and nursing facility affiliation, payment information, tax reporting, audit records, and other records necessary to administer the program. CMS will use these records to support the administration of a nursing workforce incentive program designed to strengthen the workforce serving Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes with a focus on underserved and rural communities. The scope of the new system of records will be commensurate with its purpose of supporting the Nursing Home Staffing Campaign/Nursing Incentive Program (NHSC/NIP).