Rail Resources – The Surface Transportation Board with Chairman Patrick Fuchs
Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Patrick Fuchs, Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Together they discuss who the STB is, how and why the STB was created, and they do a deep dive into not only all the various functions of the STB, but also all the different ways in which the STB is a valuable resource to the rail industry. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!
KEY POINTS:
- The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
- Mr. Fuchs was designated as Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board by President Donald J. Trump, effective January 20, 2025.
- Among his impressive career accomplishments, Patrick worked on legislation to increase safety by addressing opioid abuse in transportation, with reforms enacted as part of the Support for Patients and Communities Act, enacted during the 115th United States Congress.
- Founded in 1996, the STB is an independent federal agency that is charged with the economic regulation of surface transportation, primarily freight rail.
- Their primary functions are regarding rates, services, licensing, complaints and preemption.
- The STB website at www.STB.gov is a tremendous resource including legal resources, litigation alternatives, an environmental review process, a railroad map depot and general assistance.
- More valuable resources that the STB offers are the Stakeholder Committees including the Railroad Shipper Transportation Advisor Council, the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee, the National Grain Car Council and the newly created Passenger Rail Advisory Committee.
- While the STB is made up of Republican and Democrat members, transportation is not political as we all want things to get from A to B, faster, safer and cheaper.
- The STB’s Rail Customer & Public Assistance Program (RCPA) at (202) 245-0238 offers to help solve problems in a confidential manner, in ways ranging from a simple answer to a phone inquiry, to lengthy informal mediation assistance.
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LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.americanrailroading.net
https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com
https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast
Patrick Fuchs
Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board
Patrick Fuchs was designated as Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board by President Donald J. Trump, effective January 20, 2025. He was sworn in on January 17, 2019, as a Member of the Board and re-confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 14, 2024. His second term expires on January 14, 2029.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Fuchs was senior professional staff member working on surface transportation and maritime issues for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation under the leadership of Chairman John Thune of South Dakota.
Mr. Fuchs has played an integral role in the development and enactment of major railroad legislation, including the first reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board since its creation in 1996 and the first passenger rail reauthorization in over seven years. He also worked on legislation to improve rail project delivery, rail financing, and hazardous materials safety, all of which were enacted as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), the five-year, $305 billion surface transportation authorization.
Mr. Fuchs helped develop and enact the first reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety Board in over a decade. He also worked on legislation to increase safety by addressing opioid abuse in transportation, reforms enacted as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. His work also includes reauthorization of the Federal Maritime Commission as well as three reauthorizations of the Maritime Administration, enacted as part of the National D… Read More