Legislative & Environmental Affairs Response

RTA's Committee for Legislative and Environmental Affairs Response (CLEAR):

Andy Andreykovich, Appalachian Timber Services
Bill Behan, Gross & Janes
Dave Webb, Webb Consultants Inc.
Jim Jordie, Stella-Jones Corp.
John McGinley, AmeriTies Holdings LLC
John Giallonardo
Jon Zillioux, Norfolk Southern
Ken Laughlin, Nisus Corp
Larry Fenwick, CSX
Mike Mancione, Lone Star Specialties
Kenny Dailey, Stella-Jones Corp. Board Liaison

Committee Assignments for 2017:

  •      Determine subjects of national importance directly effecting the railroad and crosstie industries.
  •      Evaluate their consequences.
  •      Take whatever steps are necessary with the approval of the Executive Committee.
  •      Prepare suitable articles for publication in Crossties magazine when appropriate.
  •      Consider the political perspective and potential activities relative to Short Line and Regional Railroad  development,      High Speed Corridor programs, environmental issues of importance to our railroad customer, legislative activities          on current and potential legislation, and crosstie production in various sectors of the United States.
  •      Coordinate with the Creosote Council on Re-regulation issues.  
  •      Coordinate RTA with RSSC efforts to lobby in Washington, DC.
  •      Coordinate with appropriate Washington based associations and Lobbyists.
  •      Engage a prominent speaker for 2017 conference.
  •      Report to the RTA 2017 conference.
  •      Recommend assignments for 2018.
  •      Attend ASLRRA Washington Legislative Conference.
  •      Coordinate with rail labor efforts that support and apply to Short Lines, Regionals, and Amtrak.

2017 issues include:

  •      Maintaining balanced regulation.
  •      Timber Supply in conjunction with appropriate Timber Groups.
  •      Support efforts to secure tax credits for rail infrastructure investments.
  •      Rail Safety Legislation (Grade Crossing)
  •      Federal Highway Legislation (CABT)
  •      RSSC, AAR, and ASLRRA cooperation on various legislative issues.
  •      Monitor Surface Transportation Board (STB) Actions.
  •      FRA High Speed Rail projects.
  •      Taxes - capital gains, fuel, and safety user fee.
  •      Hardwood Check-off Program.