Press Release

PUC Finalizes Review of Existing Railroad Transportation Regulations

Published on 1/24/2013

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (Commission) today finalized a review of its railroad transportation regulations.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the changes, which reflect the technological and operational modifications of the railroad industry that have occurred over the last 30 years and reflect current federal standards.

Some of the changes include:

• Deleting sections of regulations that are no longer applicable, including deleting specific circumstances requiring telephone notification of accidents contained in the current regulation and adopting federal telephone reporting standards;
• Deleting report forms delineated in the current regulation and adopting report forms required by federal law; and
• Modifying a provision of bridge and tunnel warnings to reflect proper references to the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association.

These changes are intended to ensure that the regulations address a compelling public interest; ensure that the costs of regulations do not outweigh the benefits; are written in a clear and concise manner and, where applicable, that the Commission’s regulations should not exceed federal standards unless justified by a Commonwealth interest or are required by state law. 

This final rulemaking will become effective upon final publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, video and audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.

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Docket Number L-2011-2233841

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722