ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Senate Commerce Committee approved S.2889, "The Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009." ACC President and CEO, Cal Dooley issued the following statement:

"Today's action by the Senate Commerce Committee is an important step toward creating a more competitive and viable freight rail system. We thank Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), committee members and staff for their hard work to address longstanding problems with our nation's freight rail policies.

"We are glad to see the bill enhances the role of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and encourages it to pro-actively protect the rights of both the shippers and railroads. The bill also seeks to address critical bottleneck and terminal switching issues, grants the STB authority to initiate its own investigations and removes barriers for shippers to file complaints in small and mid-size rate cases.

"However, we believe the bill needs to do more to fix outdated federal policies by including the antitrust measures approved earlier this year by the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are also troubled by provisions that require captive shippers to pay an unwarranted rate contribution for partial access to another railroad's services, thus reducing the likelihood of truly competitive rail service.

"We will continue to seek improvements in this legislation so that our members, other shippers and the nation can enjoy the benefits of a healthy and competitive rail system."

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $689 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council

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