WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 20, 2018 – Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to appoint Ann Begeman Chair of the Surface Transportation Board (STB):

“The freight railroad industry welcomes the news that President Trump has named Ann Begeman as Chair of the STB and congratulates Ms. Begeman on her appointment from the Acting Chair role. Our industry appreciates the deep knowledge and experience that Chair Begeman brings to the job – particularly her understanding of the necessary balance that the STB’s economic regulatory framework must strike between the ability of the industry to earn the revenues it needs to maintain a complex and increasingly technological network, while providing appropriate regulatory protections for rail shippers that spur the U.S. economy. We are eager for the Senate Commerce Committee to act on the recent nominations of Patrick Fuchs and Michelle Schultz to the Board, as well as a forthcoming Democratic nominee, so that the Board can reap the benefits of a full complement of members and ultimately chart a path of sensible, deregulatory policies.”

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For more information contact: AAR Media Relations at media@aar.org or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The Association of American Railroads is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak.