FOR RELEASE
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221
08/28/2008 (Thursday)
No. 08-27


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www.stb.gov



SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEMBER W. DOUGLAS BUTTREY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO LEAVE GOVERNMENT SERVICE UPON COMPLETION OF BOARD ACTION ON CERTAIN PENDING MATTERS


Surface Transportation Board Commissioner W. Douglas Buttrey announced today that he will complete his term, but does not intend to leave the Board until the completion of the Board's work on several pending matters. Mr. Buttrey was nominated to serve on the Board by President George W. Bush on November 17, 2003, for a five-year term expiring December 31, 2008. He served as the agency's Chairman from January 5, 2006 until August 14, 2006. Pursuant to the Board's governing statute, a Board Member may continue to serve for up to one year after the termination of the Member's term, unless a successor is appointed.


Commissioner Buttrey stated, in a letter to Board Chairman Charles D. Nottingham, that he considers it a great privilege to serve as a Board Member and that he would continue to do so to the best of his ability until the resolution of certain pending matters. In commending Mr. Buttrey for his distinguished service, Chairman Nottingham stated,


"Commissioner Buttrey was instrumental in guiding the Board through an important transitional process focused on making the agency more transparent, accessible and responsive to all stakeholders. Mr. Buttrey has been a strong proponent of equitable treatment of captive shippers, especially grain producers. His concern for the well-being of the Board's employees, as well as his leadership during the agency's 2007 headquarters relocation project, earned him the respect and gratitude of all of his colleagues."


Chairman Nottingham also praised Commissioner Buttrey for his attention to the issue of railroad fuel surcharges, and for his work on the Board's reforms in small rate case guidelines. The Chairman noted his appreciation of Commissioner Buttrey's willingness to postpone the effective date of his departure until after the Board resolves several pending matters, and said that he looked forward to working with Commissioner Buttrey as long as he chooses to serve the agency.


Board Vice Chairman Francis P. Mulvey issued the following statement on Commissioner Buttrey's announcement,


"It has been an honor working with Commissioner Buttrey and over the past few years we have developed a personal friendship. I will always be extremely appreciative of the professionalism and cooperation he displayed when we worked together during the time the Board had only two Members. I will greatly miss his collegial spirit and ready wit."


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