WASHINGTON – Patrick Fuchs has been named chairman of the Surface Transportation Board.
The appointment of Fuchs, a Republican, was announced Monday, Jan. 21. He was confirmed to his second five-year term on the board on May 14, 2024. Prior to his appointment to the STB in 2019, Fuchs was senior professional staff member working on surface transportation and maritime issues for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
“I am grateful to President Trump for the honor of this appointment,” Fuchs said in a statement today. “I look forward to engaging with all those affected by the Board’s work to promote transparency, accountability, and collaboration to help strengthen our nation’s transportation network.”
Fuchs played an integral role in the development and enactment of major railroad legislation, including the first reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board since its creation in 1996.
He replaces Democrat Robert E. Primus, who became chairman in May after the retirement of fellow Democrat Martin J. Oberman. Fuchs and board members Karen Hedlund and Michelle Schultz thanked Primus for his service as chairman.
Fuchs inherits an STB that is split along party lines, with two Republicans and two Democrats. A fifth member has yet to be nominated.
Fuchs has said he would like to streamline STB processes, make better use of the voluminous data the board collects, and ensure that the board meets its own regulatory deadlines when issuing decisions.
Two recent rail transaction approvals — CPKC and CSX’s acquisition of Genesee & Wyoming short line Meridian & Bigbee and Canadian National’s acquisition of regional Iowa Northern — were issued several months past the board’s deadlines.
In a statement, the Association of American Railroads said the industry looks forward to working with Fuchs.
“Chairman Fuchs has proven to be a thoughtful, solutions-oriented leader who lets data drive the decision-making process,” the AAR said. “Throughout his career, he has been committed to maintaining the balanced regulatory framework that allows railroads to invest while also offering appropriate remedies for rail customers.”
