Shuster Named Chairman of Critical Railroads Subcommittee

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Shuster was officially named Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica.

The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has jurisdiction over the federal programs and policies that relate to the economic management and safety of the nation’s railroads and the safety of pipelines and transporting hazardous materials. This includes oversight and jurisdiction on the pipelines that will carry Marcellus Shale oil and gas from Pennsylvania wells to national markets.

“I am honored to have been selected to Chair the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the 112th Congress and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with Chairman Mica and the new Republican majority,” Shuster said.

“Bill Shuster has proven himself to be a leader on transportation issues, especially where surface transportation and railroads are concerned,” said Chairman John Mica. “Bill’s depth of knowledge on rail issues and his leadership as Ranking Member last Congress proved that he is well equipped to lead the Railroads Subcommittee in the 112th Congress. I look forward to working with him closely as we tackle our nation’s pressing transportation challenges.”

“Chairman Mica has indicated that he wants to see a strong rail title in this year’s highway bill and that is something I look forward to working with him on in the coming months,” Shuster said. “We also need to make significant changes to the way our nation approaches high speed passenger rail and that begins with oversight on how previous high speed rail funding was allocated and which projects should take precedence as we continue to build a real high speed infrastructure in America.”

“Freight rail will continue to play a key role in our economic strength and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the subcommittee to ensure this vital piece of our economy remains strong, vibrant and protected from onerous regulation,” Shuster added.

“There are also important issues regarding pipeline safety and the transportation of hazardous materials that I look forward to working on with my colleagues, especially given my home state of Pennsylvania’s wealth of oil and gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale field,” Shuster concluded.