SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD TO EXAMINE EFFECTS OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY PURCHASE OF BNSF

[STBNews@xxxxxxxxxxx]

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>From the Surface Transportation Board, Washington, D.C.
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The Surface Transportation Board today instituted a public proceeding to
examine the regulatory effects of the price Berkshire Hathaway paid when it
acquired BNSF Railway last year.

              In May, the Western Coal Traffic League petitioned the Board
              to adjust its costing system as a result of the purchase
              price. BNSF opposed this effort.The Board has discretionary
              authority to issue a declaratory order to terminate a
              controversy or remove uncertainty. While this proceeding is
              underway, the Board will continue using the purchase price at
              issue in its costing and revenue adequacy calculations. If
              the Board later determines that different calculations are in
              order, it will consider any necessary recalculations or
              revisions at that time.

              “This formal proceeding will allow stakeholders and the
              public to bring their perspectives to the Board,” said STB
              Chairman Daniel R. Elliott III. “This complex issue should be
              examined in a transparent way, with the inclusion of as many
              views and voices as possible."

              Today’s decision in Western Coal Traffic League—Petition for
              Declaratory Order
              ( http://www.stb.dot.gov/decisions/readingroom.nsf/WebDecisionID/41765?OpenDocument )

              , Docket No. FD 35506, which includes a schedule for
              submitting public comments, can be found on the Board’s
              website, www.stb.dot.gov.
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