ARLINGTON, VA – The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President, Eric R. Byer, issued a statement praising the U.S. Senate for approving the nominations of Martin Oberman and Patrick Fuchs to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and Alexandra Dunn as head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). The following is the complete text of the statement.

“NACD is thrilled that the Senate has taken an important step in moving our economy forward by confirming Martin Oberman and Patrick Fuchs to the STB. Chemical distributors depend on reliable, competitive rail service to deliver products to customers in nearly every industry sector. Our industry, along with countless other freight rail shippers, is eager to see much-needed, long-overdue policy reforms that will promote greater competition and reduce unnecessary regulations in the rail sector. This can only be accomplished with a fully staffed STB.

“Before these confirmations, the STB was hamstrung with only one of the five positions filled. As a result, American businesses continued to face rising rail costs and diminishing service, which has a ripple effect throughout the entire supply chain and slows economic growth. We thank the Senate for taking steps to confirm nominees to the STB and urge them to fill the remaining two positions as soon as possible.

“NACD is also pleased that the Senate has confirmed Alexandra Dunn as Assistant Administrator of the EPA OCSPP. This EPA office has jurisdiction over the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and strong leadership is needed to ensure continued successful implementation of the 2016 TSCA reforms. Dunn’s extensive environmental experience, most recently as EPA Region 1 Administrator, makes her well qualified to lead TSCA and EPA’s other chemical product regulations.”