Federal Register #2026-15897

DOE and DOD Settle 25-Year Rail Transport Agreement with CSX for Radioactive Materials

This opportunity concerns a major settlement agreement for the nationwide rail transport of radioactive materials: - Government Buyer: - United States Department of Energy (DOE) - United States Department of Defense (DOD) - OEMs and Vendors: - CSX Transportation, Inc. (primary rail carrier and OEM for rail services) - Other major railroads referenced: Union Pacific Railroad Company, BNSF Railway Company, Norfolk Southern Railway Company - Products/Services Requested: - Rail transportation services for spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive wastes, empty containers (casks), buffer and escort cars, and related materials - No specific part numbers or purchase quantities provided - Unique or Notable Requirements: - 25-year agreement term with possible 5-year extensions - Prescribed rate methodologies and maximum revenue-to-variable cost (R/VC) ratios - Service obligations for CSX, including safety and security guidelines - Procedures for extra services, emergency-related costs, and indemnification under the Price-Anderson Act - Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms - CSX's liability for reparations is extinguished and it is dismissed as a defendant in the proceedings - The Surface Transportation Board retains jurisdiction for further negotiations with other railroads

Description

This notice announces the approval of a settlement agreement between the United States Department of Energy, the United States Department of Defense, and CSX Transportation, Inc. The agreement resolves rate reasonableness disputes related to the nationwide movement of spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive wastes, and related materials over CSX rail lines. It establishes a 25-year term with provisions for rate methodologies, service obligations, safety guidelines, and dispute resolution. The settlement extinguishes CSX's liability for reparations and dismisses CSX as a defendant in the proceedings, while the Board retains jurisdiction for further negotiations with other railroads.

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