In May 2011, the Surface Transportation Board handed Slover & Loftus LLP client National Grid a preliminary victory in a dispute with the Providence & Worcester Railroad that raises issues of possible federal pre-emption of state utility regulations. The STB turned aside the railroad’s request that it summarily overrule the authority of the State of Massachusetts in matters related to electric transmission lines located on railroad rights-of-way, and instituted a formal proceeding to consider National Grid’s opposing claims in greater detail.

Questions on this decision or on Surface Transportation Board proceedings generally, may be directed to Christopher Mills, Stephanie Lyons or any other rail transportation attorney at Slover & Loftus LLP.