On May 13, 2025, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a confirmation hearing for David Fink, nominee for Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Led by Senator Ted Cruz, the hearing spanned two hours and focused on Fink’s industry background, safety record, and priorities for the FRA.Continue Reading Senate Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing for FRA Administrator Nominee David Fink
Crowell Takes the Stage at 2025 Transportation Lawyers Association Annual Conference
Crowell’s Mimi Dennis addressed the Transportation Lawyers Association’s (TLA) Annual Conference on May 2, 2025. The TLA is an 80-year-old independent bar association of in-house, government, and private practice attorneys who assist providers and commercial users of domestic and international logistics and transportation services. Mimi covered recent freight rail news and events during the “Multi-Modal
Upcoming FRA Nomination Hearing
On May 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, will hold a nominations hearing that will address key nominations for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak’s Board of Directors, and the Department of Commerce. Among the nominees is David Fink, who has
Rail Derailment Trial Update: Jury Finds GATX Not Liable
On Wednesday, April 23, an Ohio jury decided that GATX is off the hook for helping Norfolk Southern (NS) pay for the $600 million settlement with residents of East Palestine.
This case stemmed from a $600 million settlement tied to the NS derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. While OxyVinyls already settled, the jury was left
Rail Derailment Trial Update: GATX and OxyVinyls Say “Case Closed”
Norfolk Southern (NS) rested its case on April 11. Both GATX and OxyVinyls have now moved for judgment as a matter of law.Continue Reading Rail Derailment Trial Update: GATX and OxyVinyls Say “Case Closed”
Rail Derailment Trial Kicks Off: Who Pays For East Palestine?
A high-stakes jury trial is underway in Ohio federal court to determine whether GATX and OxyVinyls should reimburse Norfolk Southern (NS) for some or all of a $600 million class-action settlement tied to the 2023 East Palestine derailment.
The Backstory
- In April 2024, NS agreed to the class payout after months of litigation over the derailment that led to chemical fires and allegations of widespread community harm. NS brought OxyVinyls and GATX into that mass litigation before it settled with the plaintiff class. Now, NS wants GATX (owner of the tank car with the failed wheel bearing) and OxyVinyls (shipper of the chemicals) to foot the bill.
Continue Reading Rail Derailment Trial Kicks Off: Who Pays For East Palestine?
Department of Justice Launches Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force
On March 27, 2025, the Justice Department (DOJ) announced the launch of an Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force, described as an initiative dedicated to eliminating “anticompetitive state and federal laws and regulations that undermine free market competition.” The creation of the task force follows President Trump’s signing of Executive Order (EO) 14192, which advocates for executive policy that alleviates “unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people.” The EO instructs federal agencies to review all regulations that impose burdens on small businesses and interfere with private enterprise.Continue Reading Department of Justice Launches Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force
Steven G. Bradbury Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of DOT
Steven G. Bradbury has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) after the Senate confirmed him 51-46. Deputy Secretary Bradbury will be second in command to Secretary Sean Duffy.
Deputy Secretary Bradbury has a broad background in transportation, which includes serving as general counsel of the DOT from 2017 to 2021 and Acting Deputy Secretary of Transportation under the prior Trump Administration.Continue Reading Steven G. Bradbury Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of DOT
Supreme Court to Hear Case on Certification of Rule 23(b)(3) Classes with Uninjured Class Members
The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could resolve whether putative Rule 23(b)(3) classes may be certified in the federal courts when some of the class members are uninjured. To learn more, read our Client Alert Supreme Court To Address Whether Courts May Certify Rule 23(b)(3) Classes With Uninjured
IIJA and IRA Funding Pause, What It Means for Infrastructure Stakeholders
Disruptions in funding and other policy changes under the Trump Administration are creating uncertainty for investors and stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects. For information about how to navigate these changes, read our Client Alert Navigating the Trump Administration’s Pause on IIJA and IRA Funding: Key Implications for Infrastructure Stakeholders.