Trump nominates former CSX exec to lead PHMSA

Howard “Skip” Elliott, former vice president of public safety, health and environment with Class I railway CSX, was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).    President Donald Trump has nominated Howard “Skip” Elliott to head the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the administration announced Monday.
   Trump’s nomination must now be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
   Elliott held the position of vice president of public safety, health and environment with Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX Transportation until March 2017, according to his LinkedIn page.
   A 40-year veteran of the U.S. freight rail industry, Elliott “is a pioneer and leading advocate in developing and implementing computer-based tools to assist emergency management officials, first responders, and homeland security personnel in preparing for and responding to a railroad hazardous materials or security incident,” the White House said in a press release.
   As the PHMSA Administrator, Elliott would be responsible for providing direction to over 600 employees within the agency’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and other regions, according to the PHMSA.
   Drue Pearce is currently acting administrator of the PHMSA.
   The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) expressed support for Elliott taking the lead at PHMSA, with INGAA President and CEO Don Santa saying, “Elliott, if confirmed, would bring extensive experience and leadership in safety, security, operations and emergency management to PHMSA.”