Senate confirms Doyle to FMC

   The Senate last week confirmed William P. Doyle, of Pennsylvania, to serve as commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission for the term expiring June 30, 2013.
   Originally nominated in February of last year, Doyle was one of dozens of appointments confirmed by the Senate just before the last Congress expired.
   Formerly chief of staff at the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), Doyle also served as director of permits, scheduling, and compliance at the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

Doyle

   Doyle, who replaces former, long-time FMC Commissioner Joseph E. Brennan, could be reconfirmed for another five-year term after his term ends in June or retain his seat until a replacment is named.
   In a note on Doyle’s appointment, law firm Venable said during his nomination hearing Doyle had outlined five priorities that “seem to fall in line with the FMC’s current strategic plan for the coming years.” They include:

• Promote a fair, efficient, and reliable international ocean transportation system, and protect the public from unfair and deceptive practices.
• Protect the U.S. maritime industry against harmful foreign shipping practices.
• Help increase exports through cooperation between the government and private sector.
• Provide regulatory relief to support job growth and economic recovery.
• Reduce court litigation.

   Venable noted in June 2012, the FMC amended its regulations governing negotiated rate arrangements, and said “Next up could be licensing, financial responsibility requirements, and general duties for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs). These requirements have not been amended since 1998. Discussion of this topic topped the agenda for the most recent commission meeting on December 12, 2012. Moreover, the FMC has stated it will be reviewing these requirements because of the ‘potential for savings from improvements and updates that could reduce the time required to complete license applications and streamline the review process.'” – Chris Dupin