“ Surface Transportation Board mediation of rights-of-way use requests `If, after a reasonable period of negotiation, a public transportation authority cannot reach agreement with a rail carrier to acquire an interest in a railroad right-of-way for the construction and operation of a segregated fixed guideway facility to provide commuter rail passenger transportation, the public transportation authority or the rail carrier may apply to the Board for nonbinding mediation. ”

“ New England's road traffic has increased two to three times faster than its population since 1990. (4) Connecticut has one of the Nation's longest average commute times according to the United States Census Bureau, and 80 percent of Connecticut commuters drive by themselves to work, demonstrating the need for expanded commuter rail access. (5) The Connecticut Department of Transportation has pledged to modernize, repair, and strengthen the rail line infrastructure to provide for increased safety and security along a crucial transportation corridor in the Northeast. ”

“ Factors- In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider-- (1) the energy intensity of various biofuel blends compared to diesel fuel; (2) environmental and energy effects of using various biofuel blends compared to diesel fuel, including emission effects; (3) the cost of purchasing biofuel blends; (4) whether sufficient biofuel is readily available; (5) any public benefits derived from the use of such fuels; and (6) the effect of biofuel use on locomotive and other vehicle performance and warranty specifications. ”