Document: 439 U.S. 1 99 S.Ct. 46 58 L.Ed.2d The LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD COMPANYv.ABERDEEN & ROCKFISH RAILROAD COMPANY et al. No. 77-1515. Oct. 16, 1978. [Syllabus from intentionally omitted] PER CURIAM. Petitioner, the Long Island Rail Road Co., seeks a writ of certiorari to review judgment United States Court Appeals for Fifth Circuit setting aside an order Interstate Commerce Commission. That directed that proceeds collected by petitioner pursuant interim terminal surcharge be held in separate trust fund pending determination final rates Commission on remand. We stayed portion court's March 6, 1978, and we now grant petition certiorari, limited Question presented petitioner,1 reverse insofar as it impresses surcharge. 2 Railroad Retirement Amendments 1973 imposed increased taxes railroads additional retirement benefits railroad employees. 87 Stat. 162, coupled with action, Congress amended § 15a Act permit offset tax liability means increases general rate levels. 201(4), 166, 49 U.S.C. 15a(6). Section 15a(6)(a) authorizes promptly establish requirements petitions adjustment interstate common carriers based taxes. Such procedures are designed "facilitate fair expeditious action any such petition." 15a(6)(b) directs level within 30 days filing proper petition, "[n]otwithstanding other provision law." can withhold its permission only if finds requested increase is not "in amount approximating needed expenses" resulting Amendments. Finally, 15a(6)(c) requires commence hearings purpose making determinations 60 establishment rates. determined accordance "standards limitations applicable ratemaking generally." If less than increases, refunds must made carrier, subject tariff provisions deems sufficient. 3 Since issue which does relate directly proceedings, briefest description them will suffice. All sought their because unique revenue structure, impose use facilities same purpose. allowed rates, but denied petitioner's request Increases Freight Rates Charges—1973, 346 I.C.C. 305 (1973). Petitioner denial three-judge District Court, court set relevant portions Commission's enjoined refusing under 15a(6)(b). R. Co. v. States, 388 F.Supp. 943 (E.D.N.Y.1974). 4 No appeal was taken this subsequently 12.5%. Thereafter issued report approved permanent 12.5% surcharge, required all incorporate into tariffs points lines. 350 673 5 Respondent petitioned order. Appeals, reasons do concern us here, allowing remanded further proceedings determine Aberdeen Rockfish 565 F.2d 327, 333-335 (1977). Then, stating "[i]t seems equitable," sua sponte "restore[d]" had been collecting prior order, kept . just equitable orders Commission." Id., at 335. 6 agree Appeals' direction hold fund, contrary both earlier holding Congress' intent adopting clearly meant remain effect until See supra, 947. Because decision there has yet no explicitly recognizes much. 334. also could have continued collect whether or authorized so. Thus, far maintaining relative positions parties Commission, normally considered "status quo," imposition requirement significantly altered those positions. 7 alteration odds entire thrust provide method higher minimize would railroads' financial conditions. At time adoption Amendments, acutely aware deteriorating condition Nation's drain liabilities already dwindling resources. S.Rep.No.93-221, pp. 2-4 (1973), U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 1973, p. 1612. recognized normal processes responsive needs recover immediately benefit contributions.2 delays experienced approving shown legitimacy concerns. 8 enacted ensure much-needed funds get soon possible: once were filed, they suspended While power 15(7) suspend period exceed seven months, deprived even authority 15a(6)(b), begins words: "Notwithstanding Conference Report states: 9 "The file found proposed exceeded cover costs, otherwise filed determination." Joint Explanatory Statement Committee Conference, H.R.Rep.No.93-319, 12 (1973) (emphasis added), 1658, 1661. 10 By impressing these charges petitioner, exercised did wish repose where vested lawfulness, may court. Arrow Transp. Southern 372 658, 83 984, 52 (1963); see Atchison, T. S. F. Wichita Bd. Trade, 412 800, 820, 93 2367, 2381, 37 (plurality opinion); id., 828-829, 2385-2386 (WHITE, J., concurring part dissenting part); SCRAP, 669, 691, 2405, 2417, 254 think follows fortiori decisions reviewing exercise power, absent declaration unlawfulness 667, 988 n. 14; Board Comm'rs Great Northern 281 412, 429-430, 50 391, 396, 74 L.Ed. 936 (1930). provided refund mechanism event undoubtedly satisfied procedure adequate protect interests affected respondent advanced concluding otherwise. 11 In plurality Scripps-Howard Radio, Inc. FCC, 316 4, 62 875, 86 1229 (1942). conclusion fact "provision statutesdepriving federal courts preserve status quo avoid irreparable harm review." 2381. noted subsequent legislation might "affect relation between agency so propriety injunctive relief." U.S., 823, S.Ct., 2383 16. context "subsequent legislation" evidences clear oust possess disturb 671 22, 991 22. accordingly granted, question forth footnote 1, supra. reversed keep trust, case consistent opinion. 13 So ordered. "Did thwart frustrate when LIRR immediate surcharge?" Pet. Cert. 2. (1973); H.R.Rep.No.93-204, 7-8 agreement representatives labor management support conditioned simultaneous passage modify existing prompt increases. 2, (App. A).

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