Document: 449 U.S. 609 101 S.Ct. 775 66 L.Ed.2d 776 CONSOLIDATED RAIL CORPORATION et al.v.NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RECYCLING INDUSTRIES, INC., al. No. 80-568. Jan. 26, 1981. PER CURIAM. 1 Section 204 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act 1976, Pub.L. 94-210, 90 Stat. 40, note following 45 U.S.C. § 793, directed Interstate Commerce Commission to conduct an investigation determine whether rail rate structure for recyclable competing virgin materials unjustly discriminates against recyclables or such rates are unreasonable, and, if found be so, require removal any defect from structure. The demonstrated congressional concern that may have been impeding movement recycled in a market diminishing resources. S.Rep.No. 94-499, p. 51 (1975). 2 After conducting required by §§ 204(a)(1) (2), concluded was neither discriminatory with respect materials, nor few exceptions, unreasonable. Investigation Freight Rates Transportation Recyclable Recycled Commodities, 356 I.C.C. 114 (1977). Court Appeals District Columbia Circuit reversed, finding had applied overly restrictive definition "competitive" assessing particular commodities were comparable purposes determining discrimination, improperly shifted burden proof railroads. National Association Recycling Industries, Inc. v. ICC, 190 U.S.App.D.C. 118, 585 F.2d 522 (1978). case remanded orders expedited which would remedy these errors. 3 On remand, certain being discriminated that, general, transportation unreasonably high they produced revenue-to-variable cost ratio exceeding 180%. ordered elimination all discrimination revenue excess 180% reduced accordingly. 361 238 (1979). In eliminating railroads free use combination raising lowering equalize so long as resulting not 641 Under this approach, could raise material level above previous levels either commodity, new did produce ratio. 4 affirmed Commission's findings on discrimination. 201 342, 627 1328 (1980). However, court fault scope failure adequately justify indicative reasonableness. revoked increases put into effect pursuant those perceived errors further proceedings. supplementary order, made it clear central task remand ratio, some other formula, provided appropriate standard Until justified, enjoined implementation increase material, excepting one caused general increase. 5 sought certiorari, challenging only aspects Appeals' decision increases.* argument is lower without authority enter orders. We agree. when should implemented matter Congress has placed squarely hands Commission. Arrow Co. Southern R. Co., 372 658, 662-672, 83 984, 986-991, 10 52 (1963). While power order proceedings propriety standard, stepped beyond proper exercise its under toward level. basis remedies court's conclusion failed support choice figure. That rejected outright; opinion leaves open possibility eventually prevail. 6 circumstances, there no our prior decisions revocation injunction increases. "If reviewing cannot discern [the Commission's] policies, agency clarification justification departure precedent. . When ground agency's policies unclear, ordinarily interferes primary jurisdiction Commission." Atchison, T. & S.F. Wichita Board Trade, 412 800, 822, 93 2367, 2382, 37 350 (1973); see United States SCRAP, 669, 690-698, 2405, 2417-2421, 254 supra; also Seaboard Allied Milling Corp., 442 444, 99 2388, 60 1017 Here, dissatisfied adopting clarify Such posture provides revoking enjoining authorities. Accordingly, petition writ certiorari granted, portions vacated, consistent immediate disposition. 7 So ordered. 8 Justice POWELL took part consideration case. * October 14, 1980, President signed law Staggers Rail 96-448, 94 1895. amends 49 10731 (1976 ed., Supp. III) provide guidelines must develop iron steel scrap. estimated exceed 160%. 96-470, 34 Although result adoption than 180%, factor bearing revoke enjoin at issue here.

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