Senate confirms Elliott as PHMSA administrator

The U.S. Senate last week confirmed Howard "Skip" Elliott to serve as the next administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

A 40-year veteran of the U.S. freight-rail industry, Elliott most recently served as group vice president of public safety, health, environment and security for CSX.

"We look forward to working with Skip Elliott and the team at PHMSA for the advancement of hazardous materials transportation safety," said Tom Murta, executive director of the Short Line Safety Institute. "Having worked closely with Mr. Elliott over the past 17 years, I know that he is dedicated to improving training and information exchange between the transportation industry and the emergency response community."

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 incident, according to a press release issued by the White House.

Elliott also is a recipient of the Association of American Railroads' Holden-Proefrock Award for lifetime achievement in hazardous materials transportation safety.