In 2018, the Board modified its regulations to permit, subject to disclosure requirements, ex parte communications in informal rulemaking proceedings. The Board also adopted other changes to its ex parte regulations that clarified and updated when and how interested persons may communicate informally with the Board regarding pending proceedings other than rulemakings. The intent of the modified regulations was to enhance the Board’s ability to make informed decisions through increased stakeholder communications while ensuring that the Board’s record-building process remained transparent and fair. The Board recently conducted a series of listening sessions with practitioners that generated recommendations for further streamlining the Board’s processes and procedures for ex parte communications. On September 11, 2025, the Board granted a petition by the Association of American Railroads and instituted a rulemaking proceeding to consider revisions to the Board’s regulations governing ex parte communications. Chairman Fuchs intends for the agency to assess whether additional changes to the Board’s ex parte regulations should be considered and whether any changes are required to facilitate the Board’s compliance with executive orders.