As we enter 2009, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight the Commission's work in 2008 and give a preview of what to expect in 2009.
December 19 marks a critical date for the Postal Regulatory Commission. On the two year mark of the enactment of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA), the Commission issued:
- Report on Universal Postal Service and the Postal Monopoly
- Order No. 154 regarding Postal/Nonpostal Services
- Order No. 151 establishing accounting practices and tax rules for postal competitive products fund
- Competitive products rate adjustment review for 2009
Accomplishment of these tasks was achieved as the Commission continued its other regulatory efforts, which included the continued review of Postal Service requests for negotiated service agreements. In 2008, the Commission approved 26 requests by the Postal Service for the establishment of contracts in the competitive products area.
This past year, the Commission issued its first Strategic and Operational Plan, as well as our first Annual Report. The Strategic Plan outlined the Commission's core mission and vision through 2012 and the strategic goals necessary to accomplish this mission. The Annual Report covered the activities of the Commission for the fiscal year and highlighted our work in establishing a modern system of rate regulation, our first Annual Compliance Determination, and our consultative role in the establishment of modern service standards for market dominant products. The Commission made considerable progress in 2008 in advancing its information technology security program as well as hiring to fill critical positions needed to carry out our new regulatory authorities.
For 2009, we anticipate a thorough review of the Postal Service's Annual Compliance Report, as well as a request to review adjustments for market dominant postal products. The Commission will be issuing final rules affecting complaint procedures, the treatment of confidential information, and periodic reporting requirements. We have also asked for additional notice and comment on both our USO Report and the rules affecting licensing agreements for postal and nonpostal products.
The Commission has moved from the implementation stages of the PAEA to a more fully operational environment. The accomplishments of the last two years would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my fellow Commissioners - Mark Acton, Ruth Goldway, Tony Hammond and Nanci Langley - or without the commitment and dedication to excellence shown by the Commission's staff.
We expect 2009 to pose additional challenges for the Postal Service. The Commission stands ready to fulfill its statutory role as regulator of the Postal Service and to perform its mission of ensuring transparency and accountability of postal operations.
Sincerely,
Dan G. Blair, Chairman
