The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 deregulated the railroad industry to a significant extent, replacing the regulatory structure that existed since the 1887Interstate Commerce Act. Railroads were permitted to determine where they ran trains and how much to charge. The act was named for Congressman Harley Staggers (D-WV), who Chaired the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee. This followed the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978.
