ACD Press Release

ACD Applauds U.S. Senate Letter to STB Encouraging Rigorous Review of Proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Rail Merger

Arlington, VA –Today, Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with 16 other Senators, sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) encouraging the board to conduct a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern rail merger.

The letter, which was signed by nearly a third of the Senate, encouraged the STB to consider the impact of the proposed merger on agricultural supply chains, underscored the importance of preserving long-term competition, and highlighted how previous rail mergers failed to live up to their efficiency, cost-cutting, and service-related promises.

Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer released the following statement applauding the letter:

“The efficiency of our nation’s supply chain is deeply intertwined with the robust capabilities of the freight rail network. This includes the safe transportation of chemical products used in the products Americans use every day. As the STB prepares to consider this proposed merger, it’s important for shippers and lawmakers to outline what is at stake and to hold rail accountable. It’s clear to those who use freight rail day in and day out that this proposed merger fails to meet two of the key standards set out by the STB. It is not in the public’s interest and it certainly does not enhance competition.  

“ACD applauds this group of Senators for calling for the STB’s rigorous consideration of this merger application. It’s telling that nearly a third of the U.S. Senate – from both sides of the aisle – signed onto this letter, underscoring the careful consideration that is needed and the significant economic consequences that will arise should this merger be approved. The STB must uphold its mandate to ensure our nation has a competitive rail network that serves the public’s interest.”

Other signatories of the letter include Tim Sheehey (R-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Marshall (R-AL), Tina Smith (D-NM), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jim Banks (R-IN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). To read the full letter, click here.

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The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) partners with our more than 400 chemical distribution industry members to provide the education, connection, standards, and advocacy they need to responsibly move the essential products our world depends on. As leaders in the $27B+ chemical distribution industry, ACD member companies commit to the highest standards in quality, safety, sustainability, and performance through ACD Responsible Distribution^TM. For more information, visit www.acd-chem.com.