When a deal between two companies could impact state economies, employment rates and everyday families, tough questions should be expected. Pennsylvania has a direct stake in the outcome of this deal, which is why the Surface Transportation Board’s continued review of the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger is so important.

The Surface Transportation Board has made it clear that it does not have the information it needs to evaluate the merger. Regulators rejected the companies’ initial application and paused the review process, citing that the revised application “lacks clarity and detail.” 

The problem is that while the companies have repeatedly described what they hope the combined railroad will achieve, they have yet to explain how they will achieve it. And when competition and public interest are at stake, a proposal must be judged on whether those promises are grounded in reality. 

Norfolk Southern’s network serves businesses, industries and communities across the state, which means that shippers and businesses would be impacted by service slowdowns and congestion. Now, railroad unions are warning that consolidation could affect jobs and working conditions.

These important stakeholders deserve answers. The burden rests with Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to demonstrate how their consolidation would preserve competition, maintain reliable service and benefit the public. We’re counting on our leaders to make sure that happens.

George Milakovic
Former township commissioner, Swatara Township, PA
Harrisburg, PA