Chairman Sam Graves issued a statement on the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which would create the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. Graves acknowledged the companies’ stated commitments to invest in safety, efficiency, and competition, but emphasized the need for a thorough regulatory review.
The merger is the first to be evaluated under the Surface Transportation Board’s updated rules for major rail consolidations. Graves called on the STB to carefully assess the proposal’s impact on competition, customer service, and rail labor, expressing confidence in the Board’s expertise and process.
The statement does not endorse or oppose the merger but signals congressional interest in ensuring that the regulatory review is comprehensive and considers system-wide effects. The STB’s decision will set precedent under its revised consolidation framework.