Six State AGs Push STB to Block Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger

Key Details Attorneys general from Montana, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota have formally urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's revised merger application. The officials, led by Montana AG Austin Knudsen, argue the filing remains incomplete with underdeveloped proposals that violate STB merger rules. Critical Gaps The states identified several deficiencies in the application, including missing market share data buried in difficult-to-interpret appendices and lack of analysis on future industry consolidation. The railroads also failed to provide key details on jointly owned assets like the Kansas City Terminal Railway and TTX railcar pool, including buyer identities, pricing, and closing conditions. Why It Matters The officials warn that the merger could reduce competitive options for shippers, increase business costs, and raise consumer prices. They emphasize that unclear protections for these shared gateway assets could harm their states' economies since many shippers rely on these rail corridors. Next Steps The letter arrived after the May 8 comment deadline, with officials requesting the STB waive the deadline due to the volume of UP-NS submissions. The regulatory board is expected to rule on the application this week.