April 30, 2026
Chicago – On April 30, 2026, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific submitted an updated merger application with the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB). Merging two of the largest railroads in the nation would have enormous implications for the U.S. economy and transportation system. The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) submitted a Notice of Intent to Participate in these proceedings in December 2025 and applauded the STB’s rigorous oversight in rejecting the first application this January.
Statement by Kevin Brubaker
Deputy Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center
“This proposed merger of Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific would have profound effects on the movement of goods and people across the country and especially on the nation’s railroad hub of Chicago. Earlier this year, the Surface Transportation Board rightly concluded that the merger application did not contain sufficient detail to identify what those effects would be. Greater transparency is essential in considering a consequential merger such as this one.
“The Environmental Law & Policy Center will be looking closely at the impacts on passenger rail – a key climate solution and economic driver which depends on cooperation from host freight railroads. We are working with other stakeholders and passenger rail organizations to analyze merger documents and we will file comments as necessary. ELPC will also be looking closely at the impact on Chicago, where all the major railroads meet and minor national glitches can cause crippling gridlock.
“A combined UP-NS would control 57% of Amtrak’s current national network, 33 proposed new intercity routes, and five Metra lines that serve thousands of Chicago-area commuters daily. We will work to ensure that ridership gains are not derailed by this proposed merger.”