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STB Clears UP-NS Merger Path With Conditions

The Surface Transportation Board conditionally approved the UP-NS merger application Thursday. The railroads must submit additional environmental data by July 27. The 42-page decision follows the carriers' revised filing in April after regulators rejected their initial January submission. Stock prices for both carriers declined roughly 5 percent on the conditional approval. UP Chief Executive Jim Vena said the companies remain confident the combination will lower costs and improve reliability for shippers. The proposed merged railroad would eliminate interline transfers across its 53,000-mile network, potentially converting 2.1 million annual truckloads to rail service. The carriers argue the consolidation will accelerate freight movement and support manufacturing sector growth nationwide.