Rail

STB Pushes Back Merger Comment Deadline as Cities Request More Time

The Surface Transportation Board extended the deadline for filing notices of intent to participate in the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger review to September. The National League of Cities requested the extension, noting that approximately 12,000 local governments in communities served by railroads need adequate time to evaluate participation. The organization cited timing conflicts with summer vacations and the Labor Day holiday weekend. The STB deemed the request reasonable and approved the delay. The original Aug. 18 deadline remains unchanged for other aspects of the merger review. Entities submitting participation notices receive copies of all proceeding filings and retain commenting rights during the regulatory process.