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Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Push Back Against Merger Opposition in STB Filing

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern advanced their regulatory case for combination Thursday, arguing they have satisfied the Surface Transportation Board's foundational requirements for merger review. The railroads' response filing rejected preliminary challenges from opponents, characterizing objections as attempts to block the transaction before full regulatory evaluation. The STB has established a procedural schedule moving the application into the next review phase, with deadlines for public comments and evidentiary submissions. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena stated the companies submitted unprecedented evidence demonstrating merger benefits. Norfolk Southern President Mark George emphasized the combination would support sector growth while improving affordability for shippers and consumers. The railroads project the combined network would enhance efficiency, strengthen competition, and shift freight from highways to rail. They also committed to job guarantees for unionized workers. Opposition has mounted from elected officials, state attorneys general and shippers.