Latest updates from federal agencies and industry organizations affecting rail freight.
The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for the proposed construction of approximately six miles of new rail line in Mesa, Arizona by Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP). [Click for full press release.]
Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided an update today on recent actions to facilitate and expedite the resolution of several outstanding Board proceedings. [Click for full press release.]
Due to a lapse in appropriations causing the federal government to partially shut down its operations, Surface Transportation Board (STB) functions will be suspended. [Click for full press release.]
The STB today announced a unanimous decision finding that the major merger application filed by Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) on December 19, 2025 is incomplete. [Click for full press release.]
The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) today announced a unanimous decision proposing a significant pro-competitive action: repeal of 49 C.F.R. part 1144, which governs the prescription of reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates. [Click for full press release.]
The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has received a major merger application from Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. [Click for full press release.]
On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Michelle A. Schultz to a second term as a member of the Surface Transportation Board. [Click for full press release.]
The Surface Transportation Board today announced it has granted authority for Fortress Investment Group LLC (Fortress) to acquire control of Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company (W&LE) and Akron Barberton Cluster Railway Company (ABC). [Click for full press release.]
The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) today announced that it has issued a decision providing notice that materials that were due to be submitted to the Board during the recent lapse in appropriations are now due no later than November 20, 2025. [Click for full press release.]
Due to a lapse in appropriations causing the federal government to partially shut down its operations, Surface Transportation Board (STB) functions will be suspended. [Click for full press release.]