Rail Merger Threatens America’s Energy Future
This week, the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern officially advanced with a formal filing to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). While rail executives may frame this deal as a business decision, the implications for America’s energy workers, producers, and consumers are profound.
“With Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern now officially submitting their merger proposal to the STB, the stakes for America’s energy sector could not be higher,” said Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director of Power The Future. “A combined Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would control nearly half of U.S. freight traffic—giving one railroad huge power over the movement of coal, oil, natural gas liquids, and other vital energy products. History shows us that mergers like this have led to increased rates, reduced service quality, and major disruptions. As the Board reviews this filing, we urge regulators to reject a deal that would weaken supply chains, raise costs, and undermine President Trump’s push for American energy dominance.”
In October, Power The Future sent a formal letter to the STB explaining that the proposed merger would reduce competition, harm energy producers, and directly undermine President Trump’s commitment to restoring American energy dominance. Reliable, affordable transportation is a cornerstone of energy security—and monopolies threaten both.
December 19, 2025