Val Verde County to revisit possible opposition to proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger

The Val Verde County Commissioners Court discussed whether to submit a letter opposing the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railway and voted to revisit the matter after further review. Commissioner Wardlaw said the merger could concentrate about “50% of the nation’s railroad traffic,” raising concerns that it would reduce competition and increase costs for agricultural and other commodities. He referenced outreach by the BNSF Railroad and a webinar that included Joseph Glover, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, who told him that consolidation could raise prices for agricultural products.

The discussion outlined arguments on both sides: some speakers and unions cited safety and job-loss concerns, while proponents argue fewer train-to-train transfers could reduce handling and improve safety. Participants noted the matter is subject to federal review by the Surface Transportation Board, and the court described itself as “just one voice” among many local governments weighing in.

Commissioner Vasquez moved to defer final action and bring the item back within a couple of weeks to allow more study; the motion was seconded and approved 5–0. The court did not submit a final letter during the meeting; the review and any formal position will be reconsidered at a future session.

Why it matters: Local governments sometimes file comments with federal reviewers on large freight-rail mergers because of potential local economic, safety and competition effects. The county’s decision to study the issue further keeps open the option of a formal county comment to the Surface Transportation Board.