SPECIAL BRIEFING: Opposition grows to Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern rail merger

Bryan Hyde discusses the growing opposition to the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger on the Powering America Podcast. The episode covers critical topics including rail transportation, merger regulation, supply chain resilience, and labor relations.

WASHINGTON — September 17, 2026 — Bryan Hyde, host of the Powering America Podcast, examines the increasing opposition to the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. The merger would create the first coast-to-coast freight railroad in the United States, but a coalition of state attorneys general, labor organizations, and agricultural groups are raising concerns about its potential impact on competition and shipping costs.

Hyde highlights that the merger would unite Union Pacific's western network with Norfolk Southern's eastern system, operating over 50,000 miles of track across 43 states. Opponents argue that the merger could reduce competition, increase shipping costs, and threaten jobs. "Opposition is growing to the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, an approximately $85 billion transaction that would create America's first coast-to-coast freight railroad," Hyde states.

The coalition opposing the merger includes state attorneys general from multiple states, rail workers, agricultural organizations, and manufacturers. They warn that the merger could limit transportation choices and weaken the resilience of the national supply chain. "State attorneys general, rail workers, agricultural organizations, manufacturers, freight customers, and competing railroads warned that the merger could reduce competition, increase shipping costs, threaten jobs, and leave American businesses with fewer transportation choices," Hyde notes.

The Powering America Podcast features discussions on energy, infrastructure, and policy issues affecting economic growth in the United States.

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The Powering America Podcast focuses on the intersection of energy, infrastructure, and policy, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping America's economic landscape.