Seven State Attorneys General Raise Concerns Over Proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Rail Merger
The letter underscores the importance of rail competition and affordable transportation costs for American farmers – issues at the center of an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 13 Kansas- and Colorado-based farmers and Soloviev Group subsidiaries Weskan Grain and Colorado Pacific Railroad.
NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven state attorneys general are requesting that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) deny Union Pacific Railroad Company's and Norfolk Southern's revised merger application, outlining how reduced competition in the freight rail system could increase costs for farmers, shippers, and consumers.
In their letter, the attorneys general from Montana, Iowa, Kansas, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Tennessee express concerns "that Union Pacific's (UP) and Norfolk Southern's (NS) Revised Application fails to present a prima facie case that the transaction is in the public interest, even after Applicants' supplemental submissions on July 7 and 27, 2026."
The attorneys general wrote, "Railroads exert market power over farmers and local businesses that rely on rail to move their products to market." They also stated, "At a time when the railroads are prospering financially, there is no reason to create a behemoth railroad that will take more money from farmers, shippers and ultimately consumers in our States and across the country."
"Safe, efficient, cost-effective shipping is essential for the agriculture, mining, forestry, and manufacturing sectors, among many others. Competitive rail underlies the global competitiveness of the American economy," wrote the attorneys general.
The letter also highlighted the consequences when competition is reduced, stating that "history has consistently shown us that these rail mega-mergers deliver exactly the opposite to rural America: fewer routing options, higher captive freight costs, and catastrophic supply chain disruptions."
The concerns raised by the attorneys general echo issues at the center of an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by Colorado Pacific Railroad, Weskan Grain, and 13 Kansas- and Colorado-based farmers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas against Union Pacific Railroad Company and Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, LLC.
The lawsuit, filed under Docket No. 2:26-cv-02053, alleges that the defendants engaged in conduct designed "to stifle competition from a newly rehabilitated rail line and preserve control over westward shipments of grain." The plaintiffs are represented by Ajamie LLP and Sharp Law LLP.
About Weskan Grain
Weskan Grain prides itself on being farmer-focused and prioritizes market access, speed, experience, and reliability from its rail served locations in Sheridan Lake, CO, Galatea, CO, Tribune, KS, and two locations in Scott City, KS, including five other truck served locations. For more information, visit weskangrain.com.
About Soloviev Group
The Soloviev Group is a multi-industry corporation. It is ranked as the 14th largest landowner in the United States and has interests in grain production, transportation, livestock, commercial real estate, hospitality, and renewable energy. For more information, visit solovievgroup.com
About Ajamie LLP
Ajamie LLP is a unique boutique litigation firm with a proven track record of securing large recoveries for victims of financial fraud in trials and arbitrations, alongside a long history of defending corporations in complex commercial litigation. The firm is widely recognized for its cross-border representation in complex litigation and has the skills and resources to represent clients globally. For more information, visit ajamie.com.
SOURCE The Soloviev Group
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