Railroad News

Rail News Home Norfolk Southern Railway 8/10/2021 Rail News: Norfolk Southern Railway
Norfolk Southern Corp. yesterday released its 14th annual corporate responsibility report, which now is named the environmental, social and governance (ESG) report to better reflect the company’s holistic commitment to sustainability.The Class I ramped up its sustainability efforts in 2020, in part by becoming the first major North American railroad to issue green bonds — which totaled $500 million — and establishing a science-based target for a 42% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions intensity that’s consistent with the Paris Agreement on climate change, NS officials said in a press release.“At Norfolk Southern, sustainability is in our DNA — a part of everything we do as a company. From environmental stewardship to the safety and development of our entire team, we are in the business of a better planet, committed to bold leadership and deliberate action,” said NS Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer James Squires.Some of the the milestones listed in the ESG report include:• spending $166 million with diverse suppliers;• making $13.1 million in total corporate contributions across the company’s 22 state footprint;• nearly doubling renewable energy usage to 18% in deregulated markets as of May 1, 2021, and establishing a new goal of using 30% clean energy by 2030;• diverting 81% of waste from landfills;• recycling 100% of old wood ties and more than 90% of steel ties;• recycling all 400 miles of rail replaced each year; and• reclaiming more than 6,200 tons of used oil.For more information about NS’ sustainability efforts, read this cover story in Progressive Railroading’s August issue.

Rail News Home CSX Transportation 8/9/2021 Rail News: CSX Transportation
CSX on Friday announced it reached an agreement with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) to support the Class I’s planned acquisition of Pan Am Railways Inc.One of New England’s largest passenger-rail trade authorities, the NNEPRA agreed to file a letter with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting approval of CSX’s revised application for the transaction. On July 30, the STB accepted the railroad’s revised application.NNEPRA’s support for the transaction is significant given its role as the primary state sponsor of Amtrak’s Downeaster service between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston, CSX officials said in a press release.“This agreement demonstrates our commitment to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and to maintain or improve passenger service in the region,” said CSX President and Chief Executive Officer James Foote.Maine Gov. Janet Mills recently filed a letter of support with the STB stating the transaction has the potential to bring substantial benefits to the state, which relies heavily on rail to deliver goods.If the transaction is approved — possibly sometime in 2022 — CSX plans to upgrade track and locomotives to improve service, and extend positive train control on Amtrak's Downeaster network.Based in North Billerica, Massachusetts, Pan Am owns and operates a nearly 1,200-mile network in New England and retains a partial interest in the more-than-600-mile Pan Am Southern rail system.

Rail News Home Kansas City Southern 8/9/2021 Rail News: Kansas City Southern
Kansas City Southern on Saturday announced leading independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) has recommended that the Class I’s shareholders vote in favor of the proposed CN merger at a special stockholders meeting to be held on Aug. 19.ISS determined the premium, valuation and strategic rationale for the transaction are compelling. While Canadian Pacific — which also aims to acquire KCS — is soliciting votes against the CN-KCS merger, it has not provided KCS shareholders with any actionable alternative or one that bridges the divide between its initial offer and CN’s offer, ISS officials claim.“In voting to approve the transaction, shareholders would lock in the break fee. They would also advance the deal one step closer to completion,” ISS officials said in a press release.KCS leaders are encouraged that ISS supports its board’s unanimous recommendation that shareholders vote in favor of the combination.“In its report, ISS validates our belief that CN is the ideal partner for KCS to power the resurgence of North America’s industrial and agricultural corridors and enhance competition, and that this transaction is in the best interest of KCS and all of our stakeholders,” said KCS President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Ottensmeyer. “We strongly urge [our] shareholders to follow the ISS’ recommendations and vote for the transaction.” On May 21, KCS and CN entered into a definitive merger agreement under which KCS shareholders would receive $200 in cash and 1.129 shares of CN common stock for each KCS common share. After the transaction closes, KCS shareholders would own about 12.65% of the combined company.