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Below are news releases issued by the Surface Transportation Board since the beginning of 2019.  News releases issued prior to 2019 are available here.

STB Proposes Comprehensive Permitting Reform to Streamline its Processes and Lower Infrastructure Costs

03/25/2026 (Wednesday)
No. 26-06
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) today issued a unanimous decision proposing a comprehensive rule to modernize and reform its permitting process. [Click for full press release.]

STB Issues Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Rail Line in Mesa, Arizona

02/27/2026 (Friday)
No. 26-05
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for the proposed construction of approximately six miles of new rail line in Mesa, Arizona by Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP). [Click for full press release.]

Chairman Fuchs Provides Updates on Outstanding Proceedings

02/06/2026 (Friday)
No. 26-04
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided an update today on recent actions to facilitate and expedite the resolution of several outstanding Board proceedings. [Click for full press release.]

Public Advisory Regarding Partial Lapse in Appropriations

02/02/2026 (Monday)
No. 26-03
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

Due to a lapse in appropriations causing the federal government to partially shut down its operations, Surface Transportation Board (STB) functions will be suspended. [Click for full press release.]

STB Finds UP-NS Merger Application is Incomplete

01/16/2026 (Friday)
No. 26-02
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

The STB today announced a unanimous decision finding that the major merger application filed by Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) on December 19, 2025 is incomplete. [Click for full press release.]

STB Proposes to Eliminate Barriers to Competition by Repealing Regulations at 49 C.F.R. Part 1144

01/07/2026 (Wednesday)
No. 26-01
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) today announced a unanimous decision proposing a significant pro-competitive action: repeal of 49 C.F.R. part 1144, which governs the prescription of reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates. [Click for full press release.]

Michelle A. Schultz Confirmed to Second Term

12/18/2025 (Thursday)
No. 25-37
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Michelle A. Schultz to a second term as a member of the Surface Transportation Board. [Click for full press release.]

STB Approves Fortress Investment Group Acquisition of Two Shortline Rail Carriers

11/26/2025 (Wednesday)
No. 25-36
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

The Surface Transportation Board today announced it has granted authority for Fortress Investment Group LLC (Fortress) to acquire control of Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company (W&LE) and Akron Barberton Cluster Railway Company (ABC). [Click for full press release.]

Public Advisory Regarding Materials Previously Due to the Surface Transportation Board During Recent Lapse in Appropriations

11/13/2025 (Thursday)
No. 25-35
Contact: | (202) 245-0245

The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) today announced that it has issued a decision providing notice that materials that were due to be submitted to the Board during the recent lapse in appropriations are now due no later than November 20, 2025. [Click for full press release.]