America’s Economic Security (NAPSA)—Relying on America’s rail system is like rolling the dice for the farmers, electric utilities, factories and chemical companies whose only choice is to send and receive critical commodities by rail. They have no way to negotiate, leverage or purchasereliable delivery from the railroads at anyprice. As a result, American electric companies have been forced to import coal and American manufacturers are losing out to foreign competitors who can move products across oceansfor far less. The consequence is that our nation’s consumers are paying more for everything from electricity to bread to plastics. This growing crisis is getting increased attention in Washington, D.C., where more than 270 rail cus- tomers, representing more than 10 industries and from more than 35 states, recently urged Congress to reform the nation’s rail system to help ensure a strong, competitive American economy. In response, a bipartisan group of congressional leaders has introduced two pieces of legislation to remove the railroads’ antiquated antitrust exemptions so they play by the same rules that govern other American industries, and make the railroads more accountable and competitive by reforming the Surface Transportation Board, the federal agency charged with overseeing the railroads. “A reliable, efficient freight rail system is critical for a strong, competitive American economy,” says Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and chair of Consumers United for Rail Equity (CURE). “The lack of competition in the nation’s freight rail system sd Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council and a member of the Consumers United for Rail Equity (CURE) campaign, Sen. David Vit- ter (R-La.), Sen. Byron Dorgan (D- N.D.), Scott Parsley, board member of American Coalition for Ethanol, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DMinn.) and Jim Kerr, president of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners urge Congressto act on rail reform at a Capitol Hill press conference. is jeopardizing the economic security of the country.” Congress last focused on national rail policy in 1980, when it attempted to move the rail industry away from pervasive regulation and toward competition to ensure a healthy, competitive rail system able to serve all Americans. “However,” adds English, “Congress did not finish the job. As a result, American railroads today are functioning like monopolies—earning record profits and abusing their market power with unreliable deliveries and unreasonably high costs.” To learn more, visit www.rail cure.org. To let your elected officials know youropinion about this or any other issue, visit www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.
