Railroads critical of regulation bill

Railroads critical of regulation bill    The trade association representing major U.S. railroads spoke out against proposed legislation in Congress to change regulation of the industry.
   The Association of American Railroads said in a report released Thursday 'Rail is under attack. Congress and the administration are weighing sweeping changes to the freight rail industry that could have a direct and negative impact on Americans in the form of higher costs for goods and services.
   'What's more, these changes threaten high paying American jobs with freight rail companies, as well as job creation in other areas such as housing, manufacturing and agriculture, which railroads help support.'
   The report follows last week's endorsement by the National Industrial Transportation League of the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009 (S. 2889). NIT League President Bruce Carlton said it would 'inject a greater degree of competition in the rail market without being harmful to the rail carriers.'
   The AAR, which is scheduled to discuss its report at a press conference today, said, 'American industries and consumers have great expectations of our nation's railroads: competitive shipping rates, fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ease highway congestion, and provide the foundation for new high-speed and intercity passenger rail around the country.
   'But these public benefits are in danger if proposed regulatory and legislative action in Washington, D.C. comes to pass,' it contended. 'These changes are under consideration as Americans are increasingly leery of excessive government intervention in the marketplace, especially if it stifles job growth during a recession, when jobs are so desperately needed.' ' Chris Dupin