[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement on Canadian National (CN)’s decision to seek legal relief in order to shorten the Surface Transportation Board (STB)’s decision making timeline regarding the company’s proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) Railway. 

“I am disappointed by Canadian National’s continued insistence on rushing a decision by the Surface Transportation Board.  As explained to the Illinois Congressional Delegation last week, the independent Board has established a reasonable timeline for the consideration of this complicated transaction.  Attempting to change the rules at this point in the game is an irresponsible move from a company that claims to be acting in good faith.

“With hundreds – maybe thousands – of comments expected from communities, individuals and businesses across the state, it is essential that the Surface Transportation Board is not forced to accelerate the process by which these responses are considered.  Canadian National’s attempts to silence the people that will be affected by their proposed purchase of the EJ&E can not be tolerated.”

Durbin and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation were briefed by the Vice Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, Frank Mulvey, on the process for the consideration of the EIS including information on the series of scheduled public hearings and details on how the public comment period will proceed.  In the meeting, Mulvey informed the members that the Surface Transportation Board will likely issue its final decision early next year.