Plainfield, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today issued the following statement after Canadian National (CN) requested that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) issue a ruling on its proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E) line by October 15th:
 
            “Once again, CN is trying to pressure federal regulators into making rash decisions about the safety and quality of life of suburban residents.  They’re asking the STB to make a mockery of the public comment process.  That’s completely unfair to those who are being asked to pay the price so CN can add to their bottom line.
 
            “From safety to traffic to pollution -- the STB’s job is to evaluate the true cost of a transaction before it’s approved, not after.  It would be entirely presumptuous to allow the merger to go forward and just assume that unknown environmental impacts can be dealt with down the line. 
 
            “There’s simply no way to justify ignoring the needs of local communities in order to accommodate the business interests of Canadian National.  I urge the STB to reject CN’s request and move forward with a thorough and complete review of this merger before any final decisions are made.”

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