Canadian National’s attempt to purchase the EJ&E Railroad
Canadian National (CN) is seeking to purchase the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E) Railroad, which runs through Barrington, Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities in the district. This would result in 20 additional trains a day cutting right through the heart of our community and would put the STAR Line in jeopardy. Click here to read more on the details of this devastating purchase.
While our local leaders and neighbors have stepped forward to defeat this purchase, our representatives in Washington have ignored legislative options available to them that would be quite effective in fighting against this devastating acquisition by Canadian National.
The following is a summary of Steve Greenberg’s plan of action against Canadian National’s acquisition.
- First, I would ask Congress to direct the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a full investigation of the national security implications of this foreign takeover of an American rail company before the takeover can occur. In 2006, during the Dubai World Ports scandal, House Republicans inserted similar language into a bill (HR 4939 3/15/2006).
- Second, I would propose legislation to restrict the number of cars and the speed of Canadian National’s trains moving through the United States. CN’s plan to run their trains in excess of 40 miles per hour, combined with their poor safety record, is a real concern for the citizens of our community. Click here for more info on CN's safety record.
- Last, I would ask Congress to mandate a specific funding formula for mitigation (grade changes, noise reduction, etc.) on the purchase of U.S. railroads by foreign corporations (85% foreign entity; 10% federal; 5% state). Canadian National should fund the necessary rail improvements, not the taxpayers of our community. The funding formula must be agreed upon to get final approval.
(click here to read full plan)
The citizens of communities through which the EJ&E travels deserve the right to be represented from the floor of the Congress on this issue. Think of what is at stake: our homes, our schools, our businesses, our hospitals, our environment, our safety and even our futures. The primary responsibility of our government is to protect its citizens, and we can demand nothing less from our leadership in Washington.
Every one of the actions in Steve’s plan is well within Congress’ authority to pass and many are backed by precedent. All that is lacking is the political will to enact them. With your help Steve will work tirelessly to fight against Canadian National so together we can prevent this purchase and avoid the devastating impact it would have on our community.
More Info:
Greenberg Calls on Bean to Co-Sponsor Roskam Legislation
Railroad Issues
