Improving Rail Service
A majority of minerals move by rail each year; however, EMA members are captive to the nation’s freight rail companies. This transportation structure leads to issues, such as a lack of competition and a lack of market-based incentives that lead to reduced rail service, high rates, and poor cycle times. EMA advocates on behalf of the minerals industry to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which provides economic regulation of the freight rail industry. EMA urges the STB to adopt reforms that better reflect the modern-day rail marketplace.
As part of EMA’s efforts to promote the minerals industry’s overall rights relating to rail shipping, EMA has retained the services of Daniel Elliott, former chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, as senior consultant on rail issues. Daniel actively participates in the Rail Customer Coalition in the United States and the Coalition of Rail Shippers in Canada.
In 2023, EMA became the first association to host all five members of the Surface Transportation Board on a field trip to the Trona Patch in Green River, WY, where they visited four of our soda ash producers over a 3-day period.
