New Study Finds Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Could Deliver Up to $5.8 Billion a Year in Economic and Health Benefits

A new study estimates the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger could generate $4.2 billion to $5.8 billion in annual economic and health benefits. The analysis considers the value of moving freight by rail instead of truck, including reduced carbon emissions and avoided deaths.

The proposed merger could shift 2.1 million truckloads from highways to rail, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 3.8 million metric tons. This reduction could prevent about 94 premature deaths a year, with estimated annual health benefits ranging from $500 million to $1.6 billion.

The study's findings suggest the merger could have significant public health and economic benefits, particularly for communities near freight corridors. The estimated benefits include $3.5 billion in annual shipper and logistics savings and $194 million to $722 million in annual climate benefits.