CMAP letter on draft EIS - Canadian National Railway proposed aquisition of EJ&E railway.

Today we will submit the final version of our letter to the Surface Transportation Board (link to document) regarding its draft Environmental Impact Statement on CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railway. This issue has sparked debate across the region, with some communities vehemently opposed and others just as vehemently in favor. The letter describes five "requests for conditions" -- specific issues that we believe the STB should retain authority over in the event that volumes exceed CN's Operating Plan.

Unfortunately, the federal EIS process was not established in a way that carefully considers the best overall interests of a region. As our letter states, "Despite those limitations (of the process), we urge you (the STB) to ensure that the regional perspective is not just incidental
-- in CMAP's view, it should be paramount." The STB has said its decision could come in December or January.