On August 27, 2025 Donald Trump illegally fired, without cause, Surface Transportation Board member Robert Primus (pictured to the left).

This firing broke a 2 Republican/2 Democrat split at the nation's rail regulator. As Bill Stephens at Trains.com observed, this left the board "two members short of full strength just months before it is expected to receive the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application." And that, "Primus, a Democrat appointed by Trump in 2020, was the lone STB member to vote against the 2023 Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger." 

This is all occurring just as the largest railroad merger in history is about to be considered for approval (or disapproval) by the STB. Now, further signs of partisanship and questions about the Board's independence and legitimacy are emerging. 

TAKE ACTION HERE

We need your help turning Washington State's 2025 State Rail Plan into the ambitious, long-term vision that is needed to confront some of the most urgent social, economic, and environmental issues of our time.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) updates its State Rail Plan every four to five years in accordance with federal guidelines. Each iteration of the plan guides policy and investment decisions by articulating a 20-year blueprint for freight and passenger rail in the state.

WSDOT is currently determining its priorities for the upcoming rail plan and is accepting public input until June 24, 2025. It is essential that we make our voices heard.

Solutionary Rail asks for your help to build momentum for our Southeast Washington Transportation Resilience Project -- because Trains can Save Salmon!

Our Rosalia to Pasco Shortline Access Corridor is an elegant path toward transportation resilience in SE Washington that achieves the critical transportation goals for connectivity, capacity and competition.

Some ways to take action are: