News Release

BNSF Railway Statement on STB Coal Dust Decision

FORT WORTH, Texas, March. 03, 2011:

The decision of the Surface Transportation Board today reviewing BNSF's tariff rule requiring a rail shipper to limit the loss of coal dust during transit recognizes that coal dust poses a significant problem, which requires corrective action. The STB found that BNSF can require coal dust containment measures to address this problem, and the agency agreed with BNSF that coal dust is an issue that cannot be dealt with by maintenance alone.

BNSF will take steps to comply with the Board's decision by reassessing the specific implementing tariff rule. In accord with the Board's decision, we will continue to work with our customers to identify and promptly implement coal dust containment measures that will satisfy the STB-recognized need for coal customers to prevent coal dust emissions.

BNSF Headquarters
BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
Fort Worth, TX 76131-2830
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000