Addressing outdated regulations will help keep the U.S. steel industry moving

Rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure is a hot topic in Washington again, and as it should be, it also appears to be a top priority for the incoming administration. Our system for moving goods has been neglected for far too long and is in dire need of an update. And while much of the focus will rightfully be on repairing roads and bridges, we cannot afford to overlook badly outdated transportation policies that are also failing us.

Thankfully, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board is off to a good start and is working on regulatory reforms that will help address ongoing issues that are important to manufacturers who depend on freight rail. The preservation of a strong rail industry is extremely important to the member companies of the Steel Manufacturers Association (“SMA”).  For many steel producers, the railroads are highly valued customers. And most steelmakers also rely on the railroads to transport a significant portion of their raw materials and finished steel products.

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