More concerns raised over rail ban on anhydrous

Washington-The National Corn Growers Association has joined the fertilizer industry in voicing concerns to the Surface Transportation Board over the railroad industry’s request to discontinue shipping anhydrous ammonia. The Fertilizer Institute testified at STB’s recent hearing, stressing the importance of the fertilizer and TFI’s efforts to seek a solution to the railroads’ concerns about transporting anhydrous. NCGA presented its case in written comments July 23, pointing out that without anhydrous ammonia U.S. farmers would be unable to produce the amount or quality of food the world has come to rely on. “Anhydrous ammonia is a vital and essential plant nutrient that is critical to the nation’s food supply,” stated NCGA President Ron Litterer. “Rail is the safest and most efficient method for transporting this critical agricultural product.” NCGA pointed out that according to the Interstate Commerce Act and reaffirmed by the Staggers Act, railroads cannot be selective in determining which commodities to transport based purely upon their self-interest. NCGA believes that while the STB may have an advisory role in making recommendations to Congress on railroad common carrier obligation, only Congress has the authority to change this obligation.