Illinois OKs 2 measures targeting CN

Written by Aurora Beacon News Saturday, 06 June 2025 12:49

CHICAGO — Opponents of Canadian National Railway Company's purchase of a suburban rail line are applauding two new resolutions passed in Springfield recently.

Senate Resolution 273, sponsored by Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, is aimed at President Barack Obama, and asks him to consider local communities when filling the vacancy on the federal Surface Transportation Board. The three-seat board, which oversees all rail transactions in the United States, has been down one member since W. Douglas Buttrey resigned in March.

The resolution suggests Buttrey's replacement should be someone more community-minded, who will consider the potential impact of increased train traffic on local residents.

Earlier this year, Canadian National bought the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Rail Line, which runs through suburban cities like Aurora, and opponents of the sale faulted the STB for not fully considering the effects of that sale.

The STB did demand that CN pay a significant percentage of the cost to separate two grade crossings on the EJ&E, including Ogden Avenue in Aurora. SB 273 also informs Obama that Illinois will show federal rail funding preference to these projects and any projects where the STB has demanded a private entity to pick up some of the tab.

This resolution passed the Senate on May 30.

Over in the House, Rep. Darlene Senger, R-Naperville, sponsored a resolution to urge the federal government to pay for some of the crossing upgrades needed when rail companies merge or buy tracks. House Resolution 68 suggests Congress pass a law ensuring federal support to local communities impacted by these mergers or sales.

The resolution, which passed the House 115-1 on May 30, also supports funding the Star Line, the suburb-to-suburb rail service that has been on Metra's drawing boards for years.

Opponents of the CN/EJ&E sale worried that the increased train traffic may mean the Star Line will not become a reality.

The CN/EJ&E deal is specifically mentioned in both resolutions, and Holmes and Senger have been outspoken opponents of the sale.

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