He would require railroads to share tracks and change rate-setting so as to boost economic development, protect jobs and benefit consumers. His concern stems from shippers' concerns. Ron Staib, vice president and general plant manager for Bayer Corp. in New Martinsville, ships a billion pounds of materials a year. PPG Industries Inc., also in New Martinsville, is also at the mercy of a single railroad. But price-gouging isn't the only danger manufacturers face.
Railroads are an essential part of West Virginia's infrastructure.
They need to be kept in good repair. Railroads have to make money to do that. Congress can't force railroads to keep operations that lose money.