Rep. Ron Kind Statement on BNSF's Plans to Ship Adequate Coal Supplies

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) released the following statement today after the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad announced it will ship more coal to Dairyland Power Cooperative to generate power and ensure the stability of the electric grid. Last month, Rep. Kind and Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) sent a letter to the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board urging him to ensure that Dairyland Power would get enough coal to meet its needs:

“I am pleased that BNSF made this commitment to ship enough coal to give consumers some peace of mind as winter approaches.  Adequate coal supplies will help keep energy prices low and ensure that Dairyland Power can fully power our communities.

“With crude oil taking an increasing share of our rail transport capacity, it’s important that the basic energy needs of our homes and businesses are met, especially after the extreme conditions so many of us faced last winter. I will be closely monitoring the supply of coal to our region and will work to ensure that our energy needs are met.”

A copy of the letter sent by Reps. Kind and Walz can be read here.