Implications of Republican sweep, part II

[Anonymous]

True to a point,

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piouslion

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal
. . . It might make Alaskan coals price competitive with PRB coals in coastal coal consumer markets. Also could take some north-south trade away from the railroads on the East Coast.

Or not to put to light a point on the matter, Make the CN and Alaska RR hook-up an even more likely and cause the East Coast lines to have an even greater presence through the increase in volume heading toward the East and more particularly the Southeastern U.S.

That would certainly put the railroads back in the driver's seat if indeed the Jones Act was eliminated, but of course the Alaska rail link would take years and some big bucks to construct. Although the Alaska rail link has unilateral support of Alaska's state government and congressional delegation, right now I think their primary focus is on getting the needed incentives for a natural gas pipeline built down to the lower 48. Also, it seems the Canadians are rather lukewarm toward the whole rail thing.

Since pro-development forces basically have a 4 year window of opportunity, I doubt the Alaskan rail link will get serious consideration in the short term. If a pro-development president is elected in 2008, then it might move up on the priority list, but at this point I don't see anyone remotely as pro-development as Bush on either the Republican or Democrat side in line for 2008.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal
. . . It might make Alaskan coals price competitive with PRB coals in coastal coal consumer markets. Also could take some north-south trade away from the railroads on the East Coast.

Or not to put to light a point on the matter, Make the CN and Alaska RR hook-up an even more likely and cause the East Coast lines to have an even greater presence through the increase in volume heading toward the East and more particularly the Southeastern U.S.

[vsmith]

Oh no ya dont, I aint getting into this one again....the rest of ya..enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Another prediction: Look for the Jones Act to be eliminated. This action would have a huge impact on rail operations, as it would allow foreign flagged ships to sail between U.S. ports. It might make Alaskan coals price competitive with PRB coals in coastal coal consumer markets. Also could take some north-south trade away from the railroads on the East Coast.