Gas prices have fallen slightly, but that does not mean the steep prices for oil and gas have gone away. American’s pocketbooks are still hurting, while President Biden continues with the so-called “incredible transition,” solidifying that this is not an accidental consequence and cementing his policy tactics.

Just a few months ago, a crude oil train crashed in Pennsylvania, derailing 17 cars with multiple falling into the Allegheny River Tributary. The images were stunning, showing the severe impacts and danger these trains will bring through our neighborhoods and nature. Once again, this is a policy choice. The Biden Administration chose to run crude oil through our backyards rather than the safer options, pipelines, when he chose to kill the Keystone XL Pipeline and other critical infrastructure projects . While stopping pipelines has been in vogue, the reality is such policy decisions only increase fuel costs for consumers by shifting energy products to more expensive shipping options. Perhaps equally bad, however, is the fact that these methods are simply not as safe either. 

A drastic increase in train traffic could result in more deadly accidents, as evidenced by a study from the Frasier Institute that found that rail is 4.5 times more likely than pipelines to experience an accident on a per ton-mile basis. And not only is it a conscious policy choice and risk the Biden Administration is willing to take, it is contradictory to their goal of bridging the equity gap so often touted by the administration. 

Historically, railroads were physical barriers separating wealthier, white neighborhoods from communities of color. Over time, the tracks were crossed and lines faded; yet to this day, minority communities and lower-income families tend to live nearer to railroads. Therefore, this $31 billion mega-merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern would largely be at the expense of minority neighborhoods. It would increase trains in these communities, bringing with it: longer trains, more at-grade crossing delays, increase in noise, heightened risk of accidents, as well as an uptick in carbon emissions. Many of these neighborhoods are already considered nonattainment zones due to decades of pollution. What is often lost on the debate is the fact that a high percentage of these rail movements occur in underprivileged areas of color. 

Already around 20.7 million of the country’s population lives in a county that failed all three measures of air pollution. Often, those living in the worst air quality areas were minority groups. People of color were 61% more likely than white individuals to live in a county with a failing grade for at least one pollutant. 

Pollution – and specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that will rise with this merger – can lead to severe health risks. According to the EPA,  exposure can harm both the lungs and heart, leading to an increased risk of: nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.

In every town these rails run through there is anticipated increase of at least 50 percent more trains. Many affected communities have not been properly informed, nor given the opportunity to voice their concerns with in-person – or even online – public scoping meetings. The Surface Transportation Board did not even take time to thoughtfully pick in-person hearing locations. They hastily chose Vidor, Texas, a town with deep – and recent – roots in racism. There is no reason to rush this. Use the proper channels, hear all of the concerns, and make an honest, educated decision. 

The merger is precarious for so many reasons. The Biden Administration and federal regulators need to step back and fully appreciate the complexities involved with this proposed merger. Communities of color should have a voice. Railside neighborhoods must be heard. These communities deserve to know their best interests are being sought over the monetary interest of a foreign corporation. 

Brigham McCown is a domestic and foreign policy expert who has held senior posts in three presidential administrations. He has served under cabinet secretaries from both major political parties and ran the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.