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==Union Pacific and Coal==
Among Union Pacific's big business is carrying coal from mines to power plants, including from the [[Powder River Basin]] in Wyoming, the source of about 38% of all the coal produced in the U.S. Coal shipments are estimated to make up about 20% of freight revenues enjoyed by big rail carriers, including Union Pacific.<ref name="Chamber">Pete Altman, [http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/paltman/are_chamber_of_commerce_presid.html "Are Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue's Ties to Union Pacific Railroading the Companies that Support Climate Policy?"] Natural Resources Defense Council Website, September 15, 2009</ref>
In May 2009 Union Pacific Railroad moved its 200,000th loaded coal train out of Wyoming's Southern [[Powder River Basin]] (SPRB) coal field since Union Pacific and the former Chicago & North Western completed a 107-mile rail line to the region in August 1984. The Chicago & North Western merged with Union Pacific in 1995.<ref name="UP">[http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/service/2009/0520_200000-coal.shtml "Union Pacific Railroad News Release: UP Moves Its 200,000th Loaded Coal Train From Wyoming's Southern Powder River Basin"] Union Pacific Railroad Website, May 20, 2009</ref>
According to Union Pacific vice president and general manager Doug Glass, "SPRB coal volume has increased 11 percent annually since 1984. While demand for coal is off this year due to the recession, lower demand for metallurgical coal and reduced industrial output, we expect continued growth of this cost-effective, low sulfur coal for many years to come. Support of new power plant technologies that are capable of capturing CO2 will support continued demand for coal and help address the United States' desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and continue to provide cost-effective electricity to U.S. industry and consumers."<ref name="UP"/>
==Union Pacific and Climate Chnage==
The U.S. Chambers of Commerce has been a vocal critic of climate change legislation, and Chamber President Tom Donohue has been on the board of directors at Union Pacific since 1998, and paid annual retainers by Union Pacific amounting to at least $1,134,333 since 1998.<ref name="Chamber"/>
Union Pacific has given $700,000 to the U.S. Chamber since 2004, as reported in the company's 2009, 2008 and 2007 proxy statements, and had spent over $3 million on lobbying activities in 2009, including efforts to oppose the American Clean Energy and Security Act.<ref name="Chamber"/>
==History==
