11.   The largest rail merger in North American history was formally scrapped Thursday amid complaints about regulatory interference.

12.   The last few big rail mergers caused major service disruptions that cost manufacturers and shippers millions of dollars in lost business.

13.   The president had wanted lawmakers to scrap the ICC entirely and shift oversight of rail mergers to the Justice Department, which reviews all other company mergers.

14.   The Transportation Department also acquires the power to approve or disapprove rail mergers.

15.   The Surface Transportation Board, an independent panel with jurisdiction over rail mergers and competition issues, previously said it will rule on the transaction by next spring.

16.   Unlike in other industries, the Justice Department, which normally rules on antitrust issues, does not have veto power over rail mergers.

17.   When the railroads file their application, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board said, the agency might end up raising the bar for approval of big rail mergers.

18.   CSX Chairman John Snow said the ruling recognizes that more rail mergers now are not in the public interest.

19.   Complaints led the transportation board to approve a moratorium on new rail mergers in March.