USA TODAY's recent article on Warren Buffett's purchase of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway failed to mention that a key to the freight railroads' success has been that, unlike other major industries, the railroads are exempt from antitrust laws ("Buffett's not just playing with trains," Cover story, Money, March 25).

 

Because of these monopoly protections, the railroads are able to impose excessively high rates on many of their customers who lack access to competing railroads.

 

These burdensome costs ultimately hurt the American people.

 

A study by the Consumer Federation of America has found that the railroads' excessive rates cost consumers more than $3 billion annually in higher prices on everything from their utility bills to their groceries.

 

Fortunately for the public, the U.S. Senate seems poised to act on legislation that would remove the railroads' antitrust exemptions, which would ensure greater competition and protect consumers against monopoly pricing.

 

Fairness and competition are two hallmarks of a strong American economy. The nation's freight railroads should not be exempt from these basic tenets.

 

Buffett's confidence in the railroads' future should underscore that they have nothing to fear from such common-sense reforms.

 

Railroads are capable of generating profits while participating in a competitive market. That's what our economy is all about.

 

Glenn English, CEO

National Rural Electric

Cooperative Association

Arlington, Va.