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Be Heard in Washington

Protect UP: Join UPVoices Web Site

October 13, 2009 | 02:09 p.m. CDT

A variety of federal and state level proposals – ranging from how the rail industry is regulated, to climate change to taxes – could have profound impacts on UP's future. At any moment, legislation is likely to be seen in Congress that could further regulate the amount UP can charge some of our customers, who can access our tracks, and fundamentally change the way rail freight moves.

Union Pacific and the industry have been working with Congressional leaders to help them understand the value freight rail brings to our country. At the same time, a number of interest groups have been pressuring Congress to force railroads to lower rates. That pressure has intensified, and we need to be prepared to defend our company if harmful legislation is introduced.

In these types of debates, it is critical that Union Pacific employees, retirees and our friends contact their elected representatives and ask for their support to help protect UP's ability to serve its customers, invest and grow.

Please become a grassroots supporter by visiting UP's advocacy Web site at www.upvoices.com. This week, Chairman Jim Young is sending employees an email message or a mailed letter with instructions on how to register and login. The site will keep you informed and ready to act if you choose to help. From time to time, you will be invited to participate in simple point-and-click email and phone campaigns directed at your specific congressional representatives. Please keep in mind that joining does not obligate you to participate in the campaign, but it will give you the option.

To help expand UP's voice in Washington, please invite family members, friends and others outside of UP to sign up by clicking on the "Invite Family and Friends to Take Action" option on the homepage of www.upvoices.com. By encouraging spouses, parents, family members and friends with email addresses to sign up, UP employees can more than double their voices to make a stronger impact on elected officials in any of the 50 states.

After completing the "New? Register Here" option at the login page of www.upvoices.com, users and visitors can view the site through Web-enabled home computers, the Web browser on company Blackberrys, and other portable phone devices with Web access.** It is easy and convenient.

The risks of legislation today are greater than ever before, and your help has never been more critical.

**Employees are reminded that during work hours, Rule 1.10 states cell phones must be turned off and prohibits their use except during emergencies.