Notes From All Over -- May 6, 2021

California recall: yesterday I mentioned in passing that the tea leaves suggested there would be no recall election in California. But if there it is, it will fail. Note:

• Covid-19: California has the lowest Covid-19 positivity rates in the nation
• driven in part by high vaccination rates
• state budget: windfall could top $30 billion by next summer
• re-opening: governor says he will re-open the economy by mid-June

California recall: likely opponents -- lack star power.

Surprise: no one saw any of this six months ago -- this could turn out to be quite embarrassing for the GOP. But a lot can happen between now and when/if the recall goes forward.

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2021: The Year Of Rail

UNP: announces plans to open a new intermodal terminal in the heart of southern California's import distribution region; press release here;

• fastest-growing region of industrial warehousing
• located near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
• will open in 2Q21 -- within the next two months:
• will provide expanded access to Chicago
• the project will start with a "pop-up" terminal at it West Colton rail yard
• initial service between southern California and Chicago
• with plans to expand service to Dallas and southeast markets
• UNP: says it has the largest intermodal network in North America with the most direct services from coast to coast
• operates in 23 western states

From May 3, 2021, just a few days ago:

• press release: builds state-of-the-art transload terminal in Chicago; "rail is real, the year for rail";

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Natural Gas Fill Rate

FWIW: