STATEMENT ON EVICTION OF PROTESTORS FROM RAILROAD TRACKS

OLYMPIA, Wash. November 29, 2017 Olympia & Belmore Railroad is grateful for the
support and professionalism of law enforcement personnel from Union Pacific Railroad,
BNSF Railway, Thurston County Sheriffs Office, Washington State Patrol, the FBI and
Olympia Police Department in todays eviction of trespassers from the railroad line operated
by Olympia & Belmore.

We support citizens rights to conduct peaceful and legal public protests, and we appreciate
the passion of those worried about climate change; however, the protestors in Olympia were
trespassing on private property endangering themselves and railroad employees and
interfering with lawful interstate commerce.

We are extremely disappointed by the inaction of local officials that allowed this illegal and
dangerous situation to persist for 11 days. There are ramifications here that go beyond the
movement of ceramic proppants, by itself a harmless commodity, through the Port of
Olympia.

Effectively shutting down the Olympia & Belmore Railroad for 11 days creates immediate
harm by preventing the railroad from serving its customers and supporting the jobs they
provide to our local community, as well as depriving the railroad of income it must have to
survive. It is important to note that companies most at risk from the depravation of rail
service have nothing to do with ceramic proppants or fracking. Indeed, the railroad has not
transported proppants since September, and no new shipments were scheduled before, during
or after the protest.

However, there is longer term damage caused by this protest. Tolerating an illegal
occupation of private property for the second time in the span of a year impacting
numerous industries sends a terrible message to any company looking to expand or locate in
our region. Businesses of all types need to be assured of the rule of law being fairly and
uniformly administered before investing into an area. These past 11 days have not reflected
well on our region in that regard.

As an important member of this community, our success is based on serving local businesses,
both now and in the future. These businesses are even more important to the local economy,
as a source of employment and economic growth. Lets learn from the experience of the last
11 days and in the future look for our local officials to act in a more timely and engaged
manner when faced with lawless behavior, no matter how well intended by those committing
the crimes.

Olympia & Belmore Railroad, Inc. 1710 Midway Court Centralia, WA 98531