Union Pacific Will Close Historic Denver Facility, Citing Downturn In Coal, Fracking

Union Pacific plans to shutter its historic Burnham Shops rail maintenance yard in Denver, displacing 200 workers, due in part to the downturn in demand for coal. Some of the buildings at the site date back to the 1880s. 

The railroad says demand for coal from Colorado has fallen dramatically – down 80 percent over the last decade -- as many utilities shift to cheaper and cleaner natural gas.  The company also says demand has fallen for shipments of fracking-related equipment.