San Pedro & Southwestern a 'SmartWay Transport' partner, EPA says

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently designated the San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad (SPSR) as a partner in the SmartWay Transport Partnership program.

The EPA recognized the Arizona short line for improving fuel efficiency and environmental performance by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.

"This is an exciting development. We are one of only 18 rail carriers in the nation to earn this distinction," said Scott Parkinson, president of SPSR parent company ARG Transportation Services, in a press release.

Since SmartWay began in 2004, the program's 3,000 members have saved 65 million barrels of oil, eliminated 28 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, and reduced 478,000 tons of nitrogen dioxide and 22,000 tons of particulate matter, according to the EPA.

In November 2003, ARG Transportation Services acquired SPSR from RailAmerica Inc. ARG also operates the 133-mile Coos Bay Rail Link in Oregon.