Amtrak pledges net zero emissions by 2045

Amtrak yesterday announced plans to achieve net zero greenhouse-gas emissions across its network by 2045.

The new goal focuses on expanding efforts across the railroad's entire carbon footprint to reduce the environmental impacts of operations, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Amtrak outlined a series of actions it plans to take to achieve net zero emissions. They include:

• increasing energy efficiency and implementing renewable fuels and energy sources;
• reducing diesel fuel use through advanced technologies, such as fuel cells, hydrogen and batteries; and
• achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 by continuing to reduce consumption and gradually meet all remaining needs through carbon-free electricity.

"With new equipment, modernized stations and net zero emissions, [we] can lead the drive toward sustainable transportation throughout the nation," said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praised Amtrak's net-zero goal-setting.

"We congratulate Amtrak for this ambitious commitment to further reduce its carbon footprint, cementing its place as a leader in the clean transportation revolution," Buttigieg said in a statement.