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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) apparently is ready to push the environmental envelope. The agency plans to purchase two hybrid locomotives for the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad, according to an article posted this week on MBTA’s Web site.

Federal funding would cover 80 percent of the $2.6 million cost of the two power units. The procurement process likely will begin this fall, MBTA says.

Since May, MBTA has been leasing an N-ViroMotive™ locomotive — a GenSet unit designed to reduce air emissions and fuel usage — from National Railway Equipment Co. The agency is using the locomotive to transport coaches in need of repair.