The Class Is are teaming up with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the SmartWay Partnership, a federal program that establishes incentives for reducing fuel usage and air emissions.
Under the voluntary partnership, railroads will try to cut annual fuel consumption by about 150 million barrels of oil, and reduce emissions by about 66 million metric-tons of carbon dioxide and 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide by 2012.
The Class Is already are implementing a number of environmentally friendly initiatives. BNSF Railway Co., Canadian Pacific Railway and Union Pacific Railroad have ordered or are operating Green Goat® hybrid locomotives designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions about 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, compared with a conventional switcher. BNSF also operates four liquid-natural-gas-powered locomotives that reduce emissions and fuel usage.
In addition, BNSF, UP, CSX Transportation, Canadian National Railway Co., Norfolk Southern Railway and Kansas City Southern are employing idle-reducing technology, and using on-board computers, distributed power and low-friction bearings.
SmartWay promotes partnerships between the EPA, freight transportation companies and shippers to improve environmental performance; the reduction of engine idling at rail yards, truck stops, ports and distribution hubs; and increased use of rail and intermodal operations.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News
