advertisement

---

The California Northern Railroad (CFNR) now is operating an environmentally friendly locomotive fleet. The RailAmerica Inc. subsidiary recently converted its fleet by purchasing four new N-ViroMotive™ Gen-Set locomotives from National Railway Equipment Co.

The ultra-low-emitting and fuel-efficient locomotives were obtained through California’s Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, which covered 85 percent of the cost. The motive power, which is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to meet Tier 3 emission standards, can reduce nitrous-oxide and particulate matter emissions by 85 percent to 90 percent, and cut fuel usage 20 percent to 30 percent compared with a conventional switcher. The 260-mile CFNR plans to retire its remaining older-model locomotives.
 
"Now that all five of [our] locomotives are ultra-low emitting and more fuel-efficient, … we are able to further reduce our carbon footprint, said CFNR General Manager Don Seil in a prepared statement.
 
CFNR operates three segments in the Sacramento, San Joaquin and Napa Valley area, and interchanges with Union Pacific Railroad in three locations.