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Union Pacific Railroad recently won the 2010 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in California, which recognizes an individual’s, organization’s or business’ achievement in conserving the state’s resources and protecting the environment.

UP was honored for developing and using Genset switchers; the Class I operates 70 of the low-emission locomotives in California. The GenSets can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 37 percent, oxides of nitrogen emissions by 80 percent and particulate matter emissions by 90 percent compared with older switching locomotives.

Meanwhile, two North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) employees attained top honors for helping spur passenger-rail growth in the state.

NCDOT Rail Division Director Patrick Simmons was recognized by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). He has led the rail division for 15 years, during which time he helped advance the state's high-speed and intercity passenger-rail program, according to AASHTO.

Allan Paul, who directs NCDOT’s operations and facilities branch, received the Amtrak President’s Service & Safety Award. He has been a “catalyst for rail service improvement and expansion” in North Carolina, according to Amtrak.