advertisement

---

Union Pacific Railroad’s attempts to employ more environmentally friendly locomotives have been noticed outside the rail industry. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recently presented the Class I an Environmental Excellence in Transportation award in the mobility and engine-emissions category.

The award recognizes UP for using Generator-Set (Genset) switchers — which reduce air emissions about 80 percent to 90 percent compared with conventional switchers — in yards. A worldwide standards-setting organization, SAE International established the awards in 2000 to honor individuals or companies that make significant innovations in reducing the transportation industry’s impact on the environment.

In January, UP received the first of 60 Genset locomotives for its Los Angeles-area yards. By year’s end, the railroad expects to operate a total of 159 Genset switchers, including 61 in L.A. and 98 in Texas.