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CSX Transportation long has tried to reduce emissions by using more environmentally friendly locomotives and employing “green” practices. Now, the Class I is setting a firm goal to reduce carbon dioxde (CO2) emissions by 2011.

Yesterday, CSXT announced a plan to cut CO2 emissions associated with train operations by 8 percent per revenue ton mile. The commitment is part of the railroad’s participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Leaders program, which encourages businesses to voluntarily inventory and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

CSXT also plans to use building space more efficiently, improve HVAC systems, and install energy-efficient lighting and automatic computer-shutdown software.

Overall, CSXT expects to reduce C02 emissions by 2.4 million tons, or the equivalent of taking 441,000 cars off the highway or burning 5,598,000 fewer barrels of oil, each year.

"The Climate Leaders Partnership shows that by working together, business and government can serve our nation's economic needs while improving our environment,” said CSXT Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Ward in a prepared statement.

By year’s end, CSXT expects to upgrade an additional 1,200 locomotives to further reduce emissions and cut fuel consumption by nearly 10 million gallons.

Meanwhile, BNSF Railway Co. and Vehicle Projects Inc. unveiled an operational hydrogen fuel-cell switcher yesterday at the railroad’s Topeka System Maintenance Terminal. The locomotive soon will head to the Transportation Technology Center Inc. in Pueblo, Colo., for additional testing. In late summer or early fall, the switcher will enter service in the Los Angeles Basin, according to BNSF.

The prototype addresses two overarching problems: global climate change and energy scarcity and insecurity, BNSF and Vehicle Projects officials said in an item posted on the “BNSF News” Web site.

The demonstration of the technology — which is designed for potential niche application in areas with air quality concerns — is a milestone in BNSF's testing of fuel-cell technology in a railroad application, said Vice President of Mechanical and Value Engineering Chris Roberts.