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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently presented its Clean Air Excellence Award to Union Pacific Railroad for developing GenSet switcher technology as part of an “ongoing commitment to developing environmentally responsible technologies,” according to a prepared statement.

Used by all U.S. Class Is, GenSets were pioneered by UP in 2005 to reduce locomotive air emissions and cut fuel usage. A GenSet “significantly surpasses” EPA Tier 2 locomotive emission standards by cutting emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 80 percent, particulate matter by 90 percent and greenhouse gases by about 37 percent, according to UP. Of the more than 300 GenSets operating worldwide, UP owns about half.

“This award recognizes Union Pacific’s leadership role in creating and implementing technologies that seek to solve environmental challenges and embody our dedication to environmentally responsible practices,” said Bob Grimaila, UP’s vice president of safety, security and environment.

Meanwhile, CSX Corp. received the Maryland Green Registry's 2011 Leadership Award for environmental stewardship achievements. The award recognizes the Class I’s efforts to deploy ultra-low-emission GenSets in various yards, including Curtis Bay Yard in Baltimore.

The Maryland Green Registry is a voluntary state of Maryland initiative designed to share companies’ best practices in environmental leadership. CSX joined the registry in 2010.

“Deploying GenSets in Maryland is part of our company-wide initiative to continue capitalizing on the environmental benefits of shipping freight by rail,” said Carl Gerhardstein, CSX’s assistant vice president of environmental systems and sustainability.