RAC files latest locomotive emissions report

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) has filed with Transport Canada the association's latest locomotive emissions monitoring (LEM) report, which shows a decline in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and criteria air contaminants despite increases in freight- and passenger-rail traffic.

The report is part of the Canadian railroads' efforts to help improve fuel efficiency and reduce transportation-related emissions.

Annual LEM reports are among the requirements of a multiyear memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Transportation Canada and RAC, which date to 1995. The current MOU is in place until 2022, RAC officials said in a press release.

The MOU calls for a comprehensive pathway document for aligning government and industry efforts to reduce emissions produced by the rail sector.

"Canada’s railways share the public’s concerns over climate change, and we support the government’s actions to encourage the shift from higher- to lower-emitting transportation modes. Freight and intercity railways have already improved their fuel efficiency by more than 40 and 55 percent respectively since 1990," said RAC President and Chief Executive Officer Marc Brazeau. "All RAC members are committed to doing their part and will further reduce their GHG emissions by 2022.”