Passenger Rail
California High Speed Rail Authority
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is developing an 800-mile high-speed train system that will operate at speeds of up to 220 miles per hour, connecting the state’s urban centers, including the Bay Area, Fresno, Los Angeles and San Diego. The first phase of the project, projected to cost about $43 billion, will begin operation once the first operable segment (150-200 miles) is built, connecting the system to at least one major metropolitan center. The project is being funded through a voter-approved bond, public-private partnerships and federal grants.
California has already secured more than $3 billion in federal funding, the most of any state in the nation and a welcome step toward a long-term federal commitment. This incorporates grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as federal grants from other sources. Matched with varying levels of state funds, these dollars mean that more than $5.5 billion total is available to begin work on California’s high-speed rail system.
Freight & Locomotives
CARB Funds Development of Cleaner Diesel Trains
In August, 2010, the California Air Resources Board awarded a $502,865 grant toward the development of a cleaner diesel train serving the Sacramento area. The two-year grant will be used to develop high-tech filters and other devices that will cut a diesel train's carbon emissions by up to 85 percent. The new device will be installed on an existing Union Pacific cargo train that will make regular runs between the Port of Oakland and the Roseville railyard.
The air board currently is funding two other demonstration projects in California seeking to build cleaner trains.
Anacostia & Pacific’s Clean Locomotive Program
Anacostia & Pacific’s Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) won 2009 Clean Air Honors from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for slashing air pollution. In the past two years, PHL took delivery of 22 clean-diesel locomotives, lowering particulate emissions by 70 percent, cutting nitrogen oxide emissions by 46 percent, and reducing fuel use by an estimated 7 to 9 percent. PHL’s efforts also garnered a 2008 Environmental Excellence Award from the EPA.
Union Pacific’s Generator-Set (or “Genset”) Switcher
Union Pacific’s most environmentally-friendly yard locomotive, the Genset switcher, was first deployed in May 2008. These locomotives have reduced emissions of oxides of nitrogen up to 80 percent and particulate matter up to 90 percent. UP has more than 160 Gensets in service in yards and is adding newer, more powerful models to increase power to push rail cars.
Ultra-Clean Diesel Locomotives
In 2010, Union Pacific and Progess Rail Services completed one year of operation for the first of five ultra-clean diesel locomotives being tested in intermediate line-haul service in southern California. The PR30C-LoNOx locomotive has been repowered with a single 3,005-horsepower, low-emission, Caterpillar clean-diesel engine. Equipped with state-of-the-art aftertreatment, the unit met Tier 4 nitrogen oxide and Tier 3 particulate matter standards during testing. The aftertreatment uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce emissions, improve overall fuel efficiency and allow the engine to function at higher, more optimal combustion temperatures.
Freight railroads are committed to preserving the beauty and natural resources of America and are being recognized for this dedication. In 2009, BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific were all named to Newsweek's “Greenest Companies” list for transportation and aerospace companies. Newsweek highlighted the railroads' initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as employing new locomotive technologies, electric cranes, and natural gas-powered locomotives and trucks and efforts to phase-out older locomotives. Plus all Class I railroads have joined the Environmental Protection Agency's Smart Way Transport Partnership, a voluntary partnership aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
