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PA CALIFORNIA FREIGHT RAILROADS TO USE LESS POLLUTING ENGINES IN SOUTH COAST BAY AREA

Release Date: 05/16/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MAY 16, 1997

CALIFORNIA FREIGHT RAILROADS TO USE
LESS POLLUTING ENGINES IN SOUTH COAST BAY AREA

The EPA, the California Air Resources Board and two freight railroads operating in the south coast air basin have signed a Statement of Principles voluntarily agreeing to reduce locomotive nitrogen oxide emissions. Under the agreement the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad, and the Union Pacific Railroad will accelerate the introduction of cleaner, less polluting locomotives in southern California starting in 2005 and completely replace the older engines over a five-year period. The fast-paced phase-in of the new, cleaner engines is expected to help the Los Angeles metro area achieve compliance with the federal ozone (smog) standard by reducing area locomotive nitrogen oxides emissions by 23 tons per day. Normally, locomotive engine turnover occurs over a 30-year period. Earlier this year, EPA proposed national emission standards for new locomotives which it expects to finalize in December. The national program will take effect in 2000.


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