Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Union Pacific Railroad wins California's top environmental leadership award


The Union Pacific Railroad has been honoured for developing the ultra-low emitting Genset switching (what we call shunting) locomotive, and expansive use of this technology in its California fleet

These locomotives operate using technology developed by Union Pacific that use modified, low-emission Environmental Protection Agency -certified "off-road" diesel engines (derived from low-emission, truck-style diesel engines), and that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37 percent, emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 80 percent, and particulate matter by 90 percent compared to older switching locomotives. UP currently has nearly 70 of these ultra-low-emission locomotives operating in California.

The Railroad won the 2010 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), California's highest and most prestigious environmental honour. The award recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California's resources, protecting and enhancing the environment and building public-private partnerships.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recognized Union Pacific and other GEELA recipients at a reception at the Governors' Global Climate Summit last week.

"This honor recognizes Union Pacific’s ongoing commitment to developing new technologies that bolster our environmentally friendly transportation of freight," said Mike Iden, Union Pacific general director, car and locomotive engineering. "American businesses and consumers depend on Union Pacific to safely and reliably deliver the products they need and use every day. We are proud of our leadership role in developing and implementing new technologies and practices that further our ability to keep America moving with greater environmental efficiency."

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