(Source: CSX press release, June 30, 2011)
SELKIRK, N.Y. — Public and private sector representatives today unveiled the state’s second ultra-low emission GenSet locomotive at an event at CSX Transportation’s Selkirk Yard. Jointly funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CSX, the locomotive will be used at Selkirk Yard, significantly reducing nitrous oxide, particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions in the area.
The GenSet locomotive was purchased with a $1 million EPA award under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to the New York State Department of Transportation, made possible through the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. CSX funded the remaining $400,000 as part of its commitment to reducing emissions and using less fuel.
GenSet locomotives reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by approximately 80 percent and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent through technologies that monitor engine idling and switch to “sleep” mode after a period of inactivity.
The introduction of GenSet locomotives throughout CSX’s network is part of the company’s commitment to reduce its carbon dioxide intensity 8 percent by 2011, which was achieved nearly one year ahead of schedule. Over the last decade, CSX has invested more than $1.5 billion to upgrade its locomotive fleet with technology that reduces fuel consumption and air pollutant emissions. Through these efforts, the company has improved its fuel efficiency by more than 90 percent since 1980.