(CSX issued the following on March 17, 2009.)
CHICAGO — Michael Ward, Chairman, President and CEO of CSX, met with local officials today at the LaSalle Street train station to unveil ultra-low emission GenSet locomotives to be operated in the Chicago area.
CSX Transportation (CSXT) is among the first railroads to put these fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly locomotives into use in the state of Illinois, using them at the nearby Barr Yard in Riverdale in Chicago’s south suburbs.
“For almost 150 years, Chicago has been the largest rail hub in the country, contributing $22 billion in annual economic value to the region’s manufacturers and businesses,” said Michael Ward. “CSXT is proud to be among the first railroads operating lower-emissions GenSet locomotives in the Chicago area.”
GenSet locomotives reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by 80 percent and can create carbon dioxide emissions savings of up to 50 percent by monitoring engine idling and switching to a “sleep” mode after a period of inactivity.
The GenSet locomotives will be used to switch rail cars at CSXT’s yard located in Riverdale. GenSet locomotives are significantly quieter than conventional locomotives, achieving the most stringent noise level requirements for off-road capital equipment.
“This kind of green technology is of great benefit to our environment. We applaud CSX’s efforts to be a leader in GenSet technology in the Chicagoland region,” said Zenovia Evans, Mayor of Riverdale.
In an ongoing effort to reduce fuel consumption and air pollutant emissions, CSXT has invested more than $1 billion in technology to upgrade its fleet. Since 1980, the company has improved its fuel efficiency by approximately 80 percent.
CSXT was the first railroad to join the EPA’s Climate Leaders program and is working to reduce its emissions. CSXT is also an award-winning and Charter Member of the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership. This partnership was designed to promote voluntary reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. CSXT’s fuel conservation measures and better management of its waste stream have already contributed to that goal.
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation’s leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company’s transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at the company’s web site, www.csx.com.