(The following appeared in the Jacksonville Journal on May 27.)
CSX Transportation Inc. is introducing two ultra-low emission GenSet locomotives at its Rougemere Yard in Dearborn, Mich.
GenSet locomotives reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by 80 percent, the company said in a news release. The locomotives also can enable users to lower carbon dioxide emissions by about 50 percent by monitoring engine idling and switching to a sleep mode after a period of inactivity.
The GenSets — the first low-emission locomotives deployed in Michigan and on CSXT’s 23-state rail network — will be used to switch cars within CSXT’s Rougemere yard. The locomotives are significantly quieter than existing locomotives, meeting noise level requirements for off-road capital equipment.
The technology for these locomotives was bought through a public-private partnership with Michigan.
The new GenSet locomotives were retrofitted through the partnership between CSXT (NYSE: CSX), the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. CSXT and Michigan officials are negotiating the purchase of two additional locomotives.
CSXT, a member of the EPA’s Climate Leaders program, has reported investing more than $1 billion to upgrade its fleet with technology for reducing fuel consumption and air pollution. The company has improved fuel efficiency by about 80 percent since 1980.
CSXT also is a charter member of the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership, which promotes voluntary reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.