(The following article by Barbara Anderson was posted on the Fresno Bee website on October 1.)
FRESNO, Calif. — A $75,000 grant to upgrade aging diesel locomotives in the San Joaquin Valley is only the beginning of a voluntary program to help clean up the sooty air, say federal environmental officials.
“We’re really trying to use it to build momentum,” said Kerry Drake, associate director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in San Francisco.
The grant to Union Pacific and to Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway is part of $6 million in West Coast voluntary emission reduction projects that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday. None of the funding so far relates to agriculture, a prime source of the valley’s pollution.
The rail companies will use the grant to retrofit 10 switcher locomotives in the valley to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and diesel particulates.
The new technology switches engines off when they are not needed. It should result in engines idling about 2,500 fewer hours per year, which is significant, Drake said.
The EPA said in a written statement that each railroad will contribute $45,000 along with the $75,000 EPA grant.
“This partnership will allow us to accelerate our efforts to reduce diesel air emissions and to specifically improve air quality for people in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Bob Grimailia, Union Pacific’s senior assistant vice president for safety, environment and security.
Keith Nilmeier, a Fresno grape farmer and owner of a trucking firm, said leaving agriculture out of the picture could be a mistake.
“If there is any grant money, ag should get some portion so we can continue to change out of older motors to new technology and clean up our act,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can but need a continuing, progressive program.”
Drake said the farming industry is discussing proposals for future grants.
Nilmeier said he is pleased that the grants announced Thursday include a plan to take a closer look at the effects of Mexican trucks on U.S. roadways. Some farm leaders believe those trucks could be a source of significant pollution.