(Source: Union Pacific Railroad press release, December 12, 2012)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad today unveiled one of the seven ultra-low-emitting environmentally friendly diesel locomotives that are being used in a rail yard in the Chicago area. This ultra-low-emitting locomotive was developed by Union Pacific and is part of the railroad’s ongoing efforts to continue reducing air emissions in cooperation with federal, state and local environmental agencies.
The new 2,000-horsepower locomotives are called generator-set or “Genset” switchers and are powered by three 667-horsepower ultra-low-emission U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) off-road Tier 3-certified diesel engines. The Genset switcher reduces emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 80 percent and particulate matter by 90 percent, while using up to 37 percent less fuel compared to older switching locomotives. The fuel savings also reduces green house gases up to 37 percent.