Union Pacific Railroad Honored by EPA for Genset Technology Development
OMAHA, Neb., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored Union Pacific Railroad with its Clean Air Excellence Award for developing Genset switching locomotive technology, which significantly surpasses EPA Tier 2 locomotive standards and serves as a testament to Union Pacific's ongoing commitment to developing environmentally responsible technologies.
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"This award recognizes Union Pacific's leadership role in creating and implementing technologies that seek to solve environmental challenges and embody our dedication to environmentally responsible practices," said Bob Grimaila, Union Pacific vice president - Safety, Security and Environment. "We will continue working to develop technologies and improve processes that drive safety, service and efficiency."
The Genset, which today is used by each of the nation's large railroads, was pioneered by Union Pacific in 2005 in an effort to develop a solution to curb the amount of emissions and fuel usage by locomotives. By using only as many of its three engines as necessary at any given time, the Genset reduces emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 80 percent and particulate matter by 90 percent, and fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 37 percent. Of the more than 300 Gensets operating worldwide, Union Pacific owns approximately half.
EPA awardees were chosen based upon their development of unique, sustainable solutions that directly reduced emissions of hazardous and toxic air pollutants and provided a model for others in their industry to follow.
Railroads provide the most fuel efficient and environmentally responsible mode of ground freight transportation. Union Pacific is an industry leader in developing environmental management practices and technology.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise.
SOURCE Union Pacific Railroad
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