Amtrak Emissions Reduction Initiatives.ppt

Amtrak Emissions Reduction Initiatives Ellen McDermott February 23, 2005 Passenger Rail: A “Greener” Option Amtrak is committed to protecting the environment and offers a lower emitting transportation option According to a 2004 Transportation Research Board report, public transportation: reduces CO2 emissions by more than 7.4 million tons per year in the U.S. produces 95% less CO, at least 92% fewer VOCs, and nearly half as much CO2 and NOx for every passenger mile traveled than private vehicles NRDC study (1992) indicated proposed Chicago-Detroit rail service was a significantly lower source of emissions than auto or air travel (grams per passenger mile) Northeast Corridor Electrification 1999 marked the completion of electrification of the north end of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor (New Haven, CT to Boston, MA) 90 miles of electrified track eliminated over 30 daily diesel trains Final EIS (1994) projected significant net reductions of daily emissions (esp. NOx and SO2) from the Amtrak electrified/high speed service when compared to auto and air travel CARB Fuel Amtrak is using California Air Resources Board (CARB) low-sulfur diesel fuel in California (about 300 ppm sulfur content) Green Goat Switcher Diesel-battery hybrid locomotive tested for two months in Washington, D.C. in 2004 Current grant application in for Green Kid (1,000 hp version of 2,000 hp Green Goat) through Carl Moyer program for Los Angeles locomotive maintenance yard Purchase of New Switchers Amtrak will purchase 10 new switcher locomotives in FY05, which meet EPA Tier 2 locomotive emission standards Tier 2 standards are not required for passenger rail locomotives until 2007 Idle Reduction Initiatives Administrative practice in place to turn off idling locomotives in environments greater than 40 F. Installation of automatic start/stop devices in 80 locomotives during major overhauls in FY05-FY06 Applied for EPA/West Coast Diesel Emissions Collaborative grant for installation of the s