UP honored by EPA for Genset technology
Written by jrood
The United States Environmental Protection Agency honored Union Pacific with its Clean Air Excellence Award for developing Genset switching locomotive technology. UP says this significantly surpasses EPA Tier 2 locomotive standards and serves as a testament to its ongoing commitment to developing environmentally responsible technologies. "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 of 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 UP 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, UP owns approximately half.
