SmartWay's not just for truckers anymore. All seven major U.S. freight railroads have joined the Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary SmartWay Transport Partnership, a program designed to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. These Class 1 railroads transport more than 90 percent of all domestic rail freight. Each railroad has committed to evaluate the environmental impacts of its operations and work jointly with the EPA to develop and implement a plan to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions over the next several years.
As part of the SmartWay Transport Partnership, each of the seven railroads—BNSF Railway Co., Canadian National Railway Co., Canadian Pacific Railway, CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern Corp. and Union Pacific Railroad—will identify opportunities to save fuel and reduce emissions in its own operations. Strategies include reducing idling, improving aerodynamics, applying new fuel-saving technologies and installing emissions control devices.
Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay program aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 33 million to 66 million metric tons and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 200,000 tons by the year 2012, and save up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. The program includes major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads and other logistics companies looking to reduce emissions, protect the environment and save money.
For more information on the SmartWay Transport Partnership, visit www.epa.gov/smartway.
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