Locomotives and Rail
The Locomotive and Rail sector like many of our other WCC sectors help move the goods we need. Yet this sector poses a particular risk to communities as people often live near rail yards. Thus, it is important to focus on reducing locomotive and rail emissions for the sake of community health. This page provides information on current and potential emissions reduction projects in the West Coast region. Efforts to reducing rail emissions focus on topics that include reducing emissions through idle reduction, emerging technologies, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, leveraging federal funds, and sharing lessons learned regarding technologies and best practices. The WCC also funds a variety of Locomotive and Rail Projects and administers EPA funding programs such as the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.
Locomotive and Rail Funding Opportunities
- The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration, provides funding for rail projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail including projects that rehabilitate, remanufacture, procure, or overhaul locomotives for emission reductions. Learn more about the program including how to apply for funding.
Locomotive and Rail Resources
- U.S. EPA SmartWay: This page provides information on a voluntary program that aims to augment supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency.
- U.S. EPA Ports Initiative: This page provides resources for ports, which may be relevant to port connected railways, including technical resources, news, funding opportunities, best practices for clean air, and more.
- U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration: The mission of the federal railroad administration is the enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods for a strong America, now and in the future.
- California Air Resources Board "Reducing Rail Emissions in California" site: This page provides California regulatory information for rail operators, study analyses, and more for rail operators.
- Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy: The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy is a voluntary collaboration among Northwest Seaport Alliance, Port of Seattle, and Port of Tacoma in the U.S., and Vancouver with a vision to reduce -- and ultimately eliminate -- seaport-related air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound airshed.