California to vote on ambitious locomotive emission rule
The California Air Resources Board plans to vote on a first-in-the-nation, ambitious rule limiting rail pollution
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California approved Thursday a first-in-the-nation, ambitious rule limiting rail pollution to aggressively cut greenhouse gas emissions in the state's latest move to establish itself as a global leader in the fight against climate change.
The rule will ban locomotive engines more than 23 years old by 2030 and increase the use of zero-emissions technology to transport freight from ports and throughout railyards. It would also ban locomotives in the state from idling longer than 30 minutes if they are equipped with an automatic shutoff.
“It is time to kickstart the next step of transformation, with trains,” said Davina Hurt, a California Air Resources Board member.
The standards would also reduce chemicals that contribute to smog. They could improve air quality near railyards and ports.
