NS: Partnering to Cut Emissions

Norfolk Southern is partnering with cities to reduce locomotive emissions in congested urban areas where we operate rail yards. The company’s strategy involves purchasing new low-emissions engines; coupling locomotives with engineless “slugs” that add emissions-free pulling power; and installing plug-in engine heating systems that reduce locomotive idling. While improving air quality, the effort reduces fuel use and operating expenses.

Partnerships to Improve Air Quality
Norfolk Southern is working with state and local officials in Illinois and Georgia to equip rail yards with low-emissions locomotives, helping two major metropolitan areas meet federal clean air standards.

In 2014, Norfolk Southern received locomotive grant funding for the first time through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program – called CMAQ – for an initiative to increase the number of emissions-friendly locomotives at yards in Atlanta and Chicago. The grants will partially fund 25 switching locomotives – 15 for Chicago and 10 for Atlanta.

Employees at our Juniata Locomotive Shop are installing new EMD “ECO” engines on refurbished GP50 locomotives built in 1980 and 1981. The result: the GP33ECO switcher. The 3,000-horsepower engines meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 emissions standards – the most stringent in effect for locomotive engines manufactured through 2014.

Juniata released the first two upgraded locomotives for in-service testing in January 2015. The fuel-efficient engines reduce emissions of EPA-regulated air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen, or NOx, a contributor to ozone, which is linked to climate change; particulate matter; hydrocarbons; and smoke.

Chicago and Atlanta officials support the project as part of their cities’ efforts to improve air quality and comply with federal Clean Air Act attainment standards.

Learn more about Norfolk Southern's Emissions Reduction initiatives.