California is taking aiming at dirty diesel exhaust from locomotives with new regulations aimed at getting operators to shift to cleaner locomotives.For 50 years, California has ratcheted up rules to curb tailpipe pollution from cars and trucks with the goal of reducing lung and heart disease and smog that once frequently fouled Los Angeles’ air. Now the state is targeting dirty exhaust from diesel-powered trains that it says has become a top source of harmful emissions.
“Locomotives are a key part of California’s transportation network, and it’s time that they are part of the solution to tackle pollution and clean our air,” CARB Chair Liane Randolph said in an emailed statement. “We are moving toward a future where all transportation operations in the state will be zero emissions.”
Though California has the authority to regulate automotive emissions in the state, granted to it by Congress decades ago, it’s never attempted to do that with exhaust generated by freight railroads that haul cargo across the country. The Association of American Railroads, which represents the freight rail industry, questions whether California’s authority extends to them.
The Association said its members have worked with California to reduce emissions and that “railroads’ commitment to helping the state reduce emissions and making operations more sustainable nationwide has not wavered.”