EPA Plans New Pollution Rules Governing Railroad Locomotives

he Environmental Protection Agency said it is planning to target locomotive pollution emissions with a plan that could have as dramatic an effect on railroads as the agency’s past regulations have had on the trucking industry.

EPA spokesman John Millett confirmed that the agency is planning to issue draft regulations by the end of this year for engines that power trains and ships. The regulations would reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions by 80% to 90% from current levels. He said the draft plan would be finalized by the end of 2007.

Changes to environmental standards for railroads will “follow exactly the same pattern” as recent environmental rules for truck engines, said Millett. “ We’re linking clean fuels with new engine technology.”