Union Pacific Adds Low-Emission Units

Union Pacific Railroad is expanding its use of lower-emission locomotives by agreeing to conduct the rail industry’s first test of such units in regional freight service.

The largest U.S. railroad said in a Sept. 9 statement that the first of the engines remanufactured by Caterpillar Inc.’s Progress Rail Services unit will enter service later this year in the Midwest or California. For the test, Progress Rail replaced the power systems of five SD-40-2 locomotives — built during the 1970s by a General Motors Corp. subsidiary — with 3,005-horsepower engines.

Until now, the only low-emission freight locomotives that were in service were used in switching yards. However, those 2,000-horsepower units lack the power to operate on trains that typically serve customers outside metropolitan areas. The largest freight locomotives used in long-distance intercity service have at least 4,000 horsepower and are powered by diesel engines.

Union Pacific said the new units, powered with Caterpillar 3516 engines, meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 2 emission standards.

“This is another example of Union Pacific’s commitment to collaborate with our engine manufacturers to identify, develop and acquire more environmentally friendly locomotives while still meeting our operational needs,” said Bob Grimaila, the railroad’s senior assistant vice president of safety and environment.

Union Pacific and competitor BNSF Railway have operated low-emission locomotives in California rail yards, powered in some cases by hybrid diesel-electric engines. The companies have been running the units there as the state toughened its standards in the same manner that it moved to limit truck emissions.

“Progress Rail believes that it is essential to bring proven Cat technologies to the railroad industry,” said Billy Ainsworth, president of Progress Rail Services.

The project has the support of the California’s Air Resources Board, which is monitoring the tests and funded development of the new engine.

“We are pleased to partner with Union Pacific and Progress Rail and applaud them on their voluntary efforts,” said Mary Nichols, CARB chairwoman.