JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX announced a plan to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with its vast and economically vital train operations by 8 percent per revenue ton mile by 2011.
The company made its commitment as part of its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders Program, a voluntary program for businesses to inventory and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
CSX’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Climate Leaders Program is the first ever from a major U.S. transportation provider. CSX’s commitment will reduce C02 emissions by 2.4 million tons — the equivalent of taking 441,000 cars off the road each year, or burning 5,598,000 fewer barrels of oil.
“Freight rail is the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly surface transportation option. We are pleased to enhance these benefits with our firm commitment to reduce CSX’s carbon footprint,” said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and CEO of CSX. “The Climate Leaders Partnership shows that by working together, business and government can serve our nation’s economic needs while improving our environment.”
In CSX’s non-railroad operations, the company plans to use building space more efficiently, improve HVAC systems, and install energy-efficient lighting and automatic computer-shutdown software.
“As we work to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure, stimulate the economy and compete in a global marketplace, investment in freight railroads will be critical,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell. “CSX’s commitment to improving the environmental efficiency of its operations will further drive improvement in what is already one of the most environmentally friendly forms of surface transportation and strengthen our country’s position as a global leader of a sustainable economy.”
Since 1980, the railroad industry has invested more than $1 billion to upgrade its fleet with more efficient, Tier II clean air locomotives and has improved locomotive fuel efficiency by over 80%. By the end of 2009, an additional 1,200 CSX locomotives will be upgraded to further reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption by nearly 10 million gallons. CSX has a long standing commitment to air quality and clean operations.
— PRNewswire-FirstCall
