EPA Proposes Rule to Cut Diesel Locomotive and Marine Pollution
2 March 2007
|Proposed standards for switch locomotives. Line-haul engines have different standards, as do the multiple classes of marine engines. Click to enlarge.|
EPA is proposing a new rule to significantly reduce air pollution from locomotive and marine diesel engines below 30 liters per cylinder displacement. The Clean Air Locomotive and Marine Diesel Rule would set stringent emission standards and require the use of advanced technology to reduce emissions.
When fully implemented, the Clean Air Locomotive and Marine Diesel Rule would cut particulate matter emissions from these engines by 90% percent and nitrogen oxides emissions by 80% compared to the current Tier 2 standards.
This would result in annual health benefits of $12 billion in 2030 and reduce premature deaths, hospitalizations and respiratory illnesses across the United States. These benefits would continue to grow as older locomotive and marine engines are replaced. Overall benefits are estimated to outweigh costs by more than 20 to 1.
By tackling the greatest remaining source of diesel emissions, we’re keeping our nation’s clean air progress moving full steam ahead. Over the last century, diesels have been America’s economic workhorse, and through this rule, an economic workhorse is also becoming an environmental workhorse.—EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson
The proposal would significantly reduce harmful emissions from these engines through a three-part program:
Tightening emission standards for existing locomotives when they are remanufactured.
Setting near-term engine-out emission standards, referred to as Tier 3 standards, for newly-built locomotives and marine diesel engines; and
Setting longer-term standards, referred to as Tier 4 standards, for newly-built locomotives and marine diesel engines that reflect the application of high-efficiency aftertreatment technology.
EPA is also proposing provisions to eliminate emissions from unnecessary locomotive idling and is asking for comment on a concept to reduce emissions from existing marine diesel engines when they are remanufactured. This proposal is part of EPA’s ongoing National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines of all types.
The proposal cuts emissions from all types of diesel locomotives, including line-haul, switch, and passenger rail, as well as from a wide range of marine sources, including ferries, tugboats, yachts and marine auxiliary engines. This includes small generator sets to large generators on ocean-going ships.
The locomotive remanufacturing proposal would take effect as soon as certified systems are available, as early as 2008, but no later than 2010. Tier 3 standards for new locomotive and marine diesel engines would phase-in starting in 2009. Tier 4 long-term standards would phase-in beginning in 2014 for marine diesel engines and 2015 for locomotives. The rule also explores a remanufacturing program for existing large marine diesel engines similar to the existing program for locomotives. Other provisions seek to reduce unnecessary locomotive idling.
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