The test will help railroads and locomotive manufacturers develop technologies to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emissions standards, which go into effect in 2015. The railroad expects a 45 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides and an 85 percent reduction in particulate emissions.
No. 9900 is the first of 25 locomotives that UP will use to test emissions reductions in California. The emissions reduction capability will be analyzed by Union Pacific and the California Air Resources Board over the next 18 months. The railroad is investing $20 million in the project.
Another 15 test locomotives, in addition to the No. 9900, will be based at Roseville and will have the ability to be retrofitted with the emission reduction technology as the program progresses. An additional nine locomotives will be based in Colton, Calif. The locomotives will be used in yard and local service up to 200 miles.
“The testing and analysis of these locomotives is part of an ongoing initiative at Union Pacific to develop and use technology in pursuit of emissions reductions,” said Mike Iden, Union Pacific general director, car and locomotive engineering. “This effort is emblematic of our continued commitment to provide environmentally responsible freight transportation.”
The locomotive will be available for display in Sacramento on September 29-30 as a part of the railroad’s 150th anniversary celebration.
