CSX Transportation Brings Cleaner Air to Avon

Avon, IN — CSX Transportation (CSXT) recently unveiled two ultra low-emission GenSet locomotives, which will operate full-time at its Avon Yard in the Town of Avon, outside of Indianapolis. CSXT is the first railroad in Indiana to utilize GenSet locomotives, which can reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by 80 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 percent and switch to a “sleep” mode after a period of inactivity.

“GenSet locomotives are part of CSXT’s commitment to the environment. These locomotives create 80 percent fewer emissions than a typical rail yard locomotive and use less fuel,” said Tony Ingram, executive vice president and chief operating officer, CSX Transportation. “Reducing emissions benefits Indiana’s environment and is just one of our many sustainable practices.”

The GenSet locomotives will be used to switch cars within CSXT’s Avon Yard. These locomotives are significantly quieter than existing locomotives; they achieve the most stringent noise level requirements for off-road capital equipment. “This green technology will bring clear air to the Town of Avon and the region,” said Avon Town Council President Greg Zusan. “I applaud CSX Transportation for introducing these new engines to the Avon Yard.”

The GenSet locomotives were retrofitted through joint funding from CSXT and the Federal Congestion, Mitigation, and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) fund. The Town of Avon applied for funding on behalf of CSXT, and funds were allotted to the states and administered by the State of Indiana.

CSXT has a long-standing commitment to air quality and clean operations. Since 2000, CSXT has invested more than $1 billion to upgrade its locomotive fleet with technology that reduces both fuel consumption and air pollutant emissions. Through these efforts, the company has improved its fuel efficiency by approximately 90 percent since 1980. By the end of 2009, 1,200 CSXT locomotives will have been upgraded to further reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption by nearly 10 million gallons. CSXT was also the first Class 1 Railroad to join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders Program through which the company set voluntary emission goals.