Commercial, Sourcing Renewables - October 4, 2023
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Uses Renewable Diesel
The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® service, announced the passenger rail fleet is being powered by a more sustainable fuel alternative.
The Pacific Surfliner trains will now operate on renewable diesel (RD), which is made from renewable raw materials such as used cooking oil instead of crude oil and significantly reduces GHG emissions by an estimated 63% compared to fossil diesel.
The switch to RD offers the potential to reduce other harmful emissions, including fine particulates and nitrogen oxides, leading to improved local air quality.
"The adoption of renewable diesel for our Pacific Surfliner service is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and the fight against climate change," said Jewel Edson, Chair of the LOSSAN Agency Board of Directors, in a statement. "We take immense pride in joining forces with Amtrak, state and federal agencies, rail equipment manufacturers, and fuel distributors who share our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability."
The adoption of renewable diesel for the Pacific Surfliner fleet is the result of a collaborative effort that engaged key stakeholders, including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Amtrak, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, and other partners.
The Pacific Surfliner currently operates with diesel-electric Charger locomotives, the first passenger locomotive to receive the stringent Tier IV emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), making it one of the cleanest diesel-electric passenger locomotives in operation.
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