Union Pacific awarded for emission-reducing investments

Union Pacific Railroad received the Green Leadership award in transportation from the Sacramento Business Journal, following a $20 million investment into 25 experimental locomotives to test emissions-reducing technologies.

The award recognizes companies, agencies and individuals demonstrating a strong commitment to making the Sacramento region a thriving hub for clean technology.

"Union Pacific consistently works to reduce locomotive emissions by developing and implementing new technology," said Mike Iden, Union Pacific general director, car and locomotive engineering. "This award recognizes our industry-leading role in emissions reduction and the positive impact that these efforts have on the communities where we operate trains."  

The company recently announced $21 million investment programme to strengthen Missouri’s transportation infrastructure, in a bid to reduce highway congestion and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Union Pacific plans to construct a second main line track spanning over nine miles in the Bell City area in southeast Missouri. The project, which is funded entirely by the company, began earlier this month, and is scheduled for completion by the end of October 2013.

The new line will extend about four miles to the north and south of Bell City and will support long-range projected rail traffic growth, improve train operating efficiency, increase capacity on the rail line and enhance safety. According to the company’s website, one Union Pacific train can take up to 300 trucks off America's roads, and Union Pacific can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel.

"Union Pacific helps link businesses with consumers, suppliers and markets across the nation and around the world," said Joe Bateman, Union Pacific vice president - Public Affairs, Northern Region.  "In addition to helping move customers' goods more safely and efficiently, our investments support communities by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating industrial development and, promoting economic expansion."