The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will develop options and recommendations to address pollution from locomotives in the United States.
The action is in part the EPA’s response to petitions from several entities regarding “harmful nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions from locomotives,” a Nov. 9 news release said. California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association submitted petitions.
“Locomotives remain a significant source of emissions, often disproportionately impacting the health of communities that are located near railyards and ports,” Joseph Goffman, EPA Office of Air and Radiation principal deputy assistant administrator, said in the release. “EPA’s response reflects a commitment to deliver significant and needed public health benefits for underserved communities across the country that are overburdened by higher levels of diesel exhaust.”
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said he’s “proud to help lead the charge in California to defend our nationally leading clean air protections and reduce vehicle emissions,” the release reported
“But EPA must also do their part by regulating emissions from locomotives nationwide. That’s why I’m grateful to EPA for heeding my calls and those from California’s air pollution agencies,” Padilla said in the release.
