Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Amtrak plans net-zero carbon emissions by 2045

- LUZ LAZO

America’s passenger railroad plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, Amtrak says, joining a growing list of transporta­tion carriers and agencies that have made commitment­s to reduce their carbon footprints.

Amtrak said it also plans to reduce diesel fuel usage through improved technology and use carbon-free electricit­y by 2030.

The carrier, which operates more than 300 trains serving more than 500 destinatio­ns daily, said it will invest in research in collaborat­ion with states and experts to advance innovation­s in fuel cells, hydrogen, batteries and other zero-emission technologi­es.

“Not only are trains convenient and comfortabl­e, they are also one of the most sustainabl­e modes of transporta­tion,” Amtrak chief executive Stephen Gardner said in a statement.

“With new equipment, modernized stations and net zero emissions, Amtrak can lead the drive toward sustainabl­e transporta­tion throughout the nation.”

Domestic airlines have also recently announced measures to reduce their contributi­ons to greenhouse gases and climate change, setting goals to bring emissions to net-zero within 30 years.

The transporta­tion sector is the largest contributo­r of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 27% in 2020, according to the Environmen­tal Protection Agency.

Rail contribute­s about 2% of the transporta­tion-related greenhouse gas emissions, lower than aircraft (8%), trucks (27%) and personal cars (57%), according to EPA data.

“We congratula­te Amtrak for this ambitious commitment to further reduce its carbon footprint, cementing its place as a leader in the clean transporta­tion revolution,” Transporta­tion Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

Amtrak is purchasing more fuel- and energy-efficient fleets, including dual-power locomotive­s that will run on electricit­y where possible, and hybrid train sets that can operate on battery power.

The carrier last year announced a $7.3 billion plan to replace nearly 40% of its rail car fleet by 2031, including taking the oldest cars in Amtrak’s fleet out of service.

The railroad’s plans include replacing 30-year-old diesel power cars with more efficient cars that it says emit nearly 90% less of the pollutant nitrogen oxide.

The Acela fleet set to enter service next fall will carry 25% more passengers and will be 20% more energy efficient.

Funding from last year’s infrastruc­ture law, which allocated $66 billion to rail, will help Amtrak in the effort, the railroad said.

“Not only are trains convenient and comfortabl­e, they are also one of the most sustainabl­e modes of transporta­tion.”

— Chief executive Stephen Gardner

 ?? (The Washington Post) ?? An Amtrak Acela power car and train sit on a test track at the Alstom production facility in Hornell, N.Y., in this file photo.
(The Washington Post) An Amtrak Acela power car and train sit on a test track at the Alstom production facility in Hornell, N.Y., in this file photo.

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