Air Quality

Improving air quality is a significant challenge in several regions of the U.S. as cities work to meet Clean Air Act requirements and improve quality of life for their citizens. Rail freight transportation can provide tremendous value in reducing the country's overall transportation emissions and carbon footprint.

Rail continues to outperform trucks in producing lower emissions per ton mile of freight. As we take freight off the highway, we also significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the health of the planet. Trains move the same ton of freight more than three times as far as trucks per gallon of fuel, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). This efficiency produces nearly one-quarter fewer carbon dioxide emissions per ton mile than trucks. In addition, on a per ton-mile basis compared with trucks, railroads emit less than one-seventh the particulate matter, and just one-third the nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

Improved fuel efficiency immediately reduces emissions. We're also developing innovative technology, monitoring our performance and reviewing the overall efficiency of our operations to find ways to reduce emissions.