The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released an initial technical evaluation of 37 options that may accelerate statewide locomotive and localized locomotive and nonlocomotive rail yard emissions reductions. For each option, the report addresses the technical feasibility, potential reductions of NOx and PM, costs, and relative cost-effectiveness.

Since the 1990s, CARB has worked to develop ways to achieve emissions reductions beyond federal locomotive emissions standards. CARB has employed various implementation mechanisms to achieve additional reductions, including state regulations, voluntary agreements, and incentive programs.

Among the technical upgrades described are locomotive replacements or engine repowers, remanufacturing locomotives, locomotive aftertreatment, replacing yard trucks/hostlers, and installing idle reduction devices in cargo handling equipment.

CARB emphasizes that the evaluations are not intended to serve as an implementation blueprint since the report does not address which state agency or agencies may have authority to implement such options. CARB says implementation issues will be addressed in a second report now being prepared. Implementation options include direct regulation, incentive funds, voluntary actions by the railroads, and enforceable agreements with the railroads.