Breathing Easy: How California's New Rail Pollution Rule Improves Lives

Photo Source- Google.com

As per the California Air Resources Board(CARB), in California, train pollution makes up about 15% of health-harming nitrogen oxide pollution from freight sources.

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The California Air Resources Board is aiming for reduction in locomotive pollution.

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California approved a first-in-the-nation rule limiting rail pollution to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce smog.

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The rule bans locomotive engines more than 23 years old by 2030 and increases the use of zero-emissions technology to transport freight from ports and throughout railyards.

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CARB estimates that operational emissions from a single train are more adverse than those of 400 heavy-duty trucks.

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Railyards often operate at all hours of the day and night, blaring horns and churning diesel exhaust directly into people’s homes.

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Union Pacific's Colton Railyard is just 350 feet from the nearest residences and neighbors of a local high school.

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The UP Colton Railyard accounted for a roughly 35% increase in cancer risk for those most highly exposed.

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Rail makes-up nearly 2% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US.

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The rule would bring all railroads operating in California to zero-emissions, resulting in $32 billion in health benefits.

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