CSX Transportation (CSXT) commended the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for new emissions regulations that will require railroads to reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions by approximately 90 percent compared to pre-regulation levels. "CSXT applauds the EPA for its careful deliberations in developing this rule and was proud to work with other stakeholders in developing this new standard," said Tony Ingram, executive vice president and chief operating officer of CSX Transportation. "At CSXT, we are committed to reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency, hand-in-hand with the EPA."

On average, trains can move one ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making railroads the most fuel efficient mode of land transportation. The EPA's new Tier 4 regulations, along with proactive emission reduction initiatives throughout the railroad industry, will serve to further reduce emissions.

Since 2000, CSXT has invested more than $1 billion to upgrade its fleet with more efficient, clean air locomotives. By 2009, more than 1,200 CSXT locomotives will be upgraded to further reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption by nearly 10 million gallons.

As part of CSXT's commitment to developing long-term sustainable clean air and climate change strategies, CSXT was the first railroad to join the EPA's Climate Leaders Program. CSXT works closely with the EPA to annually inventory and publicly report the company's greenhouse gas emissions and set goals for reducing them. CSXT is a Charter Member of the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership, which promotes voluntary reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.