The CAAP Update proposes new measures to tackle air pollution from locomotives. These measures address air quality from the two types of railroad operations:switching and line haul. Switching refers to short movements of rail cars, such as in the assembling and disassembling of trains at various locations in and around the ports. Line haul refers to the movement of cargo over long distances, originating or ending within the ports as cargo is picked up for transport to destinations across the county or is dropped off for shipment overseas.

Rail Switch Engine Modernization

This measure proposes that Pacific Harbor Line, which handles the ports’ switching operations, modernize its fleet to include the cleanest switcher locomotive engines, use the cleanest available fuels and install 15-minute idling limit devices on all of its switch engines.

Class 1 Line-Haul and Switcher Fleet Modernization

All Class 1 line haul and switcher locomotives must meet the emissions reductions associated with the California Air Resources Board’s Class 1 railroads Memorandum of Understanding and the 2008 USEPA locomotive engine standards, including:

• By 2007, phase-out all non-essential idling and maximize use of ULSD fuel
• By 2010, all Class 1 locomotives entering the ports will meet emissions equivalent to Tier 2 locomotive standards
• By 2023, all Class 1 locomotives entering the ports will meet emissions equivalent to Tier 3 locomotive standards

New and Redeveloped Near-Dock Rail Yards

The goal of this measure is to incorporate the cleanest locomotive, cargo-handling equipment and heavy-duty truck technologies into near-dock rail operations on port properties. The performance standards for these rail yards include:

• By 2020, with the assistance of the ports’ regulatory agency partners and in concert with the California Air Resources Board’s stated goals, the ports will support the goal of accelerating the natural turnover of the line-haul locomotive fleet resulting in a state-wide fleet comprised of at least 95% Tier 4 locomotive engines.
• Idling restrictions
• Use of ultra low-sulfur diesel or alternative fuels
• Clean cargo-handling equipment and heavy-duty trucks
• Evaluation of new cleaner technologies

Details of the railroad locomotive control measures can be found in the CAAP Update.