California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

Chapter XIII – Environment and Land Use
AIR QUALITY
Two pollutants were examined in addressing air quality: hydrocarbons and carbon
monoxide. These were measured in grams of pollutants. The pollution saved by
the reductions in vehicle miles from 2005 to 2016, were compared to the increases
in train pollution resulting from the increases in train miles for the same period.
The first step in the comparison is converting the vehicle miles saved as a result of
State-supported intercity rail service in 2005 and 2016 (described above under
Congestion Relief) to automobile emissions. To do this, the vehicle miles saved
were multiplied by the average pollutants per vehicle mile for the typical
automobile in California. Next, the train miles estimated to be operated by the
three State-supported services in 2005 and 2016 were calculated. The total
amount of automobile pollution saved due to the new train services were then
compared directly to the additional pollutants generated by the increased train
miles generated by the added train services. The analysis showed a net annual
decrease in pollution from hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
The Department’s first air quality goal is to continue to achieve a net annual
decrease in pollution from hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the State
through 2016 as a result of intercity rail travel.
In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has instituted new
emissions requirements for diesel locomotives. F59 locomotives, the type that is
predominantly used in the State-supported rail system, meet the Tier 0
requirements, which went into effect in 2001. The State had ordered F59s that met
this requirement before being required to do so. The next set of standards, called
Tier 1, took effect on January 1, 2004 and requires that passenger locomotives
purchased after that date emit 25 percent less nitrogen oxides (Nox) and 33 percent
less particulates than previously allowed. Tier 2 standards, which took effect on
January 1, 2005, required that passenger locomotives purchased after that date
emit 35 percent less NOx and less than half the particulates than previously
allowed. Additionally, the Department plans to purchase devices to attach to the
diesel locomotives that will further reduce fuel consumption and air emissions.
The Department’s second air quality goal is to continue to keep emissions on
all State-owned locomotives below State and Federal maximum allowable
levels for all pollutants and to pursue funding for research and development
into cleaner locomotive engines.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
To address energy efficiency, the energy use from the automobile trips that would
be avoided due to expanded intercity rail passenger services included in the State
Rail Plan were compared to the additional energy use resulting from these
expanded intercity rail passenger services. The analysis used 2005 as the base
year and 2016 as the final year.
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