FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2024
Contact: Kevin McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)
Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) announced the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been awarded a $36.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace 10 diesel locomotives with nine zero-emission, battery-electric locomotives and one hydrogen fuel cell locomotive. Congresswoman Barragán urged Federal Rail Administrator Amit Bose to fund this project through the Department’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program earlier this year in a letter to the administrator.
“We all know rail has a critical role in moving goods through our ports and limit the number of drayage trucks on our highways. However, it is also a major source of the air and noise pollution that causes significant harm to frontline communities like Wilmington and Long Beach,” said Rep. Barragán. “I applaud CARB, as well as PHL and the other industry partners for their leadership as early investors in this zero-emission locomotive technology. They have responded to the calls of frontline residents and Members of Congress to reduce their pollution and expedite the transition of a rail zero-emission future. The health of our communities is worth every dollar of this investment.”
Five of the new locomotives will be operated by Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) and used in and near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This will build on PHL’s successful pilot demonstration of a battery-electric switcher locomotive in the San Pedro Bay Ports Complex.
This federal investment will significantly benefit the health and quality of lie of frontline communities that have been disproportionately harmed by railroad pollution for decades. In total, the project is estimated to eliminate 28.5 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxide and 590 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
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Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44th District. She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues. She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).