In 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated
new, lower emissions standards – known as "Tier 0" – for
locomotives built between 1973 and 2001 and operated by Class I and
Class II railroads. [Class I railroads are those with annual
revenue of more than $359.6 million. Class II or "regional"
railroads have annual revenue between $40 million and $359.6
million, and Class III or "short line" railroads have annual
revenue of less than $40 million.]
Locomotives require periodic rebuilds over their lifespans. Tier 0
requires that during rebuild, the diesel engine in post-1972
locomotives receives hardware modifications and adjustments to
reduce exhaust-gas emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Although all Class III railroads in the United States, including
GWI-owned and operated short lines, are exempt from Tier 0
requirements, GWI has voluntarily committed to meet Tier 0
emissions standards with its post-1972 locomotives. As each of
these locomotives receives its next rebuild, it is upgraded to Tier
0 standards.
Since 2003, 20 post-1972 locomotives owned by GWI's railroads have
come up for rebuild and received their emissions-reduction upgrades
and Tier 0 certification. This represents more than 20% of the
post-1972 fleet at GWI railroads upgraded so far.
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"Mother-Slug" Locomotives