On Friday, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a rail industry Climate Challenge to rail owners and operators seeking to reach a net zero greenhouse gas emission status for the industry by 2050.
Coinciding with Earth Day, the agency said its target for the industry would contribute to its goals of a safe, efficient and modern transportation system that will expand economic opportunities while creating cleaner and safer communities.
“FRA commits to supporting innovation in the rail industry to keep rail one of the most sustainable transportation choices,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “Together, we will expand access to passenger and freight rail, ensure that they are powered by environmentally-friendly technologies, and eliminate emissions across the rail supply chain.”
The agency said that freight rail is up to 75 percent more efficient than transporting freight by truck and that passenger rail is up to 46 percent more efficient than driving and 34 percent more efficient than flying. The FRA’s Climate Challenge encourages the rail industry to decarbonize its operations, ensuring that rail continues to be a model of sustainability and resiliency. The agency said it will highlight companies that meet or beat its challenge and support the reduction of transportation emissions through an expansion of rail transportation access. The FRA also said it would partner with the rail industry to research and develop renewable energy sources.
The agency also announced it will partner with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay program, emphasizing supply chain sustainability by helping freight transportation companies improve their energy efficiency.