FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The General Electric Company today released the following statement regarding discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding future emission standards for locomotives.
GE and EPA are having routine technical discussions on how to achieve significant and sustainable emissions reductions as part of an upcoming notice of proposed rule making (NPRM). The rule will require reductions in both particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from new locomotives as well as requiring retrofits of some older locomotives. GE strongly supports this effort and agrees with the technical feasibility of nearly all of the points that will make up the NPRM.
GE and EPA continue to discuss the appropriate new locomotive emission level for nitrogen oxides (NOx) in 2017. A media report today has mischaracterized this as GE fighting to "weaken smog controls." GE shares EPA's goals for aggressively reducing NOx emissions. GE's discussion with EPA concerns the level that is technologically achievable and sustainable for the useful life of the locomotive. EPA has stated a 75% reduction in NOx is achievable and sustainable. GE has expressed the view that a 65% reduction is more technologically sustainable over the life of the locomotive.
GE is a leader in developing new technology to reduce locomotive emissions. GE spends millions of dollars every year to explore all the technical options. We have a long-standing cooperative relationship with EPA regarding locomotive technology issues. This is a good faith discussion about what the available technology can achieve and the best way to successfully reduce these emissions balanced with efficiency and carbon (CO2) emissions.
GE was the first to bring to market locomotives that met the EPA's January 2005 Tier II emissions standard. The Evolution Series locomotive platform disproved the belief that increased environmental controls could not be imposed without increasing fuel consumption. This technology resulted in the fastest adoption of reliable and environmentally sound locomotive technology. More than 1,500 Evolution units are in service today. The company also has a hybrid freight locomotive in development, with a prototype due later this year.
GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
Contacts
GE Transportation
Patrick Jarvis, 814-875-3457
[email protected]