The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency has announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Rail Service in Southern California is now powered by renewable diesel.
This fuel is chemically similar to fossil diesel but is made from renewable raw materials such as used cooking oil, rather than crude oil.
As a result, renewable diesel significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 63% throughout its lifecycle.
“The adoption of renewable diesel for our Pacific Surfliner service is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and the fight against climate change. We take immense pride in joining forces with Amtrak, state and federal agencies, rail equipment manufacturers, and fuel distributors who share our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability.”
The switch to renewable diesel to power the Pacific Surfliner fleet is result of a collaboration with partners such as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Amtrak, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority and the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority.
Prior to this announcement, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner was already a sustainable transport choice, as train travel is 46% more energy efficient than travelling by car.
In additon, the Pacific Surfliner operates with diesel-electric Charger locomotives and was the first passenger locomotive to receive the stringent Tier IV emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
