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Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner Now Operating On Renewable Diesel
Ann Amtrak train travels along the coastline.
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Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
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Topline:
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner is making a switch to bio-diesel made from raw materials like cooking oil. The iconic route takes passengers from San Luis Obispo, through Los Angeles, and down to San Diego.
Why it matters: The move away from locomotive diesel, which emit harmful pollutants, is part of meeting a net-zero emissions by 2045 goal that Amtrak announced last year.
"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," Jewel Edson, chair of the LOSSAN Agency Board of Directors, said in a statement. "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."
What impact will the move have on greenhouse gasses? LOSSAN spokesperson Puja Thomas-Patel says the transition will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63% during a train's operating lifetime. But she says it's important to note that the Pacific Surfliner fleet has used diesel-electric Charger locomotives since 2018.
"The Charger locomotives possess the stringent Tier IV emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency, making the Charger one of the cleanest diesel-electric passenger locomotives currently in operation," she said. "The Charger locomotive reduced emissions by 90% over the previous Pacific Surfliner locomotives. The switch to Renewable Diesel further reduces emissions."
What does all this mean for your wallet? Thomas-Patel says the transition to renewable diesel will not affect prices.
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