State Lawmakers Advancing Bill To Force Rail Yards To Reduce Emissions

(Salt Lake City, UT) — State lawmakers are trying to force railroad operators in Utah to reduce emissions at their rail yards. The Utah House approved House Bill 405 yesterday. The bill targets switchers, or locomotives used to move rail cars around a rail yard. Any rail yard that has more than four switchers would be required to power them electrically or by hydrogen fuel cell by the beginning of 2028. The bill’s sponsor says it will force rail companies like Union Pacific to reduce emissions that contribute to Utah’s air pollution problem. The bill now goes to the Senate.