Background
Locomotives are self-propelled off-road equipment used to push or pull rail-mounted cars carrying freight or passengers. Today, most locomotives are diesel-electric. Diesel-powered locomotives emit multiple air pollutants, including diesel particulate matter, PM2.5, NOx, and GHG. Exposure to these toxic and harmful diesel emissions is known to lead to cancer and increases in asthma, cardiopulmonary illness, hospitalizations, and premature mortality.
CARB approved the In-Use Locomotive Regulation (Locomotive Regulation) in April 2023 with the goal of reducing emissions from diesel-powered locomotives. As described in the Initial Statement of Reasons for this action, CARB is now proposing to repeal the Locomotive Regulation to provide clarity about its status given the absence of Clean Air Act authorization from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Inquiries concerning the substance of the proposed regulatory action may be directed to the agency representative Layla Gonzalez, Manager, Freight Systems Section, at (279) 208-7827 or layla.gonzalez@arb.ca.gov or locomotives@arb.ca.gov.
The Notice, ISOR, and all subsequent regulatory documents are available on CARB's Rulemaking webpage.
Written Comment Period & Comment Submittal
In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, interested members of the public may present comments orally or in writing during the hearing and may provide comments by postal mail or by electronic submittal before the hearing. The public comment period for this regulatory action will begin on May 2, 2025. Written comments not submitted during the hearing must be submitted on or after May 2, 2025 and received no later than June 16, 2025. Comments submitted outside that comment period are considered untimely. CARB may, but is not required to, respond to untimely comments, including those raising significant environmental issues. The Board also encourages members of the public to bring to the attention of staff in advance of the hearing any suggestions for modification of the proposed regulatory action. Comments submitted in advance of the hearing must be addressed to one of the following:
Clerk of the Board, California Air Resources Board
1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814
Please note that under the California Public Records Act (Government Code section 6250 et seq.), your written and oral comments, attachments, and associated contact information (e.g., your address, phone, email, etc.) become part of the public record and can be released to the public upon request.
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