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ADVANTAGES OF RAIL
Trains move a ton of freight an average of 436 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel
Rail fuel efficiency has increased 80% over the past 25 years
A single intermodal train can take up to 280 trucks (equivalent to 1,100 cars) off highways
In 2006, railroads removed more than 12 million trucks from highways
The next generation of locomotives will reduce emissions of particulate matter by 90% and nitrogen oxide by 80%
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FOURTH ANNUAL PORT OF LONG BEACH GREEN PORT FEST
In early October, BNSF was one of the sponsors of the fourth annual Green Port Fest at the Port of Long Beach. A record 10,000 visitors braved overcast skies to learn more about the port’s operations and initiatives and enjoy a variety of activities.
BNSF hosted one of the more than 70 booths, distributing information about its planned SCIG facility, as well as its environmental efforts. Nearly 1,200 people visited the booth, while hundreds of children enjoyed the train bouncer.
BNSF SUPPORTS GOALS OF 710 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS
In September, Caltrans and partner agencies held three scoping meetings for planned improvements to the 710 Freeway. Trini Jimenez, BNSF Director of Government Affairs, noted that SCIG would complement the 710 improvements by increasing use of rail to eliminate truck trips from the freeway, reduce emissions, relieve congestion and improve safety for local residents. SCIG supporters, including a nearby preschool director and a union leader, emphasized the local air quality benefits from decreased congestion and the community benefits of increased economic development.
BNSF looks forward to working with the 710 team to meet community goals of improving air quality, mobility, congestion and safety.
BNSF EVP GIVES KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT MOBILITY 21 CONFERENCE
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On October 20th, Roger Nober, BNSF’s Executive Vice President Law, State Government Affairs and Corporate Relations, gave the keynote address at the 7th Annual Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit in downtown Los Angeles.
Nober outlined a new vision for U.S. infrastructure amidst significant transportation growth and future needs, particularly increased capacity along primary freight corridors. He spoke of the need for rational regulation and an investment tax credit for rail expansion, the role of public investment in public-private projects, efforts to balance the need for freight and passenger rail and the possibility of a national freight fee. Nober also emphasized BNSF’s commitment to improving transportation in Southern California and noted the importance of new projects, including BNSF’s proposed SCIG facility.
Created in 2002, Mobility 21 brings together elected officials, transportation providers, businesses, local municipalities, labor and community leaders across the five-county region to develop solutions to complex transportation issues.
Click here to listen to Nober's speech.
BANNING MUSEUM RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM BNSF
Continuing its support for community organizations, BNSF recently contributed $10,000 to the Friends of the Banning Museum in Wilmington. BNSF’s gift helped the Friends achieve its $2 million fundraising goal for establishment of a permanent exhibit on transportation called “Steam and Steel.” This exhibit will trace the transportation evolution, the importance of rail to the growth of the ports and the role of the ports in establishing Los Angeles as a major city.
“We really appreciate BNSF’s support and are grateful that this contribution allows us to complete the funding for this exhibit,” noted Pat Wilson, Campaign Co-Chair. “This gift follows a wonderful Banning Museum event aboard BNSF’s vintage rail cars in September 2007.”
The museum is the former home of General Phineas Banning, who helped found the City of Los Angeles and develop transportation and served as a state senator.
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