Final Rule for Emission Standards for Locomotives and Locomotive Engines

On this page:

• Rule Summary
• Rule History
• Additional Resources

Rule Summary

In 1998, EPA promulgated final exhaust emission standards for oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) and smoke for newly manufactured and remanufactured locomotives and locomotive engines. The requirements for compliance with these emission standards are described in 40 CFR Part 92. These provisions apply to manufacturers, remanufacturers, and owners and operators of locomotives and locomotive engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1973. The three most significant requirements for railroads relate to: 1) remanufacture of locomotives, 2) maintenance of locomotives, and 3) testing of locomotives.

• Final Rule (PDF)(107 pp, 1.9 MB, published April 16, 1998)
• Summary and Analysis of Comments (PDF)(141 pp, 1 MB, EPA-420-R-97-101, December 1997)
• Regulatory Support Document (PDF)(189 pp, 3.6 MB, EPA-420-R-98-101, April 1998)

Rule History

• Proposed Rule and Related Materials

Additional Resources

• Fact Sheet: Federal Preemption of State and Local Standards for Locomotives (PDF) (3 pp, 11 K, EPA-420-F-97-050, December 1997)
• Fact Sheet: Final Emissions Standards for Locomotives (PDF)(6 pp, 35 K, EPA-420-F-97-048, December 1997)
• Technical Highlights: Applicability of Locomotive Emission Standards (PDF)(4 pp, 88 K, EPA-420-F-99-037, September 1999)
• Technical Highlights: Requirements for Railroads Regarding Locomotive Exhaust Emission Standards (PDF)(3 pp, 100 K, EPA-420-F-99-036, September 1999)