Metrolink, Southern Californias regional commuter rail agency, has become the first railroad in the United States to complete the transition from fossil fuels to 100 percent renewable fuels for all of its locomotives. Biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil costs less than ten cents a gallon, and can cut CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent.
This is a major achievement in pursuit of our regional air quality goals and an important step in addressing climate change, said Councilmember Krekorian, a member of the Metrolink Board of Directors. When Metrolink adopted the Climate Action Plan last March, adoption of renewable fuel was considered a stretch goal. Now, less than 13 months later, 100 percent renewable fuel is a reality.
Krekorian, who also serves on the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), added, Like the ongoing electrification of Metro buses, the Citys EV Master Plan for an all-electric fleet, and our LA100 Plan for carbon-free electricity, Metrolinks bold action on renewable fuel proves that local governments and regional transportation agencies are taking the lead in improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.