California Air Resources Board

On April 27 2023, the Board directed CARB staff to continue outreach efforts to ensure that affected industry are aware of the requirements of the Locomotive Regulation, with a focus on Class III and industrial operators, and available incentive funding opportunities (Resolution 23-12). CARB is committed to outreaching and assisting Class III operators with converting their fleets to cleaner operations. In response to this Resolution, CARB launched the new Grant Orientation for Zero Emission Rail Operation (GO ZERO) program in November 2023 to help California’s Class III and industrial operators adopt and utilize ZE rail technologies with minimal cost. 

Program Status

May 2024

On May 31, 2024, CARB submitted a joint application for the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The application requests federal funding to replace 10 diesel locomotives with zero-emission (ZE) battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives and for the installation of 4 ZE battery chargers. Replacing diesel locomotives with ZE locomotives will result in a substantial reduction of emissions and noise while providing significant benefits to surrounding communities. In addition to emissions and noise reductions, the GO ZERO project's goal is to increase industry acceptance of ZE locomotive technologies and serve as examples of the capability of ZE locomotives to help bring confidence to rail operators.