Beef Byproducts Fuel Heartland Flyer
Amtrak Heartland Flyer tests cleaner, renewable fuel for passenger trains.
Amtrak and the Oklahoma and Texas state transportation departments April 20 announced the nation's first-ever test of a cleaner and renewable biodiesel fuel blend to power a daily interstate passenger train between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the use of foreign oil.
Amtrak received a $274,000 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to carry out the research project in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (Okla. DOT) on the daily Heartland Flyer train operated by Amtrak with state support from both Oklahoma and Texas. The biodiesel blend includes beef byproduct and is provided by a Texas-based vendor.
In previously conducted stationary locomotive engine testing, the biodiesel blend known as B20 (20% pure biofuel and 80% diesel) reduced hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide each by 10%, reduced particulates by 15% and sulfates by 20%. Detailed measurements will be taken on the P32-8 locomotive at the end of 12 months so any effect of the biodiesel on valves and gaskets can be measured. Amtrak will collect locomotive exhaust emissions data for analysis in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) locomotive exhaust emissions federal test protocols.
"Quality of life issues are increasingly important. The Heartland Flyer has always provided high-quality service, and being the first to test this program is another testimony in doing that by trying to improve the environment," said Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Gary Ridley. "We are truly proud that Oklahoma is a part of this innovative way to improve our quality of life."
"Improving air quality and providing multimodal transportation alternatives are goals central to Texas transportation development efforts," said Bill Glavin, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Rail Division Director. "Our partnership with Amtrak and Oklahoma on the Heartland Flyer helps us accomplish both goals — motorists have an additional option for travel between North Texas and Oklahoma City, which not only takes vehicles off the highway, but reduces harmful emissions compared to traditional diesel-fueled locomotives."
"Amtrak travel is already more energy efficient than most other forms of intercity transportation," said Roy Deitchman, Amtrak Vice President, Environmental, Health and Safety. "If the test shows this use of a renewable fuel in our locomotive is successful, it's a home run for our passengers, for our partners and for the planet.
At events timed with the train's morning departure from Oklahoma City and noontime arrival in Fort Worth, officials attached a version of the Amtrak "green seal" to the 3,200-horsepower locomotive that powers the train and compared samples of diesel and biodiesel fuels.
Oklahoma's environment secretary issued a statement in support and the state's agriculture secretary attended the Oklahoma City event.
"I commend Okla. DOT, TxDOT and Amtrak for their commitment to using a cleaner burning fuel that will ultimately help us deal with air quality challenges," said Oklahoma Secretary of Environment J.D. Strong. "This project also promotes the national security benefits of utilizing our own natural resources for fuel, rather than imported petroleum, and putting money in the pockets of our agricultural producers, rather than foreign governments."
"Renewable fuels such as biodiesel are perfect examples as they combine our state's two leading industries, agriculture and energy, to come together and create this tremendous asset for Oklahoma," said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach. "The potential for environmental protection and economic development opportunities make this exciting."
The Texas Beef Council was on hand at the event in Fort Worth to provide information and materials to passengers, explaining cattle provide many products — in addition to beef — and this example of two industries utilizing unique resources to power interstate transportation.